Cubic Zirconias are a synthetic stone created specifically to imitate diamonds. They are strong, durable stones that come in a wide variety of cuts and styles and are renowned for their ability to refract the light.

There is one obvious advantage to using a cubic zirconia instead of a diamond: you can get any style of engagement ring at a fraction of the cost. Cubic zirconias are by no means featherweight stones; they are actually heavier than diamonds and have no imperfections, whereas diamonds are characteristically imperfect. The concern most people have about cubic zironias is whether, to the untrained eye, they are readily distinguishable from a diamond. The test heretofore has been looking at the stone in the light and rotating it; CZs are able to refract light rays into a wider variety of colors than a diamond, so, in some cases, you get a rainbow effect from them. The consensus among those promoting CZs seems to be the methods going into them have improved and that the disparities are becoming less and less noticeable.

The best way to determine if a CZ is acceptable in your book is to look one over in the best light possible, comparing it to a diamond ring of a similar style. If you can’t tell the difference when you’re up-close and looking for it, it’s likely than no one else would be able to tell either.

There are many businesses and sites now offering a wide variety of CZ engagement rings. However many brides consider CZ rings less romantic, sentimental or even serious than diamond rings.