Home > Weddings > I am against blood diamonds, so I want to get a cubic zirconia wedding ring, does it last as long as diamond?

I am against blood diamonds, so I want to get a cubic zirconia wedding ring, does it last as long as diamond?

December 23rd, 2007
diamond wedding rings
Miss Lady asked:


As it is commonly said a diamond lasts forever, but what about ZC? What percautions should I take with ZC?

Weddings , , ,

  1. Freckles920
    December 25th, 2007 at 08:13 | #1

    I think there are diamonds and stores in which you can buy diamonds that guarantee the diamonds don’t come from conflict zones, etc. Not sure about CZ and how long it lasts. I will do some more research and report back… :o)

    EDIT:

  2. dein_85
    December 26th, 2007 at 10:00 | #2

    I’m afraid that they don’t last long. The settings of a CZ ring just aren’t the same as a diamond, eventually with continual wear they will become loose and perhaps even fall out. Have you thought about using another gemstone as a wedding stone? Maybe emeralds, rubies or sapphires? They hold about the same as diamonds and in some cases are much more beautiful.

  3. A Nonny Mouse
    December 29th, 2007 at 16:48 | #3

    With the proper care tailored to meet the specific needs of the gem stone, created or natural, a gemstone will last a lifetime & beyond…..instead of a cz tho…check out moissanite…the ‘fire’ these stones display rivals any diamond….and they are almost as hard….and remember, even diamonds are not indestructable..hit one the wrong way and if there’s a flaw, no matter how minute, the gemstone can crack…..and that’s coming from someone I know who at one time worked in the gemstone industry…..

    …so learn about the proper handling and care of your gem…..even soft stones such as opals will last a lifetime and beyond…..make sure your setting is top-notch and secure….and if you wear your gemstone only when your hands are not involved with grubby stuff such as housework, gardening, re-finishing furniture, painting walls, etc…your ring will thank you by being beautiful forever…good luck.

  4. Amy B
    January 1st, 2008 at 19:24 | #4

    You can always look into created diamonds. Then you’d have the look and durability of diamonds without feeling like you are supporting causes you don’t agree with. (Bonus being that they are much cheaper than natural diamonds.)

  5. Ms. X
    January 2nd, 2008 at 19:46 | #5

    Some other options you might want to consider:
    *Not all diamonds are blood diamonds. You could find one that’s not.
    *Moissanite: I have one and to the naked eye, it’s a dead ringer for a diamond + as hard as sapphire.

  6. deminion_777
    January 5th, 2008 at 20:20 | #6

    cubic zirconia is a “fake” diamond. I like that 1 person other than me values life more than diamonds and gold[ which happen to be excreted minerals from the earth, or the earths poo.] I made my own ring with a 925 ss and put a tourmaline in it, because I hate clear stones. if you take care of your cz, it should last a long time. you may have trouble finding a store willing to carry cz in gold settings, so look for a jeweler who may make it for you.if your set on a clear stone, a cz should be fine, and should last, but if you don’t mind color, I would look up some semi and precious stones. try these:

  7. Jessica
    January 6th, 2008 at 11:50 | #7

    I would suggest going to your local jewellers and specifically requesting a “lab made diamond”. These are usually made in the US under fake pressure in a lab by some geologist/chemist and not dug up by slaves. Most large jewellery companies carry these now.

  8. dingding
    January 7th, 2008 at 18:37 | #8

    I don’t know about that comment that CZ settings are less durable, that doesn’t make sense to me as long as it comes from a good store. You might want to consider Moissanites (JC Penney, Helzberg Jewelry, and several online jewelers carry them)…I love mine! They are virtually as hard as a diamond (94 vs. 97 on the hardness scale), and they are much sparklier. People comment on mine all the time, even guys! Moissanites cost about 1/3 less than diamonds, but they’re not cheap, either. I’m with you, no diamonds. I hate that industry. Here are some to look at:

  9. Special K
    January 8th, 2008 at 19:39 | #9

    OK first of all not all diamonds are blood diamonds you can do some research and make sure you get one that is conflict free. There are so many options other than a cz. Cz is so walmart esk. How about other stones emeralds, rubies, ect. Or even just a band, most people can tell when your diamond is a cz. If you don’t want a real diamond I don’t feel like you should try to pose as if you have a diamond. It just seems kind of tacky. Not to be rude just think about it.

  10. melouofs
    January 9th, 2008 at 06:06 | #10

    A CZ is not a forever piece of jewelery. The reason diamonds make a great wedding ring is that they’re so hard, they stand up to everyday wear and tear. You can’t do that to a CZ. Why don’t you go for a sapphire, which is second in hardness to diamond.

  11. nova_queen_28
    January 12th, 2008 at 09:28 | #11

    The stones will last forever because chemically they are a diamond, just man-made as opposed to natural so their value is far less than a diamond.

    The ring itself is only as good as the setting the stone sits in. I have a number of pieces my Aunt bought me off of QVC, their CZ is called ‘diamonique’, and I wear them all quite frequently and have had no problems. Some of them are more than 10 years old at this point.
    I do recommend them as a place to take a look around if you do decide you want a CZ ring.

  12. Cloves.
    January 13th, 2008 at 14:14 | #12

    Hi there.

    With CZ, it does not last very long at all. I’ve bought CZ jewelry in the past (earrings, necklaces, etc.). They all damage, scratch, and cloud easily. I would not recommend it for a wedding ring. It definitely does not stand up to daily use. Yes, I have even bought the very expensive high-end CZ jewelry.

    However, a great diamond substitute I have found is moissanite. It is sold at jewelry and department stores. I know J.C. Penneys carries a large amount of moissanite, as well as Jared’s and Zales and Kay’s. Anyway, it is a man-made gemstone that was originially discovered in a meteorite that has been lab created. The properties are almost identical to a diamond. However, moissanite is both harder and has a higher radiance. So, in all honesty, its tougher and shinier and prettier. I myself have a moissanite engagement ring and wedding band (will wear it soon- June 20th!). We purchased the set from. Its a website devoted to moissanite jewelry. They ring is beautiful, and my sister (who has a Tifanny’s diamond engagement ring, is constantly commenting how beautiful it is and asking me where I got such a good diamond. No one can tell the difference, its way better, and you don’t have to fund an empire you find immoral. However, I wouldn’t be ashamed to tell everyone its moissanite, either. More people need to know about this wonderful stone. My ring is lovely, I love it, and it is very durable.

  13. tbot
    January 15th, 2008 at 23:15 | #13

    Not all diamonds are blood diamonds! I just got engaged two months ago. When my fiancee and I were looking at rings, I stressed that I did NOT want a conflict diamond.
    I got a polar bear diamond! They are mined in Canada. They come with a little booklet saying when and where they were mined, the original size of the diamond, when and where it was cut, etc.
    Also, there is ateeny tiny microscopic polar bear engraved on the girdle of the diamond.

    Here, check it out!

  14. wedding_muffin
    January 18th, 2008 at 20:53 | #14

    I don’t know much about cz, but there are diamonds that are conflict free. My diamond is Canadian, so it is certified conflict free by the government (and I live in Canada - there are no mine conflicts other than with money). But I have also heard that diamonds from Brazil/South America have strong conflict free guarantees as well.

    If you want to save money, or just don’t want a diamond, you could always go with a sapphire (they are very hard and more durable than CZ) or a white topaz (if you want a clear/white stone look). Or get any coloured gemstone - they have some very beautiful coloured gemstone engagement ring designs!

  15. curious gal
    January 21st, 2008 at 06:25 | #15

    US prohibits the transfer or to import conflict diamonds. You’re probably safe if you decide to purchase one.

    If you choose to go with a different stone, I recommend you use white sapphire instead of CZ. CZ is essentially glass and will scratch easily. White sapphires will have the appearance of diamond, has a hardness of 9 (vs. diamonds at 10) BUT does not sparkle the way diamonds do. Also, white sapphires are considered a precious stone so there will be value added to your ring. A CZ does not add value at all.

    I had a replica of my ring made and had to make the decision between CZ and white sapphire. I went with the sapphire because my ring will retain its value and also I am VERY hard on my jewelery so I know the sapphire will last. Otherwise, I will be replacing the CZ every 6 months.

  16. My thoughts
    January 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 | #16

    I can’t speak to the hardiness of a CZ but i can tell you that all Canadian diamonds are conflict-free.

  17. Rossy
    January 24th, 2008 at 14:45 | #17

    why would you want a fake diamond?

  18. Mee
    January 25th, 2008 at 20:07 | #18

    I agree with A Nonny Mouse…look into Moissanite. I mean, take good care of the ring, it’ll last your lifetime.

    Another option is get a used diamond ring. That’s the most ecologically/socially friendly type. Search e-bay or craigslist. Also, some of these other websites that sell old jewelry:

    Crap, there was another website I saw in the news once, but I can’t find it. But that’s some options.

  19. CBT Princess
    January 26th, 2008 at 01:04 | #19

    just buy a “conflict free” diamond - they do sell them. Get a bit more educated about it. Or choose a different stone. I would not get a CZ, it will not last, and will not look good - at the very least choose Moissante.

  20. Candi
    January 28th, 2008 at 09:23 | #20

    My fiance and I are also against conflict diamonds…so we get all of each other’s diamond jewelry from Zales because they sell non-conflict diamonds. Hope this helps!

  21. pharaoh_102
    January 31st, 2008 at 03:40 | #21

    blood diamonds if you acquired them deceitfully , but if not, you can cleanse it with saltwater. Natural diamond is better than any other gems as this purifies negative energies what may befall on you. But if you have an immoral character, it is said that it gets lost from its settings or in some other ways.

  22. S K
    February 1st, 2008 at 00:11 | #22

    You will have to replace your CZ atlease every year if you wear it daily. They cloud fast and scratch easily. Also cleaning solutions can speed their breakdaown. Moissanite often has a green tint obvious in some lights which gives it away. There are a few good places for cz’s that will last a little longer than a standard CZ. But before I list those links, what about canadian diamonds? Then you don’t have to worry if they came from a conflict zone or not. Ok well here are links for hand cut CZ’s which I’ve heard lots of good things about, and a CZ that is called ASHA. It has a diamond coating on it which makes it a little more scratch resistant and gives it better color.
    Personaly I would go the canadian diamond route. NO cz will last forever, and the thought of having to replace my center stone would break my heart. I’m too sentimental.

  1. No trackbacks yet.
Comments are closed.