Synthetic Diamond Types: CZ, Diamond Nexus, Moissanite

Diamond Nexus Simulants. These are composed of a mixture of carbon and other elements to create the diamond effect. They are also durable and shiny but require proper maintenance to retain their beauty. Nexus diamonds are also the most durable simulant diamonds.

Cubic Zirconia Simulants. These are manufactured from zirconium dioxide, a laboratory-made element to create other lab-grown gemstones. They can come in different colors. Cubic zirconia or zirconia diamonds are more common and are less durable. This is why they come at low prices. They are commonly used as ornaments to jewelry and like earrings and rings. 

Moissanite: These are formed by combining silicon carbide. They are the closest reflection to diamonds and are the priciest next to the diamond Nexus.

Lab-grown Diamonds: Over the years, laboratories have been growing diamonds. These laboratories have state-of-the-art machines and expert chemists to grow diamonds. Two of the best-known lab diamond processes are HPHT and CVD. When a chemical, usually pure carbon, is subject to very high pressure and temperature, the chemical vapor is created, resulting in crystallization. Learn more about lab vs. natural diamonds. 

As mentioned before, a skilled diamond grader must tell the difference between a natural diamond and a synthetic or cubic zirconia diamond. If you only use your naked eyes, you can see that they are visually the same.

Among their similarities include:

• White and colorless natural diamonds and synthetic are both colorless
• They can both be cut into different shapes
• They can be transformed into different colors

Once we are settled with their similarities, let’s go down to their differences. A natural diamond differs from a synthetic one in the following points:

• Synthetic diamonds do not have inclusions, whereas the inclusions in natural diamonds are like their birthmarks, unique in each diamond.
• Natural diamonds come at very higher prices compared to synthetic ones.
• Natural diamonds create illusions when you look at them closely. They say that each diamond has its own identity and that no diamonds are identical. Each diamond has its own edges and inclusions that create illusions.
• When placed under an electronic device that can read a stone’s electrical and thermal conductivity, you can find the natural ones from the synthetic ones. However, there are synthetic ones that have passed this test. These synthetic cubic zirconia are manufactured precisely and resemble a diamond.
• Diamonds are more durable than zirconia. You can place a diamond in a fire, and it will gleam like before, while zirconia might get tarnished or destroyed, especially when placed in very extreme heat and pressure.

This is one of the widely known and classic but recognized ways to tell if you have the natural diamond at hand. First, get the gemstone and place it on top of a newspaper. Since natural diamonds can refract light, like many of them, it is very hard to read letters through them. You cannot see through a natural diamond. Common cubic zirconia will be penetrated by light, and you will be able to read the letters through it.

Another classic way to determine a natural one from cubic zirconia is breathing through it. Natural diamonds don’t hold heat, so they instantly clear out clouds. At the same time, cubic zirconia absorbs heat longer and stays cloudy for a period of time.

Cubic zirconia is sold in many jewelry stores all over the world. They are also offered in many online stores today. CZs come in very intricate and elegant designs. When buying a set of earrings or engagement rings, inquire if they are natural diamonds or cubic zirconia. They are as flawless and elegant as natural diamonds. When new, cubic zirconia gleams like natural diamonds, but they are prone to scratches and can be easily damaged, especially when not maintained regularly.

Cleaning Cubic Zirconia Diamonds

Cubic zirconias are prone to scratches as they are less durable than natural diamonds. You can polish it using a piece of cloth when you only deal with the dampness of shallow scratches. But if it is severely damaged, it is advisable to bring it to a jewelry cleaner for professional cleaning. They often offer to polish it to make it look new again.