Cubic zirconia rings are a beautiful addition to any jewellery collection. They are commonly seen as an alternative to expensive diamonds and while they don't have the prestige of a diamond they are beautiful all the same. We utilise cubic zirconia in many of our rings and other jewellery pieces. It's a quality, affordable gem that gives you that same shine without the price tag. Today, we are going to discuss what cubic zirconia are, why they are a great option and which are our favourite cubic zirconia rings.
What is Cubic Zirconia
Discovered in the 19th Century, cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of the compound zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Although it is a naturally occurring stone, all gems present in jewellery today are man-made and are not mined. In the 1960s, Soviet scientists perfected the manufacture of these gems. They were looking for alternatives to diamonds for use in machinery and laser equipment. Their success not only benefited these industries but also created a new avenue for the jewellery industry. From the 1970s onwards, cubic zirconia became a staple in the jewellery making market. The synthesised material is hard and usually colourless but may also be made in a variety of different colours.
Cubic Zirconia vs Diamonds
So what's the difference between cubic zirconia rings and diamond?
Colour
The colour is one of the main differences that an untrained eye can see. As the majority of diamonds are naturally made, they come in a variety of colour combinations and are not always perfectly clear. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is always crystal clear. As they are made in a lab, their colour and clearness can be altered to create a flawless gem. Although they are commonly clear in colour to mimic diamonds, they can actually be coloured in the full rainbow spectrum.
Composition
You wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at two gems side by side, but their composition is very different. Diamonds are the hardest stone known to man while cubic zirconias are much softer. They are not so soft that you will be able to bend and shape them without effort but you may scratch them. The only real way to show the difference would be to weigh a similar sized one. A diamond and cubic zirconia of the same looking size will be very different in weight. This is because diamonds are denser and heavier which creates their characteristic hardness.
Cost
The biggest difference you'll notice straight away is the price. A one-carat, hand-cut, hand-polished cubic zirconia will retail for around £15, whereas a one carat diamond with passable cut, colour and clarity grades will retail for around £1,100. That's a big difference.
Ethical
Purchasing cubic zirconia can be a more ethical option than diamonds. There is a large amount of controversy over the sourcing and sale of new diamonds as they are often associated with slavery, war and child labour. While many diamond companies are seeking to improve their sourcing and avoiding any 'blood diamonds', cubic zirconia allows customers to get the sparkle they want knowing they won't have contributed to suffering. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in cubic zirconia sales by consumers because of these concerns.
Our Favourite Cubic Zirconia Rings
We offer a wide selection of rings for women in our collection and are always adding new items to our inventory. Here are some of our current favourites.
Cubic Zirconia Band Rings
We love our range of band rings that are encrusted with cubic zirconia. We offer a big selection in different widths, colours and sizes. Each features a full band of cubic zirconia adding a large flash of sparkle to any outfit. Our best sellers include; the Angelina, Angelica and Jada.
Cubic Zirconia Adjustable Rings
For some, an adjustable ring fits more comfortably and provides the option to switch fingers for different looks. Our favourite adjustable cubic zirconia rings include the Emmy Snake ring and Mia Chain ring as well as our Jada Baguette ring.
Cubic Zirconia Colourful Stone Rings
Because of the versatility of cubic zirconia, we are able to offer many set stone rings that feature coloured as well as clear gems. Our Shona, Elsie and Tess rainbow rings all feature a dazzling array of colour cubic zirconia set into gold bands of unique shapes.
Shop Rings
If you'd like to see our full collection, head on over to the ring section on the website. Many of our necklaces, bracelets and earrings also feature cubic zirconia. We believe everyone deserves a little luxury in their life without breaking the bank. Cubic zirconia gems are an affordable and beautiful way to add that little extra bit of sparkle into your day.
Want more ring inspiration?
