Cubic Zirconia

The word ‘cubic’ refers to the symmetry of its crystals and ‘zirconia’ references its chemical composition (zirconium oxide). Cubic zirconia stones are made from a mixture of high purity zirconium oxide powders stabilised with magnesium and calcium.

A Cubic Zirconia is virtually flawless when compared to Zircons, which have inclusions or other flaws.

Appearance

Many people can't tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamonds. Optically flawless and usually colourless – the equivalent to a ‘D’ on a diamond colour grading scale –cubic zirconia possesses less brilliance than a diamond, but more flashes of colour. Cubic zirconia can also be created in a rainbow of colours by adding different metal oxides to the process. Cubic zirconia can be made to order and the colour is homogenous, in lighter hues such as pink and purple, small colour variations may exist.

Durability

Scoring 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and with solid toughness, cubic zirconia is highly durable and suitable for use on all types of jewellery

Processing

While most cubic zirconia has been cut and polished only, the ‘fancy’ varieties have been treated with Thermal Colour Fusion (TCFTM), an innovative and environmentally friendly chemical heat treatment patented by Swarovski and which leaves lasting results.

Care

Avoid rough handling. When not in use, store separately to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing. Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution.

MYTHOLOGY & ASSOCIATION

Cubic zirconia lacks the historic meaning that natural gemstones enjoy. However, it’s perfect crystal structures have made the beauty and popularity of the innovative stone irrefutable. In the 1970s, it became an affordable alternative to diamonds. The origins of naturally mined diamonds can be difficult to determine, but cubic zirconia is fully traceable.

Pandora Cubic Zirconia Varieties

CZ

Clear cubic Zirconia

CSY

Sunshine yellow cubic zirconia

CZY- YCZ

Yellow cubic zirconia

FCZ

Fancy golden coloured cubic zirconia

FPC

Fancy fuchsia pink cubic zirconia

CZLR

Light red cubic zirconia

PCZ

Pink cubic zirconia

CZO

Orchid cubic Zirconia

CZS

Fancy pink cubic zirconia

CFR

Fancy red cubic zirconia

CZR

Red cubic zirconia

OCZ

Orange cubic zirconia

CLG

Light golden coloured cubic zirconia

CCZ

Golden coloured cubic Zirconia

CZM

Honey cubic Zirconia

CZF

Frosty mint cubic Zirconia

CZA

Light blue cubic zirconia

CFB

Fancy blue cubic zirconia

CZB

Blue cubic zirconia

MCZ

Teal cubic zirconia

CFL

Fancy light blue cubic zirconia

ACZ

Purple cubic zirconia

CFP

Fancy purple cubic zirconia

CLI

Light purple cubic zirconia

GCZ

Green cubic zirconia

CZN

Dark green cubic zirconia

CZK

Black cubic zirconia

The term ‘genuine’ must not be used in connection with man-made stones, such as cubic zirconia, as this is considered misleading.

Origin

In the mid 1970s, Russian scientists discovered how to grow cubic zirconia crystals in a laboratory setting. Originally created for use in laser technology to replace a shortage of natural rubies used to generate laser beams, the stone was developed using technology similar a modern-day microwave oven. Grown in a controlled environment under intense heat that produces perfect crystal structures, the hard, man-made material was soon discovered to mimic the natural beauty of diamonds and swiftly introduced to the jewellery industry. The man-made stone is more popular than ever as a beautiful, sustainable and decorative stone in jewellery. Cubic zirconia is Pandora’s most widely used stone.

Other Man-made Stones

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia stones are made from a mixture of high purity zirconium oxide powders stabilised with magnesium and calcium.

Man-made Crystal

The name refers to its crystallised structure and it is often referred to as nano crystal because it contains nanometer-sized particles of oxides and silicates.