What is CZ? Shine and value with cubic zirconia
High shine. Sharp details. A lot of jewelry for your money. Cubic zirconia, or CZ for short, is a laboratory-grown gemstone with a clear, diamond-like appearance. It is used in everything from discreet stud earrings to tennis chains and large iced-out designs.
Created in the lab, cut to catch the light
CZ is made by heating raw materials to their melting point and then cooling them into a solid material. Cutting and polishing give the stone facets that interact with the light. The result is the sparkling appearance many want in a piece of jewelry.
Facet-cut stones set closely together in a chain or pendant create flashes of light from many angles. This is part of the look you see in tennis chains, stone-set Cuban chains, and custom pieces.
Why choose CZ?
CZ is a more affordable gemstone material than diamond. This makes it possible to prioritize size, design, and a distinct iced-out look within your budget. You can choose a statement piece, combine multiple chains, or find something that suits your everyday style.
At Iceyard, CZ is used in many of the gold-plated standard models. See the material description for the individual item to find out exactly what it is made of. The metal, setting, cut, and design are all part of the overall piece.
CZ, moissanite, and diamond – four distinct choices
| Stone | Material and appearance |
|---|---|
| CZ | Laboratory-grown cubic zirconia. A different material from diamond, with a clear, diamond-like appearance and a lot of shine for your money. |
| Moissanite | Silicon carbide with its own optical properties. Distinct color play and high scratch resistance. |
| Lab diamond | Laboratory-grown diamond, with the same basic chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamond. |
| Natural diamond | Diamond formed in nature, with a different origin than laboratory-grown diamond. |
Is CZ the same as lab diamonds?
No. CZ is a diamond alternative with a similar appearance. Laboratory-grown diamonds are diamonds. At Iceyard, solid gold and natural or laboratory-grown diamonds are available as special orders.
How do I care for a CZ piece of jewelry?
CZ has a hardness of approximately 8.5 on the Mohs scale and can get scratched. Store the jewelry separately from other pieces, and wipe it carefully with a soft cloth. Care for the entire piece according to the metal and plating, not just the stone. See our jewelry care advice.
Find your style
Explore necklaces, use the chain guide to choose between tennis, Cuban, rope, and Franco, or send us the idea for your own custom piece. Iceyard is a Norwegian online store for customers in Oslo and the rest of Norway.
Also read about price and value and the extended comparison of CZ, moissanite, and diamond.
Sources: GIA on diamond alternatives and GIA on moissanite and laboratory-grown diamonds. The sources describe gemstone materials in general, not a certification of Iceyard's products.