Cubic zirconia (CZ) jewelry has sparkled on fingers and necks for years thanks to its diamond-like brilliance and wallet-friendly price. But a common concern gives some wearers pause: will my cubic zirconia lose its shine? This worry comes from some prevalent misconceptions.
The good news is cubic zirconia can maintain eye-catching radiance for many years with proper care. By understanding the facts around CZ’s durability, learning Sparkle Preservation Tips, and seeing how it compares to other gemstones, cubic zirconia can continue illuminating special moments with its luminous glow.
Cubic Zirconia Sparkle Myth #1: It Tarnishes Like Other Metals
Unlike sterling silver or bronze that naturally corrode over time, cubic zirconia does not tarnish in the traditional sense. Its mesmerizing shine comes from light reflecting and refracting inside its precisely cut facets.
As an engineered crystal made of zirconium dioxide, CZ contains no metals to react with air and dull its surface. So while many affordable jewelry metals develop an oxidized coating over years, CZ’s brilliant optics remain unaffected by oxygen. Its durable mineral composition keeps dazzling brilliance locked inside.
CZ also withstands other common environmental factors trying to dim its glow. Its hardness and structure resist corrosion and chemicals. So humidity, lotions, perfumes or pools pose little long term sparkle threat.
Bottom line – CZ’s alluring radiance emanates from within, not a coating on top, so it does not tarnish.
Cubic Zirconia Myth #2: It Gets Cloudy Like Plastic
While some assume CZ resembles plastic costume jewelry getting cloudy with age, its intricate crystalline formation makes CZ optic clarity exceptionally stable.
Plastics contain long polymer chains that can shift around, refracting light unevenly as they degrade. In contrast, CZ’s uniformly aligned molecules maintain strict order over decades. Light continues bouncing around the meticulously calculated facets to achieve maximum fire and shine.
In additional good news, quality CZ contains none of the lead glass filler used in low grade simulated diamonds to improve optical properties temporarily. So its dazzling brilliance and colorlessness are inherent qualities rather than short-term chemical tricks.
Bottom line – CZ’s stable crystalline structure keeps remarkable clarity and sparkle locked tight for years.
Myth #3: CZ Loses Its Sparkle Through Wear Like Other Gemstones
It’s true that diamonds boast unparalleled hardness and durability ratings. But cubic zirconia still ranks among the more scratch-resistant gemstone options.
With a rating of 8-8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, CZ outpaces the softness levels of sought-after gems like emeralds, rubies and sapphires. It approaches semi-precious stones like topaz and quartz in strength. And while no match for a diamond’s 10 rating, CZ holds its own next to popular diamond alternative choices.
Where CZ differs lies in toughness – its ability to resist chipping or cracking under pressure. Diamond’s singular crystal structure makes it the undisputed toughness champion. So CZ best suits protected settings less likely to encounter high impact forces during everyday wear.
By choosing suitable CZ jewelry designs and caring for pieces properly, sparkle loss worries diminish so CZ can keep brightening special moments.
CZ Sparkle Preservation Tips
While cubic zirconia boasts impressive innate shine longevity in its durable pure form, a few preventative measures ensure its brilliance perseveres. Here are 5 simple tips for preserving cubic zirconia’s dazzling sparkle year after year:
- Store CZ jewelry in soft cloth bags or pouches instead of tossing haphazardly into a jewelry box. Keeping pieces buffered from contact with other hard gemstones prevents surface scratches.
- Clean CZ jewelry regularly using a gentle jewelry cleaning solution formulated for cubic zirconia instead of harsh, abrasive chemicals or toothbrushes that could microscopically scar the surface.
- Remove CZ jewelry before bathing, swimming, gardening or other gritty, impact-prone activities. Though tough, letting CZ slide around unprotected risks chipping susceptible prong settings or gouging table facets.
- Consider insuring valuable CZ pieces in case accidents happen. Since quality cubic zirconia costs a fraction of natural diamonds, this provides peace of mind against cracks, chips or lost stones.
- Take CZ jewelry to a jeweler for occasional professional inspections and polishing. Having an expert buff away microscopic scratches restores light refraction to like-new quality sparkle.
As with any fine jewelry, practicing responsible wear and care makes a difference in cubic zirconia’s long-term beauty. But largely, its durable optics and scratch-resistance already equip it to dazzle for years.
How Does Cubic Zirconia’s Sparkle Compare to Other Gemstones?
When evaluating cubic zirconia beside other dazzling gemstone choices, differences emerge in the precise quality and character of the sparkle.
Diamonds exhibit the most intense, sharp bursts of spectral fire. Their higher refractive index, dispersion and single crystal structure make light dance wildly inside. The sparkle proves mesmerizing but carries an air of icy luxury.
Cubic zirconia also refracts beautifully but in a warmer, more hushed manner. Its scintillation never competes in strength against a diamond but offers a more accessible, relaxed allure.
Moissanite, another popular diamond alternative, beams with incredibly strong brilliance thanks to its higher refractive rating. Its bold flashes verge on too much sparkle intensity for some. The exaggerated fire spectrum can seem synthetic under close inspection for trained eyes but bedazzles at a distance.
There is no universally “best” sparkle. The diamond vs CZ vs moissanite debate comes down to personal preference for the mood and balance of brilliance wishing to dazzle from your jewelry.
If seeking an affordable diamond doppelgänger with slightly subdued fire, cubic zirconia may prove the fairest of sparkle for your needs.
Cubic Zirconia: An Optically Outstanding Gemstone Choice
Cubic zirconia deserves recognition as an optically magnificent gemstone which can retain its dazzling shine for years when properly cared for. Its unparalleled affordability among fine gemstones makes it accessible luxury to suit different budgets and lifestyles.
While no gemstone surpasses a diamond’s light performance, CZ’s generous fire and diamond-rivaling hardness at a fraction of the price continue making it a coveted choice for jewelry. Its high-fidelity sparkle and approachable elegance explain why 30% of all engagement “diamonds” sold today are actually quality cubic zirconia.
CZ’s combination of beauty, brilliance and value is why it remains one of the most beloved gemstones for creating treasured jewelry moments. When cared for properly, its wondrous sparkle stands the test of time.
So rest assured, your beloved cubic zirconia jewelry is built to continue sparkling beautifully thanks to precision optics fine-tuned to refract light faithfully year after year. Let CZ brighten your special moments with confidence knowing its dazzling glow never diminishes.
