We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—keeping in mind your budget and unique desires. Therefore, for any buyer wanting a particular setting, style, or ring, cubic zirconia might be an inexpensive choice. Unlike the other stones on this list, cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant, meaning it is created to resemble diamonds and is not a natural gemstone. The quality that most greatly affects a diamond’s beauty is its Cut—which impacts how much light reflects through the diamond’s table to your eyes. CZ is synthetic (artificial lab-created stone) and most astrologers consider it to be an ineffective substitute for Diamond (Venus), where Natural Zircon is considered the right substitute with benefits.. Those still considering to wear a Cubic Zirconia stone … They have a dispersion rate of 0.044. Not only does beauty and physical composition differ greatly in cubic zirconia vs. diamond, so does the value. Cubic zirconia contains no true brilliance or fire. If you wear your jewelry for years doing these activities, the quality of the cubic zirconia will deteriorate. Cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper than diamonds. Diamonds vs Cubic Zirconium Compared to diamonds, cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper. Cubic zirconia is considered colorless because it’s manufactured that way. To find a high-quality, excellently priced diamond within your budget, contact us for a complementary search and expert advice. The best way to tell a cubic zirconia from a diamond is to look at the stones under natural light: a diamond gives off more white light (brilliance) while a cubic zirconia gives off a noticeable rainbow of colored light (excessive light dispersion). The excess light dispersion is a key sign that the stone is not a diamond. Our guide offers a full comparison of cubic zirconia vs diamonds—for everything from beauty and brilliance to cost and durability. Diamonds maintain their sparkle and beauty with minimal maintenance. Though there are superior machine-cut cz stones … Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, with the chemical formula SiC. Because cubic zirconia is made in a lab, it lacks the natural imperfections that diamonds have. Unlike cubic zirconia, though, diamonds can also be passed down for generations as a family heirloom and keepsake. Cubic zirconias are very inexpensive but also have no resale value. But cubic zirconia should not be considered a diamond under any scenario by both experts and non-experts. Use this stone as a comparison for the diamond … One of the best things about CZ as opposed to mined diamonds is that it is a sustainable choice of gemstone, considering that it is lab-grown. They give off brilliance and fire just as natural diamonds do. Depending on why your gemstone is cloudy, you may not be able to restore it to its original state. As Jewelry Shopping Guide  editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. It can be passed down as an heirloom from generation to generation and can indeed last forever. But do they perform the same way? For example, a 1 Carat Round Cubic Zirconia engagement ring sells for $13.99, while a similar 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring that’s well-cut goes for $3,630. A flawless diamond is incredibly rare and, thus, incredibly expensive. Probably the best thing about CZ is that it is much more affordable than diamonds. A 1 Carat Diamond Ring, like this one, will likely appear slightly larger than a 1 Carat cubic zirconia, depending on the gemstone’s shape. Make sure the stone … Every CZ stone has the stunning colorless look of the best diamonds. You can clean your cubic zirconia with soapy water and a soft cloth. Although both stones sparkle, a diamond has a greater depth of brilliance which the CZ cannot match. Weight Cubic zirconia is a material that is heavier than natural and synthetic diamond. A diamond is made out of pure, crystallized carbon. The cubic zirconia gemstone—just like other diamond simulants—carries no market value. Without doubt, a diamond’s brilliance is one of a kind which is part of its timeless allure.. Cubic zirconia has a higher density than diamonds, making it heavier than diamonds. Cubic zirconia is a hard material that is made in a laboratory setting. While you could choose a higher Clarity grade, you’ll be paying for a feature that will go unnoticed. It is the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide and is made entirely in a lab. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. While price differs significantly between diamonds and cubic zirconia, it’s essential to realize that so do the physical features, quality and beauty. Cubic zirconia lasts two to three years with everyday wear, as long as you clean and care for your jewelry. You can find colored diamonds and CZ as well. Inexpensive metals such as brass, gold-plated alloys, and sterling silver often rust over time due to exposure to oxygen in the air and water. It is considered to be a substitute to diamond in jewelry. However, colored diamonds (especially red, pink, green and blue stones) are usually extremely expensive, and in many cases beyond the budget of most consumers. Light passes through cubic zirconia much differently—offering significantly less reflection back to the eye. Please enter your email address to receive your personal code: Hey I'm Ringo! While you can find a cubic zirconia ring like this on Amazon for a fraction of the cost of a beautiful 3 Carat diamond ring, the diamond is a far superior option. … Cubic zirconia does not rust, but the jewelry setting can. Why wouldn’t you want a stone that was more beautiful than a diamond? As diamond experts, we can help you find a stunning diamond at an excellent price. After being removed from hours of heat, crystals form and stabilize. When it comes to Diamond Color, we recommend finding a diamond that appears white in relation to its setting. CZ has an RI of 2.15 – 2.18, while a diamond’s RI is higher at 2.42. A cubic zirconia won’t reflect a blue fluorescence. If you compare the two rings below, you’ll notice that at first glance, the CZ ring appears like a D color diamond. Clear CZ stones look like flawless diamonds and are the most popular diamond alternatives for fashion jewelry. Where is the Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring in 2021? No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. This makes the stone sparkle and gives off its signature brilliance. Cubic zirconia gets cloudy over time due to scratches, soap and mineral residue, dirt, and exposure to oxygen in the air and water. This 1 carat diamond from the James Allen website is over $11,000 while the cubic zirconia below is only $10. For an excellent selection of loose diamonds with high quality images and videos and reasonable prices check out James Allen. FU RONG GEMS is a professional Supplier and the Real Factory which have many years experience in manufacturing Loose Cubic Zirconia (CZ diamond… Blue Nile Reviews: Are They Really Cheaper? You cannot beat the prestige and class that is so strongly connected to diamonds (even though this is largely due to clever marketing strategies). Colored CZ, on the other hand, is very affordable. For an excellent selection of loose diamonds with high quality images and videos and reasonable prices check out, The most common diamond simulant is, of course, cubic zirconia (CZ), impressive selection of CZ jewelry, Amazon is your best bet, Why Heirloom Jewelry Makes for Excellent Accessories, List of Good Luck Gemstones (A Handy Guide), Fashionable Jewelry for Older Ladies – A No-Nonsense Guide, Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in Jewelry. Cubic zirconia can cut glass or scratch it, just like a diamond can. If cut properly, a hand-cut cubic zirconia will have the same luminocity of fine diamonds. You may have to take the stone to a jeweler to clean it every now and then and eventually even have it replaced. It is often used to replicate diamonds at a lower price due to its cheap manufacturing. Cubic Zirconia or CZ is a cubic, synthetic crystalline form of Zr O2 or Zirconium Dioxide. When purchasing a colorless diamond, the clarity grade is a critical factor … © 2018 JEWELRYSHOPPINGGUIDE.COM ALL RIGHT RESERVED |, ENGAGEMENT RINGS, WEDDING RINGS AND WEDDING BAND, WHAT JEWELRY TO WEAR WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS. It is the hardest known natural substance. Cubic zirconia, commonly known as CZ, is zirconium oxide in cubic form. The process for creating it in a lab setting was perfected in the 1970s, and it began to be sold worldwide as a popular substitute for diamonds … Colored versions of cubic zirconia are also available. The excess dispersion of light makes it easy to spot as a fake diamond. Cubic zirconia and diamond are two distinct stones, even though they may look similar from afar. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is one of the most widely used materials to make faux diamonds. Over time, cubic zirconia usually gets scratched and becomes cloudy. Cubic zirconia also has a higher dispersion rate (between 0.058–0.066 compared with 0.044 of diamonds). This platinum engagement ring features a 1.50 ct CZ center stone and is surrounded by 1.40 carats of diamonds. For an impressive selection of CZ jewelry, Amazon is your best bet. No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. On the other hand, cubic zirconia is rated softer than Nexus Diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. Even Flawless diamonds can have tiny little inclusions contained within. If this sounds like you, go for a diamond. Depending on the Carat weight, this generally means opting for a VS1 or VS2 Clarity grade. James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Courtesy: Coast Diamond The price per carat is very different between CZ and diamonds, so much so that the comparison even seems pointless. Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. For a stunning engagement ring that will last a lifetime, we recommend choosing a real diamond over cubic zirconia. Also, if you have access to a stone that you’ve already confirmed the properties of, it’s easy to compare weights between cubic zirconia and real diamonds. Often regarded as an inexpensive diamond alternative, cubic zirconia is distinct in its aesthetic qualities and physical structure because it’s lab-grown—whereas natural diamonds are beautiful, naturally occurring gemstones. Another difference between the stones is that cubic zirconia’s refractive index is 2.15–2.18, compared with a diamond’s refractive index of 2.417 – 2.419. These can help distinguish between diamonds, cubic zirconia (CZ), and artificial diamonds such as moissanite. The reason for its popularity is its price, which is only a fraction of what a real diamond is worth. In this case, a lower price does not mean a better value or deal. For instance, lab-created diamonds consist of carbon atom structures just like natural diamonds. Mined diamonds are more expensive while. The Edges of the Cuts, where the Facets meet, will differ. Most diamonds often contain inclusions. Cubic zirconia is made by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers like magnesium and calcium at 4,982ºF. Most diamonds often contain inclusions. It has no second-hand market value and is not an investment at all. It is believed that the crystals had been brought to earth on a meteor that crashed into the site several thousands of years ago. For instance, a 3 Carat cubic zirconia ring may sell for $190, while a 3 Carat Diamond ring with acceptable Cut, Clarity and Color is selling for $25,185 with James Allen. The first step to tell the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia is to take a look at the … As the hardest naturally-occurring mineral in the world, diamonds rate a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. You can be sure that the CZ is conflict-free, ethical and sustainable. CZ, just like synthetic diamonds, are also lab-created. It can be worn in jewelry, but will certainly not have the longevity of a diamond. The common reason … Cubic zirconia was invented in Russia in the 1970s, as a diamond alternative for use in laser technology. It’s a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide that’s hard and colorless. While diamonds shouldn’t be considered an investment, they maintain value over time—usually at least 50% of what you bought it for. Some consumers dislike the flash of colors the CZ exhibits when it is touched by light. As the light bends and is reflected, it creates brilliance in the gemstone. Later, those stones were introduced to the jewelry industry as a gem material because their clarity and brilliance make them an exceptionally good substitute for diamond. There is something for everyone here, ranging from a couple of dollars to several hundred. Although it is pretty cheap, cubic zirconia is not the hardest diamond … They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. A Nexus Diamond alternative is made of a proprietary … Diamonds are naturally found, formed of the hardest material, and possess extraordinary beauty. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring. Cubic Zirconia is a lab-created gemstone that looks very similar to real diamonds but is actually very different in its make-up and features.. Cubic zirconia stones look very similar to diamonds. In all cubic zirconia jewelry, the gemstones are exclusively lab-created. The color for diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). The most common diamond simulant is, of course, cubic zirconia (CZ). When cut well, diamonds showcase tremendous brilliance and fire. When it comes to diamonds, colorless stones are the most valued due to their rarity and beauty. If you’re currently shopping for a high-quality cubic zirconia, be sure to keep each of these points in mind. If you want to tell the difference … White light reflection is referred to as brilliance and colored light reflection is called fire. Lab-created diamonds are synthetic diamonds that mirror the same physical and optical properties of natural diamonds. If you are looking for a colored stone, note that you can find colored diamonds and CZ as well. Your Loose Cubic Zirconia, Natural Gemstones and Synthetic Gemstones Supplier and Partner From the Biggest Synthetic gemstones manufacturing base in the World—Wuzhou City, Guangxi province of China. One free resizing within the first year of purchase, High quality images of about half of their diamonds, 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value). Because all these qualities and its rare natural occurence, the cost of diamonds is very high.To substitute expensive diamonds in jewelry, a cheaper alternativ… While the two stones carry some resemblance, cubic zirconia and diamonds differ significantly in physical structure, beauty and value. Mined diamonds are more expensive while synthetic diamonds are cheaper. Tell us as much information as possible to help us help you (ie, budget, preferences, etc), Mike learned the diamond business from the ground-up at Leo Schachter Diamonds - one of the world's top diamond manufacturers. Ready to browse for diamonds? Needless to say, Flawless diamonds are the most expensive because they are harder to come by and are highly sought after. Although it is barely distinguishable in smaller stones, this heightened dispersion in CZ is visible when the carat size of the CZ increases. Even Flawless diamonds can have tiny little inclusions contained within. However, they are diamond simulants meaning that apart from looking like a diamond, they have little in common. Cubic zirconia does not carry the same properties as diamonds, and they don’t provide brilliance and fire the same way diamonds do. Cubic zirconia is 75% heavier than diamonds. Some people used to think this was a good test, but it’s actually not a valid method. Overall, cubic zirconia is no comparison to the unmatched beauty and brilliance of a diamond. We often have affiliate partnerships, and may generate some revenue from these links at no cost to you. Learn How to Calculate Diamond Prices So You Don't Get Ripped Off & Overpay. The stones lack brilliance and lasting beauty. Diamonds make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds. Each lab has its own specific methods for making cubic zirconia. There is a very large gulf between the 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness of CZ and the 10 of diamond. For many reasons—from chemical properties to brilliance and color—the two stones are entirely different. It has a much lower refractive index—between 2.15 – 2.18, compared with 2.42 for diamonds. Here we answer the most common questions about cubic zirconia jewelry. Cubic zirconia is a colorless, synthetic gemstone made of the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Because diamonds and cubic zirconia are unmistakably different in beauty and quality, we don’t recommend cubic zirconia jewelry. Diamonds come in different clarity grades, from. On a CZ the edges … CZ vs. Diamonds - Clarity. A final important quality is the stone’s weight. If you’re looking for a diamond, we recommend finding one that’s eye clean—meaning you can’t see blemishes and inclusions with the naked eye. The increased dispersion causes the CZ stone to have a “rainbow effect”—meaning it reflects too much colored light. A diamond’s refractive index is higher because light travels faster through the stone back to your eyes. Cubic zirconia is lab-created. However, When purchasing a colorless diamond, the clarity grade is a critical factor that has a direct impact on the value of the stone. You can also find branded items such as Swarovski CZ jewelry on Amazon. That’s why scraping the stone against glass isn’t a good test to see if the stone is a diamond. To perform the test, choose a fake diamond that is approximately equal in shape and size. The tiny little imperfections in a diamond is a way to spot its authenticity, as no diamond is perfect. Natural cubic zirconia w… Paying a high price for a diamond can seem unjustifiable when there are diamond simulants that can look and feel like the real thing. Consequently, it risks chipping from wear and tear even after a few months. In terms of monetary value, CZ is practically worthless. Before deciding on an engagement ring or other fine jewelry, be sure to understand the key differences. The simple answer is no! Of these, D colored diamonds are the most valuable in terms of color. Diamonds can be found in both natural and synthetic varieties. Natural moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan (hence moissanite) in 1893 in Arizona. They are extremely durable and only a diamond can damage another diamond. Elements in the water can impact your stone, such as chlorine, saltwater, and certain minerals. Diamonds carry a certain prestige because they are stunning, natural gemstones with a timeless appearance. These stones (cubic zirconia is the most famous) are now denigrated as having “too much color”. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, has a higher level of dispersion, at 0.066. Often, each grade higher will cost significantly more than the previous grade. A refractive index isn’t a measure that’s used to evaluate a diamond. As Carat weight increases, the price gap only becomes larger. Cubic zirconia has higher dispersion, and for this reason, when exposed to light, this stone exhibits flashes that are more colorful than those in a synthetic diamonds. This makes it excellent for jewelry that needs to be worn daily such as engagement or wedding rings, and need minimal maintenance to keep the stone sparkling. This material is synthetic and consists of zirconium dioxide. Overall, a diamond’s price and value are dependent on its 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat). At the end of the day, the sentimental value of a stone comes from what we decide to attribute to it. CZ is an acronym for cubic zirconia, a man-made stone used in place of diamonds. Diamonds have Flaws, CZ’s don’t! Paying a high price for a diamond can seem unjustifiable when there are diamond simulants that can look and feel like the real thing. 1 Carat Round Cubic Zirconia engagement ring, a similar 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring, 1.5 Carat Princess Cut cubic zirconia ring, diamonds shouldn’t be considered an investment. However. These synthetic stones, however, often reflect an orange-tinted light, which is another clear indicator that it’s not a real diamond. Having said that, whether or not you should choose a CZ depends on what your values are. These elements work together to form the beauty and brilliance of the stone. While some may regard cubic zirconia as flawless, they’re usually considered “too perfect” or fake-looking. Because it’s a synthetic material, it offers some durability. For example, cubic zirconia becomes scratched and cloudy over time. A cubic zirconia is about 50 percent heavier than a real diamond. The synthesized material is hard, flawless and bears great resemblance to a perfect diamond. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 differences between cubic zirconia and diamonds, comparing the two stones side by side. Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months, One free resizing within 60 days of purchase, Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring. They are ‘real’ diamonds, with the main exception being that they were created in a lab. Diamond is an allotrope of carbon. Based on your Diamond Shape and the type of setting, we generally recommend looking for a diamond in the G to I range, like this stunning Princess Cut halo ring. Needless to say, Flawless diamonds are the most expensive because they are harder to come by and are highly sought after. A Cubic Zirconia stone is made out of zirconium oxide which is just zirconium and oxygen. Cubic zirconia is a real, man-made gemstone. CZ is also a hard stone, but is much more easily scratched and damaged. Because CZ is lab-created, manufacturers are able to control the final product to a large extent. The refractive index refers to the angle at which light enters a stone. When purchasing a colorless diamond, the clarity grade is a critical factor that has a direct impact on the value of the stone. Kernserstrasse 17 / Sarnen, Switzerland CH-6060. CZ stones are almost always colorless, akin to the D grade of a diamond. And while you’re Louping it, look at the Facets of a CZ versus that of a Diamond. Diamonds do not easily get scratched or chipped. You can find colored diamonds and CZ as well. You can find diamonds in every grade from D-Z on the market. Cubic Zirconia In Astrology. The crystals are then cut and polished. There are several other ways to tell the difference between diamonds and cubic zirconia, including looking at their physical, chemical and, visual properties. Cubic zirconia can appear in nature within the mineral baddeleyite, although it’s extremely rare. This is another visible tell-tale difference between diamonds and CZ. A diamond, on the other hand, does retain some of its market value, although we are upfront with readers that a diamond isn’t an investment. They find the colorful brilliance too much. Cubic zirconia is also slightly denser than diamonds. With occasional wear, cubic zirconia can last up to five years. If you want to know if your diamond is a real natural stone, you can do five tests at home. It goes without saying that your diamond jewelry will last much longer than CZ. To put it another way, a 1 carat CZ will be slightly smaller than a 1 carat diamond. The world's first AI diamond selection tool. As is well-known, diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material in the world, with a ranking of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. If you were to try and resell a cubic zirconia engagement ring, you could perhaps retain some value for the setting. As another example, a 1.5 Carat Princess Cut cubic zirconia ring can retail for $37, whereas a 1.4 Carat Princess Cut diamond ring (with excellent Clarity, Cut and Color) costs $9,815. By selecting an eye clean diamond, like this VS2 Cushion Cut, you’ll have a stone that looks practically perfect to the naked eye. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, always has excellent clarity and is almost always flawless. Cubic zirconia are synthetic, colorless gemstones that don’t offer any brilliance. Density of Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond The cz simulant will weigh a little more than a diamond - this added weight is only slightly noticeable between most diamond and cubic zirconia rings. By simply looking at the two gemstones under a light, you can tell the immense difference in light reflection. When we talk about RI, we are really talking about how light is reflected off the stone. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. We get commissions for purchases made from our affiliates through links in this article. If you wish for durability, class and bragging rights (! They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. Cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Knowing the differences will help you make the best decision when designing and purchasing jewelry. So a CZ, which is at 8.5 is not close in hardness at all to a diamond. From a value standpoint, cubic zirconia is worth next to nothing. A diamond, on the other hand, is a valuable stone that can be seen as an investment (although whether or not a diamond is an investment is a debatable topic). © 2021 The Diamond Pro+412-2501-7829Kernserstrasse 17 / Sarnen, Switzerland CH-6060, We are a team of diamond experts who will teach you to identify scams and avoid spending money on features you can't see. For example, diamonds are made of carbon while CZ is made of zirconium oxide. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. As a result, moissanite is sometimes called stardust or space diamond. You can get cubic zirconia wet, but repeated exposure to water will damage the stone. Bottom Line Recommendation: Cubic zirconia and diamonds may look similar at a distance, but differ drastically in beauty, quality and value. A 1 carat excellent cut, flawless, D color diamond generally retails for about $10,000 while a 1 carat cubic zirconia will only set you back about $20! It’s best to take off cubic zirconia jewelry when doing water-related activities like washing dishes, bathing, and swimming. A diamond is much harder than sapphire. Synthetic diamonds are lab-created diamonds, which are chemically, optically and visually similar to mined diamonds. Both faux diamonds and real diamonds can scratch the surface. CZ, however, ranks at 8.0 to 8.5. Contact us today if you’d like to begin a complimentary search. The weight of a real diamond will be lower than fake stones like the Cubic Zirconia—but only special scales for weighing Carats will be able to detect these minute differences. When it comes to mined diamonds, this is often murky territory. If not, stick with smaller CZ stones as they don’t show as much flashes of color and look very similar to diamonds. Cubic zirconia can mimic various Diamond Shapes, such as Cushion Cut and Oval Cut diamonds. Colorless moissanite gemstone. And this can overrule everything else. In fact, even the most experienced and highly … https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cubic-zirconia-vs-diamond While cubic zirconia and diamonds differ in the refractive index, it’s not a critical component to consider. Education » Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond: The Differences in Quality, Appearance and Value. This a great chance to save on Valentine’s Day purchases. DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. It looks so much like a diamond, … Diamonds have always been valued for their ability to brilliantly play with light. Diamonds come in different clarity grades, from Flawless to Included. A jeweler or gemologist can easily distinguish a CZ stone from a diamond by weighing it on their scale. This stunning 0.8 Carat diamond ring, for example, will radiate more brilliance than any cubic zirconia—no matter the size. Diamonds are definitely the better option if durability is a big priority. Some wearers call these rings placeholder rings and may choose to swap the CZ for a diamond at a later date. Cubic zirconia (also known as CZ) is similar to a diamond with its brilliance and crystal clarity, but it is a synthesized (man-made) crystalline material that is colorless, hard, and flawless. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, ranks an 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Diamonds can be found in both natural and synthetic varieties. This means that a CZ and a diamond of the same size will not be of the same carat weight. Dispersion refers to the level of ‘fire’ that the stone exhibits, which comes from how it breaks down light into the spectral colors of the rainbow. ), then don’t forgo a diamond. Diamonds are highly sought after gemstones that are popular for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. If you prioritize affordability and sustainability, then a CZ is for you. Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond: The Differences in Quality, Appearance and Value, (Click Here to save $100 off orders of $1000 or more). Cubic zirconia won’t hold up well over time, and it won’t offer nearly as much beauty as a diamond or colored gemstone. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money. Diamonds are natural, stunning gemstones found beneath the earth’s surface. Diamonds are incredibly durable and resilient—making them ideal for engagement rings and everyday wear. However, colored diamonds (especially red, pink, green and blue stones) are usually extremely expensive, and in many cases beyond the budget of most consumers. Lab-created diamonds are not the same as cubic zirconia. This causes CZ to have a pronounced ‘rainbow effect’ when it is hit by light. Ready to browse for diamonds? In fact, CZ is almost synonymous with the words ‘fake’ and ‘worthless’. 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