What You Should Know About Zirconia Stones in Jewellery?

Zirconia stones, often referred to as cubic zirconia or CZ, are one of the most widely used diamond alternatives in the jewellery industry. They offer a brilliant, affordable, and durable option for those who appreciate sparkle without the high price tag of natural gemstones.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is a human-made crystal that is synthesized in laboratories. It was first created in the 1970s as an affordable substitute for diamonds. The stones are optically flawless, meaning they have no internal inclusions or imperfections. Their high brilliance and clarity make them visually similar to diamonds — even to the untrained eye.

How Does It Compare to Diamonds?

While zirconia and diamonds can look very similar, there are key differences:

• Hardness: Diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural material. Zirconia scores about 8–8.5, which is still suitable for everyday jewelry but more prone to scratches over time.
• Weight: CZ stones are heavier than diamonds of the same size.
• Brilliance: CZ has a slightly different sparkle — more rainbow-colored light (dispersion) compared to the whiter sparkle of a diamond.

For many, these differences are minor, especially when considering the price and ethical advantages.

Why Choose Zirconia?

• Affordability: CZ is significantly more affordable than diamonds, allowing for elegant designs at a lower cost.
• Ethical Sourcing: Being lab-created, zirconia stones avoid the environmental and human rights concerns often associated with mined gemstones.
• Design Flexibility: Thanks to their consistency and variety of shapes, zirconia stones are ideal for creative jewellery designs.

Care and Maintenance

Zirconia jewelry should be cleaned regularly to maintain its shine. Use mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. While durable, it’s a good idea to store zirconia pieces separately to prevent scratching from harder materials.

Cubic zirconia is a smart, ethical, and beautiful choice for modern jewelry lovers. It allows for expressive designs without compromising on quality or aesthetics — making it a perfect fit for symbolic and everyday pieces alike.

At RIFF THE LABEL, we embrace the beauty and meaning behind every piece — and zirconia stones help us tell those stories. Their clarity, brilliance, and ethical origin make them the perfect choice for our symbolic collections. Whether it’s a ring that represents growth, clarity, or love, each design is made to carry a feeling — for you to wear, keep, or give.

Because at RIFF THE LABEL, jewellery is more than just an accessory.
It’s a soft reminder of who you are ✨