Cubic Zirconia, the new-age diamond

Cubic zirconia, or CZ as it is popularly known, is the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. It is a clear crystalline substance which is flawlessly transparent and possesses several diamond-like qualities. It is usually colorless, but color may be added during the process of making it thus giving it a better aesthetic appeal and making it more suitable for use in jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, pendants, clip on earrings and other fashion accessories. Cubic zirconia is often confused with Zircon, which is another type of zirconium compound. CZ, or “artificial diamond”, has been commercially manufactured since 1976 and has rivaled real diamonds ever since because of its low cost, yet real diamond-like qualities. CZ is so alike real diamonds in appearance that it often needs an expert to distinguish between the two, so much so, that its diamond-like qualities even earned it a rightly coined marketing name “Diamonique”.


Cubic zirconia was discovered in 1892 as a naturally occurring, but extremely rare material and its qualities and the uses that it could be put to, prompted scientists to work on procedures to make CZ in laboratory. The first successful attempt came in 1930, however it was not until 1973 that the Soviets perfected the technique and finally in 1976, commercial production began. These days, production of Cubic zirconia around the world is in excess of a hundred million carats annually. This alone is an indicator that certifies the growing popularity of CZ and its qualities that jewelry designers swear by. Innovations and the latest CZ manufacturing techniques have further enhanced and added to its quality. Thin carbon-film coatings and newer techniques of polishing, extremely precise tools and lasers for immaculate cuts and finer crystal making techniques have not only made the humble Cubic zirconia a fine gemstone, but have also reinforced its status as the most promising substitute to diamonds.