What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (2023)

As a famous jazz song says, diamonds are a girl's best friend. But how many jewelry lovers can afford these gems?

Fortunately, artificial diamonds like cubic zirconia are a game changer. You can look good on a budget and fuel your love for diamonds. Well, at least until you can afford real ones.

The best part is that this artificial diamond looks great on everyone. Since its introduction to the jewelry scene, cubic zirconia has rocked the diamond market worldwide.

Is Cubic Zirconia Worth the Hype? Read on to find out what a 5A cubic zirconia is and a quick comparison to other gemstones.

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5A zirconia in brief

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Ein 5AZirconia, also known as CZ, is a diamond simulant; it flawlessly mimics the appearance of a diamond despite its distinct non-carbon structure.

This artificial diamond is also almost as strong as diamonds. Its makers use a skull crucible technique to create cubic zirconia; This technology dates back to the Soviet Union.

Her scientists perfected cubic zirconia when they stabilized the chemical structure of a white crystal called zirconia. Because natural zirconia is rare, manufacturers make the most of it.

5A is one of five grades of zirconia ranging from A to AAAAA. 5A cubic zirconia is the highest grade of these diamond simulants, while grade A has the lowest quality.

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Experienced jewelers treat 5A cubic zirconia pieces like all first class diamonds; They cut and polish this simulant with great attention to detail.

This professionalism results in a CZ that bears a striking resemblance to diamonds. Manufacturers consider the cut, clarity, color and carat of cubic zirconia as quality control.

Jewelers add special metal oxide dopants, such as cobalt, to zirconia powder to create a variety of colors. In this case, a dopant is a substance that changes the optical properties of a gemstone.

Cubic zirconia jewelry has different shades of green, blue and red. For example, iron makes a CZ stone look yellow. 5A Cubic Zirconia is an excellent alternative to priceless diamonds as it offers quality gemstones at an affordable price.

Physical and chemical properties of CZ White AAAAA

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Cubic zirconia is denser and harder than most semi-precious stones. It has high dispersion and high refractive index. CZ has no division; it does not split along specific planes in its crystalline structure; Its physical hardness makes it brittle.

The table below shows the detailed physical and chemical properties of 5A Zirconia.

CZ White 5Acharacteristics
density5,65 - 5,95
refractive index2.088- 2.1766
hardness8.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
scattering0,058-0,066
heat resistance1200F- 1300F
fractureConchoidal (smooth rounded surface)
shock resistance350°
specific weight5,65 - 5,95

5A Zirconia Vs Diamant

Although a 5A cubic zirconia resembles natural diamonds, the two stones differ in the following factors.

What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (4)

composition

5A Cubic Zirconia has a brilliant white appearance; Its synthetic structure is inferior to diamond. On the other hand, experienced diamond professionals understand thatWeissDiamonds come in shades of brown, gray and yellow.

A diamond also has natural inclusions in its structure that are not noticeable to the untrained eye. Inclusions are natural flaws in diamonds that are absent in CZ.

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Some people prefer cubic zirconia over diamonds as the latter is degraded by environmental degradation.

These opinions also do not exonerate zirconia manufacturers as the factories have a significant carbon footprint that also harms the environment.

Look

A diamond's unique carbon structure contributes to its strength and brilliance. Yes you've read correctly; Diamonds don't sparkle. Gem experts refer to this shine as brilliance.

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A diamond bends light, reflecting it into smooth inner surfaces called facets, and giving it a distinct shine. CZ cannot refract light like diamonds.

When light hits a diamond, it bounces from one surface to another. 5A cubic zirconia has a structure that cannot replicate this phenomenon.

Feuer

Diamonds have a certain flair that emits multiple rainbow colors in the light. When light hits a diamond at different angles, it bounces off and projects its rays outward instead of inward.

Cubic zirconia has a lower brilliance than diamonds; It tends to reflect more rainbow colors inward to create a disco ball effect.

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hardness

Diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale; It is the hardest mineral. 5A zirconia has a lower hardness of 8.5.

This CZ grade is also heavier and denser than diamond.

Cost

5A Cubic Zirconia is incredibly cheap. One diamond carat equals 75 CZ carats.

This low price makes cubic zirconia grades like 5A attractive to jewelry lovers who want to carry diamonds on a budget.

5A Zirkonia Vs Moissanite

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Moissanitis a rare, naturally occurring silicon carbide. According to legend, moissanite came from space when meteors hit the earth.

Because of this scarcity, jewelers are making moissanite to meet the demand. Its chemical and physical properties make moissanite an excellent alternative to zirconium oxide.

You can buy clear moissanite jewelry or choose from shades of yellow, green and gray based on a D to K diamond grading scale.

The mineral's hexagonal crystal structure resembles the strong carbon bonds of a diamond. Moissanite is cubic zirconia's biggest competitor. Here are the main differences between the two artificial diamonds.

hardness

Moissanite has a chemical structure as strong as a diamond. T

Its artificial diamond has a hardness of 9.25 on a Mohs scale and a density of 3.22 g/cm³.

Therefore, moissanite is comparatively harder than 5A zirconia and less brittle.

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Feuer

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than 5A cubic zirconia. A refractive index of 2.65-2.69 gives moissanite a more alluring luster that resembles the brilliance of a diamond.

The rate of dispersion in moissanite creates rainbow colors that are more striking and fiery in the light. However, this fire looks sticky in large moissanite stones; Jewelers recommend smaller pieces to buyers.

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Cost

A quality moissanite carat costs $400 compared to a cubic zirconia carat which retails for around $20. Moissanite has a higher value and can fetch a reasonable resale price.

This rating comes as a surprise to many jewelry lovers as it is also an artificial diamond. A piece of moissanite jewelry is an excellent investment; it offers value for your hard-earned money.

If your only concerns are the looks and affordability of your jewelry, cubic zirconia is a better option.

durability

5A Cubic Zirconia is less durable than Moissanite. CZ clouds easily, especially when in contact with cosmetics, body oils, and other environmental factors.

5A zirconia is also more brittle than moissanite and has a higher chance of cracking on impact.

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clarity

5A Cubic Zirconia has a flawless sparkling appearance with a high level of clarity.

In contrast, moissanite is rarely completely transparent and white.

An intricate moissanite process imparts imperfections and some colored tints to this artificial diamond.

If you prefer clarity in your jewelry, a 5A cubic zirconia is better. All CZ jewelry is the highest grade of color associated with diamonds.

Is 5A Cubic Zirconia a Real Diamond?

What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (12)

no As previously mentioned, 5A cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that resembles a diamond.

This artificial diamond lacks the structural integrity, brilliance and long-term beauty of a diamond.

Will a 5A CZ pass a diamond tester?

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If you want to know if cubic zirconia can pass an authenticity test, you should understand how diamond testers work. Testers measure the amount of heat or electricity moving through a gemstone and at what speed.

The tip of a simple diamond tester transfers these thermal elements to a diamond and provides LED results on its authenticity.

Cubic zirconia is a poor conductor of heat; A diamond tester will not take a reading. Therefore, 5A CZ does not pass the diamond test.

Is 5A Cubic Zirconia Worth Anything?

What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (14)

Although cubic zirconia stones make beautiful jewelry, they don't have the same perceived value as other gemstones like diamonds. This artificial diamond has little monetary value; You cannot use it as a fair long-term investment.

The brittle nature of a CZ also hurts its valuation. Cubic zirconia scratches easily, dulls over time and loses its luster. People who love cubic zirconia seem to tend to attach sentimental value to their jewelry. Perhaps you can assign a similar personal value to him.

Why is cubic zirconia so cheap?

What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (15)

Cubic zirconia is inexpensive because manufacturers produce it synthetically in large quantities. According to jewelry experts, makers use around $20 to cut and polish a carat of cubic zirconia.

A two-carat CZ is even cheaper to make at $30. These low prices are significantly more affordable than the $1800 required to produce one diamond carat.

Diploma

Cubic Zirconia is an excellent artificial diamond that creates beautiful pieces of jewellery. This diamond simulant is significantly cheaper than diamonds because manufacturers produce it in large quantities.

CZ has a notable competitor called moissanite with a stronger, more appealing look. Because cubic zirconia is a thermal insulator, it cannot register a reading on a diamond tester.

Unfortunately, cubic zirconia has no commercial value, but its sparkling appearance and professional manufacture ensure adequate quality.

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What is 5A Cubic Zirconia? (Detailed answer from jeweler) (16)

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Tiger is a fashion and jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer helping thousands of small businesses grow and also doing business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He's a real metal expert and will share some information you're looking for.

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