Difference between Lab Grown Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia

When choosing between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia, understanding their key differences and what each offers is crucial to making the right choice. 

Both options have unique characteristics that can influence their appeal depending on your preferences and priorities. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a timeless gift, or a statement piece of jewelry, navigating this decision can feel overwhelming. 

By diving deeper into the qualities and value each gemstone provides, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision and budget.

This blog will guide you through the distinctions by exploring various elements such as chemical composition, physical attributes, and market value. We'll help you make an informed choice by diving into the benefits and limitations of each option.

Chemical Composition of Lab Grown Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia

Lab grown diamonds and cubic zirconia, while both popular alternatives to natural diamonds, are fundamentally distinct in their chemical make-up.

Lab grown diamonds are made entirely of pure carbon, the same element that constitutes natural diamonds. This gives them identical intrinsic properties to natural diamonds, like exceptional hardness and durability.

Manufacturers create these lab grown diamonds using techniques that replicate the natural diamond formation process, such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

Read More: Differences and Comparison: CVD vs. HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds

In contrast, cubic zirconia is composed of zirconium dioxide and has a crystal structure distinct from diamonds. Instead of the crystallized carbon structure of diamonds, cubic zirconia has a cubic crystalline form, which leads to unique optical properties.

Now that we've explored how lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia differ in terms of composition and formation, it’s important to take a closer look at how these differences impact their physical and optical properties.

Physical and Optical Properties

While both lab grown diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) dazzle the eye, they differ in their physical and optical qualities that influence their performance and appearance.

• Hardness 

Lab diamonds are exceptionally resistant to wear and scratches. Meanwhile, cubic zirconia, though durable, comes in lower at about 8.25 on the Mohs scale.

This distinction is crucial as it means lab grown diamonds are more suitable for daily wear, maintaining their polish and surface integrity over time.

• Brilliance and Refractive Index 

When it comes to brilliance, lab grown diamonds have the upper hand. With a refractive index of 2.42, lab-grown diamonds reflect light more efficiently than cubic zirconia. This results in a livelier and more scintillating sparkle from lab grown diamonds, often considered more appealing.

• Fire and Dispersion 

Another dimension of sparkle, known as 'fire', indicates the colorful flashes a stone emits. Cubic zirconia has a higher dispersion value of 0.066 compared to lab diamonds at 0.044.

This makes CZ exhibit more vivid, rainbow-like flashes, which some may find striking, albeit potentially giving an artificial gleam in certain lighting conditions.

• Density and Weight 

An often noticeable difference is in their weight. Cubic zirconia is notably denser, with a density between 5.6-6.0 g/cm³, feeling about 1.7 times heavier than lab grown diamonds, which have a density of roughly 3.52 g/cm³.

When assessing these stones side by side in similar settings, CZ's weight is a discernible factor. 

Another key distinction lies in how these stones differ visually.

Appearance of Lab-Grown Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia

When it comes to appearance, lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) may seem similar at first glance, but there are key distinctions. Lab-grown diamonds mirror the brilliance and fire of natural diamonds due to their identical chemical, optical, and physical properties.

With a refractive index of 2.42, these diamonds sparkle with a depth that draws in the eye, thanks to their exquisite capacity to bend and reflect light.

Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, has a slightly lower refractive index of 2.15-2.18, and while it is initially brilliant, it doesn't quite capture light in the same manner as diamonds.

CZ also exhibits a higher dispersion rate of 0.066 compared to diamonds' 0.044, resulting in a distinct 'rainbow effect' when viewed under certain lighting conditions.

This flashy quality often causes a less balanced and authentic appearance compared to the subtle yet profound light display of diamonds.

Over time, the appearance of CZ can further deteriorate as it may become cloudy, impacting both its aesthetic appeal and value.

Another critical aspect to consider is the difference in durability between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia.

Durability Differences Between Lab Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia

When it comes to durability, distinguishing between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) reveals important differences due to their respective compositions. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same hardness and chemical properties as natural diamonds, crafted from pure carbon in a diamond crystal lattice.

This means they are extremely sturdy and scratch-resistant. This means lab-grown diamonds can be cherished for generations without losing their sparkle or needing anything more than basic maintenance.

In contrast, cubic zirconia, which is made from zirconium oxide, is significantly less durable. With a Mohs hardness of approximately 8 to 8.5, CZ is noticeably softer than lab-grown diamonds and more susceptible to scratches.

Additionally, cubic zirconia can become cloudy over time, a change that isn't reversible by cleaning and diminishes the stone's brilliance. CZ can easily scratch and cloud, unlike the consistently clear and scratch-resistant lab-grown diamonds.

Understanding these durability differences sets the stage for exploring how lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia compare in terms of color and grading.

Color and Grading Differences

When it comes to color and grading, lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) present some intriguing differences.

Lab-grown diamonds are similar to their natural counterparts in being graded on the 4Cs scale—carat, color, clarity, and cut—by reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Their color, along with clarity (the presence of inclusions and blemishes) and cut (symmetry, proportions, and polish), significantly affects their value and appearance. These diamonds often come with certification that confirms their authenticity and describes their specific 4Cs attributes.

In contrast, cubic zirconia does not adhere to the 4Cs grading system. Generally, CZ is synthesized to be colorless, mimicking the flawless 'D' grade of diamonds.

However, they can be infused with colors like green, orange, and pink through various oxides during production.

While CZ is generally faultless, lacking inclusions or blemishes, this perfection doesn't equate to greater value, and it lacks the natural color variations that make diamonds unique.

Beyond these visual and quality aspects, it’s also crucial to consider the environmental and ethical implications of choosing between these stones.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Lab grown diamonds have gained attention for their reduced environmental impact and ethical sourcing. Unlike traditional diamonds, lab grown versions are created without significant land disruption or deforestation. These gems require less water and energy, offering a sustainable alternative in jewelry.

On the ethical side, lab grown diamonds steer clear of the conflict financing and human rights issues linked to some traditional diamond mining practices. They are produced under regulated conditions, ensuring fair labor standards and safety for workers.

Cubic zirconia, another man-made option, offers an economically accessible alternative. Available at a fraction of the cost, cubic zirconia avoids the complex ethical concerns of natural diamonds.

While it takes fewer resources and energy to make compared to lab grown diamonds, detailed data on its environmental impact is not as readily available. Nevertheless, its affordability and ethical considerations make it an attractive option in its own right.

Knowing  these factors leads naturally to a comparison of price and market value between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia.

Price and Market Value Comparison

Cubic zirconia is highly affordable, with prices ranging from ₹400 to ₹2,500 for a 1.00-carat piece. They are a great option for anyone seeking a diamond-like sparkle in everyday jewelry without spending a fortune. 

However, they don’t carry significant long-term financial value or resale potential, and over time, CZ may lose its shine and show signs of wear and tear.

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds provide a more authentic alternative to natural diamonds. They share the same chemical and physical properties but come at a much lower cost—typically priced at just 20-40% of what you’d pay for a natural diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds offer long-term value and a sense of luxury. Depending on quality factors like cut, color, and clarity, prices generally range from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per carat. They are considered genuine diamonds, retaining better resale value compared to cubic zirconia.

According to GM Insights, the market for lab-grown diamonds is expected to grow significantly, projecting a rise from USD 13.3 billion in 2023 to more than USD 25.1 billion by 2032.

Choosing Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia

Lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia each cater to distinct preferences in the jewelry world. By understanding the key differences in chemical composition, appearance, durability, and value, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs.

Whether you’re drawn to the ethical appeal and authenticity of lab-grown diamonds, or the budget-friendly option of cubic zirconia, both have unique benefits to offer.