What is cubic zirconia? A plain guide for ring shoppers

4 min read · True Vow Rings

Cubic zirconia, or CZ, is the stone in most engagement rings under $100. It is often confused with diamond, so here is what it is, in plain words.

What cubic zirconia is

Cubic zirconia is a crystal made in a lab from zirconium dioxide. It is colourless, very clear and cut with the same facets as a diamond, which is why it sparkles so brightly.

It is not a diamond and it is not a lab-grown diamond. It is its own stone, and an honest shop will always call it cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia vs diamond

Hardness: diamond scores 10 on the Mohs scale and cubic zirconia about 8 to 8.5. CZ is hard enough for everyday wear, but it can pick up fine scratches over time, so take it off for the gym and heavy work.

Sparkle: CZ shows more coloured flashes, often called fire. Diamond shows more white light.

Price: a CZ ring costs a small fraction of a diamond ring of the same size.

Who chooses a CZ ring

Couples who want the look of a big stone without the cost, people who travel a lot, and anyone who wants to propose now and upgrade later. Browse every CZ ring in our engagement rings under $100 collection.

How to keep it bright

Lotion and soap leave a film that dulls any stone. Soak the ring in warm, soapy water, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and dry it with a soft cloth. Our ring care guide has the full steps.