Grading Cubic Zirconia

    Unlike diamonds, cubic zirconia is not graded using the 4 C's (Cut, Clarity, Colour, Carat). Because it is produced artificially, it does not have the typical inclusions that real diamond has, hence there is no clarity grade. As well, it is not graded according to colour like diamond. However, for white cubic zirconia, grades used are AAAA, AAA, AA, A and AB. CZ is now available in all colours.

     Cubic zirconia is cut like diamond, but with one important difference - it can be either machine-cut or hand-cut. Machine cut CZ is usually hazy looking with poor facet arrangement and poor polish. Hand-cut CZ is much better looking.

     When cubic zirconia are described in carat weight, the diamond equivalent weight or the diameter of the stone in millimetres is being used. This is because the CZ stone is very dense, weighing 1.7 times more that a diamond of the same diameter.

Therefore, when choosing a CZ consider the above criteria.

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