Zirconia

Zirconia (often called cubic zirconia/CZ) is a popular synthetic stone that resembles a diamond thanks to its clear shine and strong light reflection. The most common colour is clear/white, but zirconia is also available in many colours such as blue, green, pink, and champagne. It is widely used in jewellery because it delivers an exclusive look at a more accessible price point. Zirconia has a consistent appearance and can be cut into many shapes, making it suitable for both minimalist and more eye-catching designs. With proper care, zirconia can stay beautiful for a long time.

Zirconia is one of the most common “diamond-like” stones in modern jewellery, chosen especially when you want sparkle, clarity, and a luxurious look without going for a diamond. When a piece is described as zirconia, it typically refers to cubic zirconia (CZ)—a man-made stone designed to offer high clarity and an attractive play of light.

What is zirconia?

Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic stone produced through controlled processes. It is not a gemstone in the classic sense, but it is used in jewellery because it can look very similar to a diamond—especially when cut as a brilliant or in other faceted cuts.

It’s important to distinguish between:

Zirconia (cubic zirconia/CZ): a synthetic jewellery stone.
Zircon: a natural mineral (a different stone), not the same as zirconia.

In online shops and jewellery descriptions, “zirconia” almost always means CZ.

What does zirconia look like?

The most popular zirconia is clear/white because it creates a “diamond effect” with high shine and visible flashes of light. Zirconia typically looks very uniform because it is manufactured—meaning you often get a stone with excellent clarity and without natural variations.

What colours does zirconia come in?

Zirconia comes in many colours, which is one reason it’s so popular. You may come across:

clear/white
blue (from light to deep sapphire blue)
green (from light to emerald-like)
pink/light pink
purple
champagne/golden tones
black

Colours can vary by collection, but zirconia can generally be coloured and produced quite precisely—so the colour range is broad.

Is zirconia a “fake diamond”?

Zirconia is often described as “diamond look”, but it is not a diamond. It is its own stone, created to deliver a similar visual expression. For many people that’s the advantage: you get an elegant, sparkling look at a different price point, without choosing a diamond.

Does zirconia become dull or discoloured?

Over time, zirconia can lose some of its “top shine” if exposed to soap residue, skin oils, makeup, perfume, and everyday dirt—this is true for most jewellery stones. It rarely means the stone is “going bad”; it usually just needs cleaning so it can reflect light clearly again.

Discolouration is typically caused by a film or build-up on the surface, not by the stone itself.

How durable is zirconia?

Zirconia is generally quite robust for jewellery, but like all faceted stones it can develop small scratches or damage from hard knocks—especially in rings that are worn during practical work. In earrings and necklaces, it often stays beautiful for a long time because they are usually exposed to less impact and friction.

Can zirconia handle water and soap?

Water itself is rarely the issue, but soap, shampoo, chlorine, and cleaning products can leave residue or affect the metal setting over time. That’s why it’s a good habit to remove your jewellery for:

bathing/showering and swimming
washing dishes and cleaning
sports and activities with heavy sweat or friction

How do you clean zirconia?

The easiest way to restore shine is gentle cleaning:

lukewarm water + a little mild soap
use a soft cloth or a very soft brush (e.g., a soft toothbrush) around the setting
rinse carefully and dry with a soft cloth

Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive products. If the stone sits tightly in a setting, dirt can build up underneath—so cleaning around the setting can make a noticeable difference.

What’s the difference between zirconia and a diamond?

They can look similar, but they are different materials with different properties. Diamond is a natural (or lab-grown) carbon mineral with extreme hardness, while zirconia is synthetic and typically a bit softer. In practice, that means diamond is usually more scratch-resistant, while zirconia is still a strong everyday choice—especially when cared for properly.

Why do many people choose zirconia?

Zirconia is popular because it:

delivers lots of sparkle and a “luxury look”
is available in many colours and cuts
suits both everyday wear and special occasions
is often a budget-friendly way to get the “stone effect”

It’s especially ideal if you want a classic, glittering look—or if you want coloured stones without choosing precious gemstones.