I remember the day my husband proposed to me like it was yesterday. He got down on one knee, pulled out a beautiful ring, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. The ring was stunning, with a sparkling diamond-like stone that caught the light perfectly. It wasn't until later that I found out it was actually made of cubic zirconia.
At first, I was a bit disappointed. I had always dreamed of a real diamond engagement ring. But as I learned more about cubic zirconia, I began to appreciate its own unique qualities. However, a question lingered in my mind: How long would this ring last? Would it lose its shine over time? Would I have to replace it down the road?
So, I set out to do some research and find out just how long cubic zirconia lasts. Join me on my journey to uncover the truth about this popular diamond alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide that is often used as a diamond simulant in jewelry.
- The longevity of cubic zirconia depends on various factors, including the quality of the stone, the wear and tear it undergoes, and exposure to environmental elements like heat, light, and humidity.
- Proper care, including cleaning and storage out of direct sunlight, can help prolong the life of cubic zirconia jewelry.
- The type of metal used for the setting, such as platinum or gold, can impact the durability of the cubic zirconia stone.
- Cubic zirconia is harder than most other gemstones and has a higher refractive index than a diamond, making it resistant to scratching.
- If cared for properly, cubic zirconia jewelry can last up to 2 to 3 years, but with regular wear and tear, it can last even longer.
What Is Cubic Zirconia?
A cubic zirconia (also known as a CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. More importantly, it is visually similar to a diamond but is much cheaper and has a slightly different chemical composition.
The CZ natural gemstone is often used as a diamond simulant in jewelry, and has become increasingly popular due to its affordability in comparison between cubic zirconia and diamonds. It is available in a variety of cuts and colors, making it a great alternative to diamonds for those looking for a popular diamond alternative without breaking the bank.
What Factors Affect the Longevity of Cubic Zirconia?
- Cubic zirconia is a crystalline form of zirconium oxide powder. This synthetic material is created in a laboratory and is composed of carbon, oxygen, and zirconium. The properties of cubic zirconia make it an ideal diamond jewelry. It is highly resistant to scratching, has a higher refractive index than a diamond, and is harder than most other gemstones.
- The hardness of cubic zirconia affects the longevity. The harder the stone, the more durable it will be. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a numerical scale used to measure the resistance of a material to scratching. Cubic zirconia ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which is harder than many other gemstones.
- The jewelry setting of cubic zirconia rings affects its longevity. The type of metal used for the setting, such as platinum or gold, has an impact on the stone’s durability. A setting made of softer materials, such as silver or copper, will wear down more easily over time.
- Cubic zirconia stones are prone to discoloration when exposed to certain substances, such as chlorine and other acids. To prolong its life, it is important to keep your cubic zirconia stone away from these substances as much as possible and use it for occasional wear.
- Proper cleaning and care is essential to prolong the life of a diamond cubic zirconia. Regularly wiping the stone with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris can help keep it looking its best. It is also important to avoid wearing the stone when participating in activities such as swimming, as the chlorine in the pool can discolor the stone.
How Long Does Cubic Zirconia Last?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone that has become a popular choice for those looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry but at an affordable price. As with real diamonds, the lifespan of a CZ depends on the quality of the material, how often it is worn, and how well it is cared for.
Generally, if cared for properly, CZ jewelry can last up to 2 to 3 years, but with regular wear and tear in case of cubic zirconia engagement rings that may be worn daily, it can last even longer. The best way to ensure CZ will last as long as possible is to clean it regularly and store it out of direct sunlight.
Factors that Affect the Longevity of Cubic Zirconia
CZ has become an increasingly popular choice for many jewelry pieces due to its affordability, durability and sparkle as compared to natural diamonds, because they cost a lot. Cubic zirconia engagement rings are budget friendly. But how long does cubic zirconia last? Read on to find out.
Quality Of The Stone
The quality of the stone is one of the biggest factors that affects the longevity of cubic zirconia. High-quality stones are more resistant to scratching and fading, and they tend to last longer. Lower-quality stones can easily be scratched or damaged and won’t last as long. It’s important to purchase the highest-quality CZ with affordable carat weight to ensure the longest lifespan for your jewelry.
Wear And Tear
Like any other inexpensive diamond alternative, CZ can suffer from wear and tear over time. With everyday wear of CZ rings such as wedding rings, it’s important to take them off when swimming, or doing activities that could cause the stone to become scratched or damaged.
Exposure To Environmental Elements
Exposure to environmental elements such as heat, light, and humidity can all affect the longevity of these faux diamonds. When the stone is exposed to too much heat or light, it can start to fade and become dull. Additionally, too much humidity can cause the stone to become cloudy and lose its sparkle.
Average Lifespan of Cubic Zirconia
The average lifespan of cubic zirconia is between 3 to 5 years. While CZ is known to be tough, rating at 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and resistant to scratches, it is a softer material than diamond, so regular cleaning and maintenance is recommended for optimal performance. With proper care, these diamond simulants can last for a number of years, making it an excellent and cost-effective alternative to a natural diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cubic zirconia lose their sparkle?
Cubic zirconia may initially sparkle in natural light giving off white light, with daily wear they can eventually lose their sparkle over time. Therefore, it is important to care for the stones and avoid frequent exposure to dust, dirt, and other elements that can contribute to their dulling. With proper care, this faux diamond can remain bright and eye-catching for a long time.
Can I wear cubic zirconia everyday?
You can wear cubic zirconia everyday depending on the type of jewelry like an engagement ring made of sterling silver. However, it is important to take into consideration the quality of the CZ stones and the durability of the jewelry when wearing it on a daily basis.
Additionally, it is recommended to take off the jewelry before engaging in any strenuous activities and keep these stones away from harsh chemicals that can harm its rhodium plating.
Can you wear cubic zirconia in the shower?
CZ stone can be worn in the shower, as long as you take precautions to keep it dry and away from any harsh chemicals. It is also important to ensure that your cubic zirconia jewelry is of good quality and properly cared for so that it can last longer and look its best.
Will cubic zirconia tarnish?
These colorless gemstones do not tarnish, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a durable and attractive alternative to precious metals for jewelry.
Conclusion
Buying CZ jewelry is a good choice as it can last up to 5 years or more with proper care. Its brilliance and shine can last a number of years, but it is important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. With regular cleaning and care, cubic zirconia can provide years of sparkle.
Looking at the two gemstones, between CZ and natural diamonds, cubic zirconia jewelry is affordable, durable and worth the time it would last!