Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cubic Zirconia?
Posted by wedding bands team on
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia: What You Need to Know
When couples begin the search for an engagement ring, two popular alternatives to mined diamonds often come up: lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ). While they may look similar at first glance, these stones are very different in composition, durability, value, and meaning.
At Wedding Band & Co. in Chicago, we help couples every day understand these differences so they can make the right choice for their love story.
The Anatomy of a Ring
Every ring has four key parts that influence both look and value:
- The Band (Shank): The foundation, usually crafted in gold, platinum, or alternative metals.
- The Setting: Prongs, bezels, or halos that secure the stone. High prongs maximize brilliance, while lower settings add protection.
- The Stone (Centerpiece): The focal point of the ring — often a diamond, but sometimes a simulant like cubic zirconia.
- The Finish: Polished, matte, or engraved textures complete the design.
While all components matter, the center stone is where the biggest differences between lab-grown diamonds and CZ come into play.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a laboratory using advanced methods such as HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition).
Key Features:
- Composition: Pure carbon crystals, identical to natural diamonds.
- Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest material known.
- Brilliance: Indistinguishable from mined diamonds in sparkle, fire, and durability.
- Ethics & Sustainability: A more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative to traditional mining.
Chicago couples are increasingly choosing lab-grown diamonds for their beauty, durability, and responsible sourcing all at 20–40% less than mined diamonds.
What Is Cubic Zirconia (CZ)?
Cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant, not a diamond. It’s made from zirconium dioxide crystals in a lab. While CZ can mimic the look of a diamond at first, it doesn’t have the same physical or chemical makeup.
Key Features:
- Composition: Zirconium dioxide, not carbon.
- Hardness: 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale (softer and more prone to scratches).
- Appearance: Sparkly, but less fiery than diamonds; often looks glassy over time.
- Price: Extremely affordable (under $200), but has no resale or heirloom value.
CZ is great for fashion jewelry or travel rings but not for a piece meant to last a lifetime.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. CZ: The Comparison
Feature Lab-Grown Diamonds Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Appearance Identical to mined diamonds; brilliant and fiery Sparkly but can look glassy with wear
Durability Extremely durable; resists scratches and chips Softer; scratches and dulls quickly
Value Appraised, insurable, retains long-term value No resale or appraisal value
Price $1,000–$10,000 depending on size/quality; 20–40% less than mined diamonds Usually under $200
Why Chicago Couples Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds
At Wedding Band & Co., we’ve seen a clear shift: most clients choosing between the two go with lab-grown diamonds because they combine:
- Beauty – True diamond sparkle.
- Durability – Perfect for daily wear.
- Ethics – Conflict-free and eco-conscious.
- Value – Larger stones at a lower cost than mined diamonds.
This makes them a popular choice for custom engagement rings and wedding bands in Chicago.
Explore Our Local Jewelry Store in Chicago for Custom Wedding Rings
Enjoy a uniquely tailored experience with us. At Wedding Band & Co., recognized among the top Chicago jewelers and jewelry stores in Illinois, we take pride in offering custom wedding rings and unique pieces that reflect your personal story. Visit us in person. Enjoy, cherish, and trust that the ring you pick from us will symbolize your lifelong commitment.
Discover Custom Wedding Rings in Chicago with Wedding Bands Company
At Wedding Bands Company, we've been making personalized engagement rings for 25+ years, making us one-of-a-kind. Our team, led by Koorosh Daneshgar, understands that our clients want unique jewelry. They desire something that stores or online platforms do not commonly offer.
We provide information about diamonds and explain the four Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. We do this using real diamonds, rather than relying on salespeople who earn commissions.
What truly sets us apart is our design process. We collaborate with you to make your ideas real, crafting a unique masterpiece exclusively for you.
We promise good work at a fair cost, with no concessions. We control every step of the process, from design to printing, casting, setting stones, and inspecting the final product.
We make every ring ourselves, not outsourcing. Each design has a one-year warranty, better than what others offer. We offer yearly maintenance to keep your ring in perfect condition. Start your journey with us today and experience the difference of creating a truly custom engagement ring.
Let’s Design the Perfect Ring, Just for You
Every ring at Wedding Band and Co. should express your love together with your personal values and your individual style. Our Chicago-based workshop creates custom engagement rings and wedding bands and other jewelry pieces through expert craftsmanship and careful attention to detail and creative approaches.
✅ Book your free consultation
✅ Explore hundreds of ring styles in person or virtually
✅ Design a ring that tells your story, one detail at a time
Our Chicago location welcomes you to visit in person or you can start your ring journey online to make your dream ring become reality.
Come see us on the floor of 43 E Oak St, in Chicago's IL 60611.
Reach out to us by dialing our number at +13129200726.
Feel free to reach out to us via email at info@weddingbandscompany.com
