Cubic zirconia may not have the same reputation as a diamond, but writing it off would be a mistake. Cubic zirconia is often seen as the “backup” to a more famous stone, but it has qualities that make it a star in its own right.

Imagine wearing a beautiful, eye-catching gem without spending all your money. This is how cubic zirconia works its magic. Cubic zirconia is a cheap and guilt-free alternative to natural diamonds, which are hard to come by and may not be suitable for the environment.

This sparkling gem is a good choice whether you’re accessorizing for a big event or looking for an engagement ring that won’t cost as much as your house.

The next time you’re in the dazzling jewelry world, give cubic zirconia a second look. Its beauty, affordability, and versatility might make it the unsung hero your jewelry box didn’t know it needed.

What Cubic Zirconia Is

Cubic zirconia is the most well-known diamond lookalike in the world. Don’t be scared by how scientific-sounding its name is. It’s a crystal made by people out of zirconium dioxide.

The beauty of cubic zirconia comes from how easy it is to get. It has a sparkle that looks much like a diamond, but it only costs a small fraction of what a diamond would.

That means you can wear fabulous jewelry without living on instant noodles for the next six months. And let’s face it, we all love a stylish and good deal for our wallets.

But here’s where it gets interesting: cubic zirconia isn’t just a one-trick pony mimicking diamonds. It comes in a vivid array of colors, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of jewelry.

From fiery reds and deep blues to even unique shades like olive and canary yellow, there’s a hue for every mood and outfit. So, the next time you’re eyeing that glitzy piece of jewelry, don’t underestimate the allure of cubic zirconia. It’s got a charm all its own!

We have written down the prices for each color of cubic zirconia. Other trace elements exist in different kinds of cubic zirconia, but these are the most common.

Black Cubic Zirconia

Black cubic zirconia is mysterious and hard to resist. Black cubic zirconia stands out because of its deep, opaque color. It’s often a substitute for black gems like onyx and black agate.

The stone has a classy, edgy vibe, making it an excellent choice for people who want to say something without saying a word. Its darkness soaks up light instead of reflecting it, giving it a mysterious look that goes well with casual and dressy clothes.

How much is a black cubic zirconia worth

Even though black cubic zirconia can look like more expensive stones at a fraction of the cost, its main value comes from how cheap it is and how many different ways it can be used to make jewelry. It can cost between $5 to $10 per carat.

Colorless Cubic Zirconia

Colorless cubic zirconia is a stone that is so good at imitating other things that it can fool even the untrained eye. At first glance, it has the same brilliance and sparkle as a top-quality diamond.

A well-made colorless cubic zirconia can shine in rings, earrings, and necklaces with perfect clarity and fire, giving you a high-end look without the high-end price tag. Its clear beauty comes from clever chemistry: a lab-grown mixture of zirconium and oxygen made to shine and sparkle the most.

How much is a colorless cubic zirconia worth

Prices can vary depending on several factors, but for higher-stones, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per carat.

Green Cubic Zirconia

In the world of gems, green cubic zirconia is like a breath of fresh forest air. With its rich, bright color, it’s easy to think of the natural beauty of emeralds. However, it doesn’t come with the high price or ethical concerns that are often tied to mined stones.

Green cubic zirconia comes in a wide range of shades, from a light mint green to a deep, rich emerald green. This makes it perfect for many types of jewelry. This gemstone adds a pop of color that can be both elegant and fun. It can be used in big rings or small pendants.

How much is green cubic zirconia worth

When it comes to gemstones, green cubic zirconia is usually a budget-friendly option. For better stones, youu might pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per carat.

Pink Cubic Zirconia

Pink cubic zirconia is like the blush of the gem world. It gives any piece of jewelry a sweet, romantic look. This stone is a celebration of all things pretty and feminine, with colors that range from soft pastels that look like petals to bright, almost neon colors.

It looks like more expensive pink gems, like pink sapphires and diamonds, but doesn’t cost as much. Pink cubic zirconia brings out the beauty and style of a piece, whether it’s set in a thin rose gold band or paired with other colorful stones.

How much is pink cubic zirconia worth

Pink cubic zirconia is generally quite affordable. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5 to $10 per carat.

Purple Cubic Zirconia

Purple cubic zirconia is a gemstone that exudes both elegance and a touch of whimsy. Its vibrant hue can range from soft lilac to deep, royal purple, offering a versatile palette that can be both soothing and dramatic.

Often used as a more affordable alternative to amethyst, purple cubic zirconia carries a sense of luxury without the sky-high price. This makes it an appealing option for those who adore the rich color but are looking for something a bit more budget-friendly.

How much is purple cubic zirconia worth

It’s a cheaper alternative to naturally occurring purple gemstones like amethyst that looks just as nice but costs a lot less. Its price ranges from $5 to $10 per carat..

Yellow Cubic Zirconia

Yellow cubic zirconia gives jewelry the brightness and warmth of the sun. This sunny-colored gemstone can range from light, buttery tones to darker, canary-like ones. Unlike the yellow sapphire or yellow diamond, which are often more expensive, yellow cubic zirconia has the same shiny look without breaking the bank.

It’s a great way to add a pop of happy color to your outfit, whether you choose a striking solitaire ring, a pair of delicate studs, or a bold necklace to brighten up a special occasion.

How much is yellow cubic zirconia worth

Prices of yellow cubic zirconia can vary, but in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per carat.

Why Cubic Zirconia Is So Expensive

Cubic zirconia has made a place for itself in the world of gemstones. It has a number of benefits that make it more than just a “diamond alternative.” Sure, the price might be the first thing that grabs your attention.

With prices that are a fraction of what you’d pay for natural gems like diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds, cubic zirconia lets you enjoy the luxury of beautiful jewelry without hurting your wallet. It’s a great deal for people on a tight budget or who are just starting to build up their jewelry collection.

But let’s not give it a bad review just because it’s cheap. Cubic zirconia is beautiful in and of itself. Because it’s made under strict conditions, it often doesn’t have the flaws or imperfections that can make natural stones less shiny.

This means that the sparkle and clarity are as good as those of more expensive gems. Also, it comes in a wide range of colors, from the classic clear to bright colors like pink, purple, and yellow, which gives jewelry designers the freedom to make pieces for any style or event.

Add to this its remarkable durability, and you have a stone that’s not just easy on the eyes, but also hardy enough for everyday wear. In a nutshell, cubic zirconia combines the best of both worlds: aesthetic charm and practical durability.

How To Determine The Value Of Cubic Zirconia

The price of a cubic zirconia usually depends on the following factors:

Cut

The cut of a cubic zirconia stone can greatly influence its price. A well-cut stone will reflect light beautifully, giving it a sparkle that closely mimics that of a high-quality diamond. Complex cuts, like the princess or radiant cut, can also command higher prices due to the expertise required to create them.

Size

The carat weight or size of the cubic zirconia plays a significant role in its pricing. Larger stones will generally cost more, especially if they maintain high clarity and color quality.

Clarity

While cubic zirconia is typically flawless since it’s lab-created, there can be variations in quality. Higher clarity stones, which are clear and free from visible imperfections, will generally fetch a higher price.

Color

Cubic zirconia comes in a variety of colors, and some hues are more expensive than others. For example, colorless or very lightly colored stones that closely mimic diamonds may cost more than more vividly colored stones.

Treatment

Some cubic zirconia stones undergo treatments to improve their appearance or durability. Coatings that enhance hardness or refractive qualities can add to the cost.

Brand

Designer brands or well-known manufacturers might offer cubic zirconia at a premium price due to the reputation of the brand and the design of the jewelry piece.

Setting

The material used in the setting (like gold, silver, or platinum) and the intricacy of the design can also influence the overall cost of a piece featuring cubic zirconia.

Market Conditions

Like any other commodity, trends and consumer demand can influence the price of cubic zirconia. Limited edition colors or trendy cuts may see a price increase.

Retailer

Where you buy the stone can also affect its price. Established jewelers may offer certifications and warranties that could add to the cost, while buying from a less reputable source might be cheaper but riskier.

Certification and Warranty

Some high-quality cubic zirconia may come with certifications of quality, and some retailers offer warranties. These can add to the cost but offer peace of mind.

Cubic Zirconia Price By Color

If you want to know how much a cubic zirconia is worth and how much it costs, you need to know everything about it. When figuring out how much it’s worth, factors are needed to be considered and these are just as important.

The prices for the most common colors of cubic zirconia are on the list below.

Cubic zirconia values by color

As you can see, different colors of cubic zirconia have different prices and values. Let’s see what the price of cubic zirconia in other units.

Cubic zirconia pricing by unit of measurement

How To Get An Appraisal On Your Cubic Zirconia

Getting an appraisal for cubic zirconia jewelry can be a different process than appraising natural gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, mainly because cubic zirconia is considerably less expensive. However, you may still want to know the value of your piece for insurance purposes, resale, or simply out of curiosity.

Look for a jewelry appraiser who has been certified by a reputable group like the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the International Society of Appraisers, or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). You’ll need someone who knows how to work with different kinds of gems, including cubic zirconia.

Many appraisers prefer to examine the jewelry in person, although some may offer online services. An in-person appraisal is usually more accurate. Before committing to a full written appraisal (which can be more costly), ask for a verbal assessment.

During the appraisal, the appraiser will examine the cubic zirconia, looking at factors like cut, size, color, and setting. They may use specialized tools to measure the stone and assess its quality.

Make sure to get a written document that includes the appraiser’s credentials, a detailed description of the cubic zirconia, the methodology used to determine its value, and the actual estimated value.

Keep in mind that the value of cubic zirconia, like any gemstone, can fluctuate over time. If the piece has significant sentimental or financial value, consider getting it re-appraised every few years.