Choices to Make with Diamond Versus Cubic Zirconia

A lot of people are in a dilemma, caught up in the diamond versus cubic zirconia argument. If the budget is a massive problem, then obviously cubic zirconia becomes the sole solution. However, even in other cases cubic zirconia is becoming quite popular as an inexpensive but very stylish alternative to precious stones. Cubic zirconia is a very desirable prospect as a substitute for diamond. It looks so beautiful that only the most professional and expert gemologists can distinguish between them and real diamonds. This is because of several matching characteristics.
When you are thinking about diamond versus cubic zirconia, what you need to know is that CZ comes in the same range of rainbow colors as diamonds. This is what makes them so popular. In fact, visual inspection can never really be sufficient to separate CZ from actual diamonds. Another important quality of CZ is that they are very hard, resembling diamonds, and hence cannot be affected by dirt or even scratches. However, unlike diamonds they can be made virtually flawless and colorless too. Only the very rarest of diamonds do not have even a tinge of any other color. Diamonds though are always known to have flaws in the form of inclusions or remnants of the previous crystal.
In the diamond versus cubic zirconia tussle, one of the things, which go in the diamond’s favor, is the refractive index, which is very high in case of diamonds. As we know, it is the refractive index that is responsible for the sparkling ability and attractiveness of a stone. CZ consists primarily of zirconium dioxide, which is why its properties are similar to that of diamond, if not entirely similar. The light dispersion of CZ is slightly higher, which is sometimes referred to as the fire within the stone. One of the things to notice when you are comparing diamonds and CZ is the relative weight. CZ is much heavier compared to diamonds. In fact for the same volume, CZ weighs about 1.75 times that of diamond. This is what a lot of diamond merchants or experts can use to tell a diamond from a CZ crystal. As far as jewelry is concerned CZ is being used a lot in necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings. With the beautiful sparkle and flawless crystal structure, CZ crystals used in rings and necklaces are inexpensive and yet gorgeous. No wonder they are increasingly becoming popular.