Cubic zirconia gets an unfair reputation, usually from people who've never actually looked closely at the difference between a good one and a bad one. Here's what it actually is, and why it's a completely legitimate choice rather than a lesser one.

What cubic zirconia actually is

Cubic zirconia, almost always shortened to CZ, is a lab-created crystal made from zirconium dioxide. It isn't glass, and it isn't a byproduct or an imitation in the sense people sometimes assume — it's a genuine mineral compound, grown under controlled conditions specifically to catch and reflect light the way a diamond does.

It was developed in the 1970s and has been used in fine jewellery ever since, not just costume pieces. The difference between a CZ ring and a diamond ring isn't a difference in honesty — both are exactly what they're described as.

CZ versus diamond, honestly compared

Appearance. To the naked eye, a well-cut CZ is very difficult to distinguish from a diamond. Jewellers can tell the difference with tools, but casual observation won't reveal it.

Hardness. This is the real difference. Diamond is the hardest natural material that exists. CZ is significantly softer, which means it can scratch more easily over years of daily wear — though for normal use this takes a long time to become noticeable.

Price. A diamond of any meaningful size costs hundreds or thousands of pounds. A comparable CZ costs a fraction of that. This is the entire point of CZ — the same sparkle, the same look, without the same price attached to it.

Clarity. CZ is typically flawless, since it's grown in a lab under controlled conditions. Natural diamonds almost always have some internal characteristics. Neither is better — just different origins.

Is CZ "fake"?

This is the word that causes most of the confusion, and it's not quite accurate. CZ isn't a fake diamond in the way a printed photograph is a fake painting. It's a genuine gemstone in its own right, with its own name, its own properties, and its own legitimate place in jewellery. A CZ ring sold as a CZ ring is honest. It would only be dishonest if it were sold claiming to be a diamond.

How to care for CZ jewellery

Clean it gently. Warm water with a small amount of mild soap, using a soft brush to get into the setting, then dry thoroughly.

Avoid harsh chemicals. Perfume, hairspray and cleaning products can dull the surface over time. Put jewellery on last, after these, as a general rule.

Store it separately. CZ is softer than diamond but still hard enough to scratch softer metals and other jewellery if left tangled together in a drawer.

Take it off for rough activity. Gardening, sports, heavy cleaning — anything with a real risk of knocking the stone against something hard.

Why we use it

Our pavé and solitaire pieces use cubic zirconia set into genuine 925 sterling silver. It lets us offer real sparkle at a price that makes sense for everyday jewellery — pieces meant to actually be worn often, not saved for one occasion a year. The silver underneath is real. The stone is exactly what we say it is.

Questions about a specific piece?

Email info@anvira.uk and every piece comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns if it's not right for you.