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Cubic Zirconia Size Chart by Carat Weight 0

Measuring Cubic Zirconia Loose Stones: CZ size comparison to diamonds

When people refer to the size of a diamond, they’re not actually talking about the size dimensions of the stone. The size of a diamond is measured in its weight. The word "carat" comes from the "carob" seed, the original unit of measure for diamond traders. Carat is the unit of mass for gemstones and is used as a way to compare one stone to another. (Note: Carat weight is unrelated to the similar sounding karat, which refers to gold's purity).

Whether you're shopping for finished jewelry set with CZ or loose cubic zirconia stones, it's important to know how these stones are actually measured.

When comparing diamonds and Cubic Zirconia, you first must understand that the weight of a diamond is different from the weight of a CZ because of differences in density.  In fact, Cubic Zirconia are 1.7 times denser than a diamond. Since the carat weight of a gemstone is a function of its weight, the dimensions of a 1 carat real-weight diamond will not be the same as the dimensions of a 1 carat real-weight Cubic Zirconia. If using real-weight measures, a Cubic Zirconia stone that matched the weight of a 1 carat diamond would be smaller, more dense, and heavier.

So how does a 1 carat diamond compare to a Cubic Zirconia stone?  To account for the weight difference and to make life a little easier, Cubic Zirconia are measured in millimeters which references the same dimensions as a diamond carat equivalent.  We take the dimensions of an absolutely perfect diamond, measure its height and width, and voila – that’s the dimensions we use for an equivalent Cubic Zirconia. For example, a perfect Round Cut one-carat diamond is comparable to a 6.5 mm Round Cut Cubic Zirconia.  In other words, a 1 carat Round Cut Cubic Zirconia diamond equivalent is 6.5 mm.

When you’re shopping for jewelry on CubicZirconia.com, know that we use carat-equivalent sizes.  That means that when you buy a 2 carat Cubic Zirconia pendant, we match up the size dimensions for a perfect 2 carat diamond and make sure you get a match in size: that would be an 8.00 mm CZ stone, or a two-carat diamond equivalent. 

If you need help figuring out what size your stone is, measure the stone using the instructions below and use our comparison chart to determine the size.

The right center stone shape for an engagement ring can flatter the wearer's finger and cause even the simplest of ring designs to stand out, much in the same manner as the right hairstyle does for a person's face. 

Not sure which center stone shape is right for you/her? Check out our article Which Center Stone Shape Is Best For Me/Her? 

Not sure which center stone size is right for you/her? Check out our article Which Center Stone Size Is Best For Me/Her?

Cubic Zirconia 101: Properties of CZ 0

Color it blue, red, yellow, yellow, white, or whatever tint you want. Looking at it, with the untrained eye, you’ll mistake it as a diamond, a natural gem mined from the earth.

But using a jeweler’s loupe, this flawless, crystal-like piece of stone is not a diamond but a mimic of which it is called cubic zirconia or 'CZ' as it is popularly known. 

History: Cubic Zirconia was discovered in the 18th century. It was later in the Soviet that scientists and mineralogists alike studied and perfected the technique wherein the gemstone could reach its maximum crystalline form. This milestone was known to the public in 1973 and commercial production began in the 70’s. And by the 1980’s mass production has reached its peak and laboratories produced over 50 million carats of this beautiful, sparkling artificial gemstone.

Physical Attributes: The quality of this gemstone depends on the ingredients used and the right proportion of formula and its purity. As a diamond stimulant, it sparkles brighter than crystal and is remarkably harder than most gems. It weighs 65% more than a diamond does (which accounts for the diamond-carat equivalents our company uses to sell cubic zirconia jewelry in diamond-traditional sizes). 

CZ also has a high rate of dispersion. That is, when light shines on it, the stone brilliantly sparkles with different colors refracted on its structure. It can also be made in any color, though clear/white is most popular. Because of its natural form, low cost, durability and its close visual likeness to diamonds Cubic Zirconia has become and remained the primary diamond competitor. 

Advantages and Disadvantages: Ever since its availability in the market, one cannot miss it from any jewelry stand or trinket shop. What with its low price point and it looks great, too.

From rings to earrings, to bracelets to necklaces, to pendants, one can wear it anywhere, anytime without worrying about getting it lost or damaged. It can also be adjusted or prepared to suit one’s taste or lifestyle. It can be set in silver sterling and gold just like diamonds.

This gemstone requires low maintenance, too. Just clean it like one would any other gem and that’s it.

Bear in mind though, that cubic zirconia stones are more prone to scratches so the use of a soft cloth is required and handling it gently also helps.

This cubic zirconia stone too, is brittle and has less resistance than harder diamonds to breakage from falls or impacts. 

We at CubicZirconia.com mitigate any fear of scratching by offering a lifetime warranty you can read about on our website. So we've got your back! 

Because these gemstones can be produced in as much quantity as production and resources may allow unlike real diamonds which take millions of years to form, the inherent value of diamonds (which have limited quantity) will always be more than its visual counterpart cubic zirconia.  

Still, when you want to be fashionable and cannot afford to buy and maintain high-end baubles-- or you have your eye to saving money you can invest on other uses like a wedding, honey-moon, or other special treat...you'll be in great company with millions of others if you choose cubic zirconia over diamonds. 

From a mineralogical standpoint, even the highest-quality artificially-produced CZ is not a genuine gemstone like diamonds are classified. From a jewelry standpoint, however, as we say...if you can't TELL the difference...why PAY the difference?

Go here to check out our full collection of CubicZirconia.com cubic zirconia in various shapes and sizes.

Unsure about which stone shape suits you/her? Read our article Which Center Stone Shape Is Best For You/Her?

Unsure about which stone size suits you/her? Read our article Which Center Stone Size Is Best For You/Her?

Interested in colored cubic zirconia stones? Find out more here.