Introduction

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthesized material that resembles diamond in appearance and physical properties. First created in the 1970s, it is composed of zirconium oxide and trace amounts of stabilizing oxides. 

CZ was originally developed in the Soviet Union and Russia as a diamond simulant for industrial purposes. In 1976, the scientists who synthesized it shared the secret with jewelry companies around the world. By the 1980s, cubic zirconia began gaining popularity as an affordable, beautiful alternative to diamond in fine jewelry.

With a crystalline structure and high refractive index, CZ looks remarkably similar to diamond upon visual inspection. It exhibits exceptional brilliance and fire that rivals diamond. CZ rates 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest gemstone simulants available. These attributes make CZ an ideal choice for jewelry where appearance and durability are key factors.

Today, cubic zirconia is widely embraced by the jewelry industry. As the premier diamond simulant, it allows more people to enjoy diamond-like shine and sparkle at a fraction of the cost. CZ stones are created in all popular diamond cuts and used in jewelry ranging from fashion pieces to bridal sets. Its combination of beauty and affordability has secured cubic zirconia's role as a major gem material.

Meaning and Symbolism 

Cubic zirconia has acquired symbolic meaning over time. This synthetic gemstone is associated with Venus, the planet of love and beauty, as its radiant brilliance evokes perfection. The ancient Greeks believed that the planet Venus shone with divine light, and cubic zirconia captures this essence.

Since it's inception, cubic zirconia has been admired for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Its flawless clarity was seen to represent pureness and eternity. For this reason, it became a popular simulant for diamonds in engagement rings as a symbol of everlasting love. The tradition continues today, with many couples opting for more affordable yet equally beautiful cubic zirconia engagement rings.

The crystalline structure of cubic zirconia is believed to have highly organized, harmonious energies. It promotes balance and inner peace when worn close to the skin. Cubic zirconia's association with Venus also connects it to feminine energy and beauty. It is said to enhance self-esteem, confidence and grace when incorporated into jewelry or accessories.

Healing Properties

Cubic zirconia is believed to have certain metaphysical healing properties. Here are some of the main ways it is thought to help:

• Promotes emotional balance and stability. The energy of cubic zirconia is believed to help stabilize mood swings and ease anxiety. It brings a calming, centered feeling that promotes inner harmony.
• Dispels negative energies and protects against envy or manipulation. Cubic zirconia is thought to shield against bad vibrations and negative energy. It can create an energetic barrier against envy, anger, or people trying to control you.  
• Boosts self-esteem and self-acceptance. This crystal is said to help you recognize your self-worth. It inspires you to appreciate your unique talents and gifts without ego. Cubic zirconia promotes self-love and motivates you to fulfill your highest potential.
• Encourages optimism and joy. The vibrant energy of this stone uplifts the spirit. It helps you let go of sadness or grief and rediscover laughter and lightness. Cubic zirconia inspires cheerfulness.
• Stimulates creativity and imagination. Cubic zirconia is said to activate the right side of the brain and expand creativity. It stirs imagination and promotes inventive thinking and problem solving.
• Enhances communication and social skills. This crystal is thought to help you communicate clearly and effectively. It improves public speaking skills and helps you connect genuinely with others.

Everyday Uses

Cubic zirconia's captivating brilliance and positive properties make it a versatile and empowering companion in daily life. Here are some ways to incorporate it:

• Worn as jewelry - for confidence and self-empowerment. Cubic zirconia's radiance can uplift mood and self-image when worn as rings, earrings, bracelets or necklaces. Its vitality stimulates personal growth and achievement.
• Placed in the home or office - to invite success and prosperity. Position cubic zirconia crystals or gemstones around your personal spaces to promote abundance, prosperity and accomplishment of goals. 
• Carried in a pocket or purse - for motivation in achieving goals and dreams. Keeping cubic zirconia nearby provides a touchstone for inspiration, creativity and confidence to manifest your heart's desires. Its energy can help overcome obstacles on the path to success.

By integrating cubic zirconia into your lifestyle, you can channel its dynamic energy to enrich key areas of your life. Discover creative ways to unlock its potential for self-improvement, fulfillment and wellbeing. Cubic zirconia's luminosity empowers you to shine.

Protection and Cleansing

Cubic zirconia has a powerful positive energy that can shield you from negative influences. However, like any crystal, it's important to cleanse cubic zirconia regularly so that it can continue to vibrate at its highest frequency.  

There are a few simple ways to effectively cleanse your cubic zirconia:

• Cleanse with salt water - Make a sea salt solution and let your cubic zirconia soak for 24 hours. The salt will help absorb and dissolve accumulated energetic debris. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
• Cleanse with incense - The smoke from incense like sage or palo santo does an excellent job of cleansing crystals. Hold your cubic zirconia in the smoke for 30 seconds on each side. Visualize the smoke lifting away impurities.
• Cleanse in sunlight - Soaking up the sun's rays naturally cleanses cubic zirconia. Place your stone in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours. Make sure to turn it periodically so all sides are purified. 
• Cleanse on crystal clusters - Place your cubic zirconia on clusters of quartz, amethyst, or selenite overnight. These crystals will leach away negative energies.
• Charge on crystal clusters - After cleansing, recharge your cubic zirconia by letting it sit on an energy-boosting crystal cluster for 4-6 hours. Quartz and amethyst work particularly well.

When worn or placed in your home, cubic zirconia provides protection from negative energies. Its dazzling clarity shields against envy, fear, and greed. Choose cubic zirconia in a shape and shade that speaks to you, and let its clear vibes keep your environment purified.

Selecting Cubic Zirconia

When choosing cubic zirconia, whether for jewelry or other uses, you'll want to evaluate certain factors to find the highest quality stones.

Color

Cubic zirconia can come in a range of colors, with clear white being the most popular and comparable to a diamond. Colored varieties include pink, lavender, canary, and cognac. The more vibrant and consistent the color, the better. Avoid stones with a yellowish tint.

Clarity 

A high quality cubic zirconia should have few to no imperfections visible under 10x magnification. No bubbles, flecks, or cracks should be seen inside the stone. A flawless clarity grade is ideal.

Cut

Well-cut cubic zirconia have more sparkle and visual appeal. Look for a symmetrical shape and precise faceting. Round brilliant and princess cuts maximize light refraction. The cut should be proportioned to the size. 

Carat

Like diamonds, cubic zirconia carat weight measures the stone's size and not its quality. While large carat sizes are impressive, focus more on the cut, color, and clarity.

Ethical Sourcing

Opt for ethically sourced cubic zirconia stones that provide fair labor conditions and wages for cutters. Reputable sellers should have supply chain transparency.  

Eco-Friendly 

Cubic zirconia production has a lower environmental impact than diamond mining. However, look for stones processed with minimal chemical use. Synthetic manufacturing should aim for sustainability.

Caring for Cubic Zirconia  

Cubic zirconia requires some special care to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid exposing cubic zirconia to harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone or turpentine. These can damage the crystal structure of the stone. 
• Refrain from subjecting cubic zirconia to high heat, such as that from a jeweler's torch. High temperatures can cause it to lose its brilliance permanently.
• Do not clean cubic zirconia using an ultrasonic cleaner. The intense vibrations can loosen settings and cause scratches.
• Store cubic zirconia carefully when not being worn to prevent scratches. Keep pieces in separate pouches or lined jewelry boxes.
• Take extra care to remove cubic zirconia jewelry before physical activities like exercising, gardening, swimming. The harder stone can get damaged more easily than precious gems.
• When removing rings, bracelets or earrings with cubic zirconia, do so carefully over a soft surface to avoid damage if dropped.

Taking some simple precautions will help your cubic zirconia jewelry retain its sparkling beauty for many years. Handle it with care and avoid exposing it to chemicals, heat or ultrasonic cleaning. Proper storage and removal practices can also prevent scratches or damage. With basic care, cubic zirconia can look stunning forever.

Differences from Diamond

Cubic zirconia has some notable differences compared to diamond that are important to understand:

• Less hard and more brittle: Cubic zirconia has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, compared to a perfect 10 for diamond. This means CZ is slightly easier to scratch, but still very hard...
• Visual differences up close: Trained gemologists can distinguish CZ from diamond using a jeweler's loupe or microscope to detect differences in refractive index, inclusions, cut quality, and more. The facet edges and junctions of CZ also tend to be slightly rounded rather than crisp. 
• Much lower cost: This is one of the main appeals of cubic zirconia. Even high quality CZ will cost a fraction of what a comparable diamond would cost. For instance, a 1 carat diamond solitaire ring may cost upwards of $5,000, whereas a similar CZ ring may only be $100 (Or in our case, only $45)

So in summary, zirconia has similarities to diamond with its brilliance and clarity, but lacks the rarity, value, and physical performance of a real diamond. But its affordability makes it a popular diamond alternative. Evaluating your needs and priorities will determine if CZ is suited for a particular jewelry piece or application.

Buying Cubic Zirconia

When shopping for cubic zirconia, you have two main options - buying online or from a local jeweler. Each has its own pros and cons.

Online Retailers

There are many online retailers that specialize in selling zirconia jewelry. The main advantage of shopping online is the wide selection and competitive pricing. Large online retailers are able to offer significant discounts compared to brick and mortar stores. 

However, when buying online it can be difficult to assess the quality and authenticity of the stones. Reputable retailers will provide certification from independent gemological labs. Be wary of extremely low prices, as this may indicate lower quality or fraudulent products.  

Local Jewelers

Purchasing zirconia from a local jeweler allows you to inspect the stones in person. An experienced jeweler can advise you on the optimal quality and size of stones for your intended use. They can also custom design settings and make adjustments.

Prices at local jewelers tend to be higher compared to online retailers. However, you are paying for personalized service and the ability to see the jewelry before purchasing. Be sure to ask about return policies in case the jewelry does not meet your expectations.

Whether shopping online or locally, always request proof of certification for the zirconia stones. This helps avoid potential scams. An accredited gem lab report confirms the authenticity and quality characteristics. With this assurance, you can buy your cubic zirconia with confidence.

Conclusion

Cubic zirconia is a remarkable synthetic gemstone that has captured the imagination of jewelers and gem enthusiasts alike. Its diamond-like brilliance, affordability, and wide range of colors make it a versatile choice for jewelry and metaphysical purposes. 

With a hardness surpassing most natural gemstones, zirconia makes an excellent durable substitute for more expensive diamonds. While it lacks the rarity and investment value of diamond, its nearly identical optical properties allow it to shine just as brightly.

Yet zirconia is appreciated in its own right, not merely as an imitation of something else. Its association with purity and new beginnings gives it a unique symbolic meaning. In healing and spiritual practices, it is valued for its energetic properties and ability to bring light into one's life.  

Zirconia's versatility, accessibility and beauty ensure its popularity will continue. It empowers wearers with confidence and radiance. For jewelry lovers, spiritual seekers, or anyone in need of a shining light during dark times, cubic zirconia can be an enlightening and uplifting ally.