Don't you have any zircons in your jewelry box yet? I don't know what you're waiting for, so I'll give you a good reason: It is the precious stone that most resembles a diamond.
And we all love to wear diamonds, right? We would do it on every occasion if it weren't for a small-big detail: its price.
But there is no problem without a solution. Zirconia is an affordable option and only a jewelry professional would know how to differentiate it from a genuine diamond.
Or maybe you can do it too after reading this post, because I'm going to give you interesting facts and some useful tips.
What is zircon and why is it so prized in jewelry?
Zirconia is a synthetic gem or stone Derived from zirconium oxide. It can also be called zirconite or cubic zirconia, because when it crystallizes it forms cubic crystals, like diamond.
Although it is not as valuable as other stones, it is essential in jewelry because it has a highly appreciated quality: it resembles the authentic diamond so much that Only a trained eye can tell the difference.
And if you don't believe me, look at this ring Iris Gold, with white zircons. Don't you think they look a lot like diamonds?
Before cubic zirconia became common in jewelry as a diamond imitation stone, other stones were tried. However, due to their characteristics were not convincing: Either they were too soft, or the shine was artificial, or the color was not right.
It was in the 1970s that the perfect double arrived: zircon, so similar that it can hardly be differentiated anymore. a considerably cheaper price.
>> Do you like stones? Check out this post about gold rings with precious stones, to put color in your hands.
Is zirconia a synthetic diamond?
No, nothing to do with it. This It is a fairly common doubt, So I'm answering it so you don't even think about it.
When we talk about synthetic diamond we refer to a laboratory creation with the same characteristics as a natural diamond. They are achieved in a controlled environment, subjecting carbon to pressure and temperature conditions similar to those that could occur in nature.
And the result is a genuine diamond that has been artificially created, and that has, like the natural one, a high price.
How to tell the difference between zircon and diamond: the paper test
Is a simple but effective trick, and will allow you to decide whether what you have in front of you is a diamond or a zircon.Do the following:
- Take a white sheet of paper and a pencil
- Draw a black dot
- Place the stone on the point, right in its center.
Can you spot the dot? Then it's a cubic zirconia, since has greater transparency. You can also test this with printed letters and see that with a diamond, because it is more opaque, the background is not as clearly visible.
Maybe you don't have a diamond and a cubic zirconia on hand to test, and what you want is enjoy the jewels without further ado. Well, let me recommend this fantasy of earrings to you. Aimi Gold Hoops, with colored zircons.
However, as I imagine that gemology provokes your curiosity and you also love to wear jewelry, I leave you these 3 keys, very simple, for learn more about zircon.
And as a gift, 3 recommendations to help you start wearing these stones in your daily life:
1. Hardness
Cubic zirconia or zirconia has a hardness between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale, so may get scratches over time.
Something you won't see in a diamond. Have you heard that only a diamond can scratch another diamond? That's because it has the highest hardness on the Mohs scale: 10.
>> Take a look at the Celeste necklace, with 10 different colored zircons.
2. Temperature
To the touch, cubic zirconia feels hardened. This is due to its insulating properties. However, diamond is a good conductor, so always gives us a cold feeling.
>> A recommendation for your hands: the Mariela bracelet, with a green zirconia.
3. Weight
Zirconia is heavier than diamond.This is very difficult to assess without a precision scale, so this information is only for general information. feed your curiosity about gemstones and that every day you know a little more ;)
>> How about trying combinations? Here's one: blue zirconia with tiger's eye, in this ring. Coretta Gold.
With what I've told you today about cubic zirconia, you can no longer say that if you don't wear jewelry, it's because you can't afford it. They're not diamonds, but cubic zirconia. They make you feel like you're wearing them.
Do you love zircons as much as I do? I'd love to hear from you. What is your favorite jewel? (with zirconia, of course).