Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cubic Zirconia?

Posted by Koorosh Daneshgar on Jan 18th 2023

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.

Local Insight: Where to Shop in Chicago

Looking for engagement rings near you? Wedding Band & Co. offers:

Custom engagement ring design with natural or lab-grown diamonds.
Chicago wedding bands that tell your unique story.
Jewelry repair & maintenance to keep your ring lasting for generations.
Appraisals & insurance guidance for peace of mind.

Visit us: 43 E Oak St, Fl 2, Chicago, IL 60611
Call us: +13129200726

Our designer Koorosh Daneshgar and our team will guide you through every step, from stone selection to final polish.

Final Thoughts

Your engagement ring should be more than just beautiful — it should reflect your love, values, and lifestyle.

Choose lab-grown diamonds if you want a real diamond with enduring beauty and value at a more accessible price.
Choose cubic zirconia only if you’re looking for a temporary, fashion, or travel piece.

At Wedding Band & Co., we specialize in helping Chicago couples create rings that last a lifetime.

Book your private consultation today and let us bring your dream ring to life.

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.