What is Cubic Zirconia (CZ)? Everything You Need to Know
Most people have worn cubic zirconia (CZ) without even realising it. From delicate everyday studs to statement hoops and elegant piercing jewellery, CZ has become one of the most popular gemstones in modern jewellery.
But what exactly is cubic zirconia? Is it a real stone? Does it lose its sparkle over time? And how does it compare to a diamond?
This guide explains everything you need to know about cubic zirconia, including how it's made, why it's so popular, how durable it is, and how to keep it looking its best.
Quick answer: Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a laboratory-created gemstone designed to resemble a diamond. It's affordable, highly durable, beautifully sparkly, and widely used in high-quality jewellery, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Jump to a section
- What is Cubic Zirconia?
- Is Cubic Zirconia a Real Stone?
- Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond
- Does Cubic Zirconia Lose Its Sparkle?
- Caring for Cubic Zirconia Jewellery
- Why We Use Cubic Zirconia at With Bling
- FAQs
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia, often shortened to CZ, is a laboratory-created gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It's designed to offer exceptional brilliance and clarity, making it one of the most popular alternatives to natural diamonds.
Despite what many people think, cubic zirconia isn't made from plastic or glass. It's a genuine crystalline material that's carefully manufactured under controlled conditions before being precision cut and polished to maximise its sparkle.
Because it's created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth, every stone can be produced with excellent clarity and consistent colour. This allows jewellery designers to create beautiful, high-quality pieces that look luxurious while remaining affordable.
Today, cubic zirconia is used in everything from engagement-style jewellery to everyday earrings, necklaces, rings, and piercing jewellery. Its versatility, durability, and brilliant appearance have made it a favourite for people who want maximum sparkle without the premium price of a diamond.
Is Cubic Zirconia a Real Stone?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cubic zirconia is that it's a "fake" gemstone.
In reality, cubic zirconia is a real laboratory-created gemstone. While it isn't naturally formed underground like a diamond or sapphire, it is still a genuine crystalline material with its own unique chemical composition and physical properties.
It's helpful to think of gemstones in three categories:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Natural gemstones | Diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald |
| Laboratory-created gemstones | Cubic zirconia, moissanite, lab-grown diamond |
| Imitation materials | Glass, acrylic and plastic stones |
Unlike glass or plastic, cubic zirconia is manufactured specifically for jewellery. Its high clarity, excellent light reflection, and durability make it far more suitable for everyday wear than inexpensive imitation stones.
Rather than trying to imitate a natural gemstone exactly, cubic zirconia has become a respected gemstone in its own right, valued for its beauty, consistency, and practicality.
Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond
The comparison most people make is between cubic zirconia and diamonds. While they share a similar appearance, they're very different materials.
Diamonds are naturally formed carbon crystals created over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface, although laboratory-grown diamonds are now also available. Cubic zirconia, by contrast, is created in a laboratory from zirconium dioxide.
Both offer exceptional sparkle, but they reflect light slightly differently. Diamonds produce a bright white brilliance, while cubic zirconia often displays a little more colourful fire, creating flashes of rainbow light as it catches different angles.
For everyday jewellery, many people struggle to tell the difference without specialist equipment, particularly when the stones are smaller, as is often the case in earrings and piercing jewellery.
Neither stone is objectively "better". If you're looking for beautiful everyday sparkle at an accessible price, cubic zirconia is an excellent choice. If rarity and long-term investment are your priority, diamonds naturally occupy a different category.
| Feature | Cubic Zirconia | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Laboratory-created | Natural or lab-grown |
| Appearance | Bright, brilliant sparkle | Bright, brilliant sparkle |
| Hardness | 8-8.5 Mohs | 10 Mohs |
| Everyday wear | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | More affordable | Premium |
Does Cubic Zirconia Lose Its Sparkle?
One of the biggest myths about cubic zirconia is that it "goes cloudy" or permanently loses its sparkle over time.
In reality, the stone itself doesn't become dull. What usually changes is the surface. Everyday products such as moisturiser, sunscreen, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and even natural skin oils gradually leave a thin film on the stone. Because cubic zirconia is cut with multiple facets to reflect light, even a small amount of residue can reduce its sparkle.
The good news is that this is usually easy to fix. A quick clean with warm water, a drop of mild fragrance-free soap, and a soft toothbrush will remove most everyday buildup and restore the stone's brilliance. Dry your jewellery thoroughly with a lint-free cloth before wearing or storing it.
Keeping your jewellery clean not only helps your cubic zirconia sparkle, but also removes residue from the posts and backs of your earrings, helping to keep your piercings comfortable too.
With Bling tip: If you wear the same earrings every day, a gentle clean once a week is usually enough to keep your cubic zirconia looking as brilliant as the day you bought it.
Caring for Cubic Zirconia Jewellery
Keeping your CZ jewellery looking its best is easy with a few simple habits:
Why We Use Cubic Zirconia at With Bling
At With Bling, we believe beautiful jewellery should be designed to be worn, not saved for special occasions.
That's why many of our bestselling designs feature carefully selected cubic zirconia stones. They deliver exceptional sparkle while remaining practical enough for everyday wear, allowing you to enjoy the look of fine jewellery without worrying about wearing it every day.
We pair our cubic zirconia stones with implant-grade ASTM F136 titanium and high-quality stainless steel to create jewellery that's lightweight, comfortable, and built to last. Whether you're looking for a minimalist everyday stud, an elegant hoop, or a statement ear stack, cubic zirconia offers timeless sparkle that complements every style.
FAQs
Is cubic zirconia a real gemstone?
Yes. Cubic zirconia is a laboratory-created gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. Although it isn't naturally mined like a diamond, it's a genuine crystalline material with its own unique properties.
Is cubic zirconia the same as a diamond?
No. Cubic zirconia and diamonds are different materials with different chemical compositions. Cubic zirconia is designed to offer a similar appearance and beautiful sparkle at a much more affordable price.
Does cubic zirconia scratch easily?
Not under normal everyday wear. With a Mohs hardness of around 8 to 8.5, cubic zirconia is durable enough for everyday jewellery, although it isn't as scratch-resistant as a diamond.
Can you shower wearing cubic zirconia earrings?
Yes. Water itself won't damage cubic zirconia, but soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hard water deposits can leave a film on the stone that reduces its sparkle over time. After showering, gently pat your earrings dry with a lint-free cloth and clean them regularly to keep them looking their best.
Is cubic zirconia suitable for sensitive ears?
Yes. Cubic zirconia itself doesn't affect skin sensitivity. Comfort depends on the jewellery's base material rather than the stone. Cubic zirconia set in implant-grade ASTM F136 titanium is an excellent choice for people with sensitive ears, while high-quality stainless steel is suitable for many people too.
Does cubic zirconia go cloudy over time?
High-quality cubic zirconia doesn't naturally become cloudy over time. If it starts to look dull, it's usually caused by a buildup of skincare products, soap, hard water deposits, or everyday residue on the surface rather than any change to the stone itself. Regular cleaning and drying your jewellery thoroughly after it gets wet will help restore and maintain its sparkle.
