87 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.

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Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Courtesy of Jeiulia / Design by Michela Buttignol

Cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative to traditional diamond or gemstone engagement rings. The sparkle and shine of a cubic zirconia stone mimic that of a diamond, and to the untrained eye, it looks incredibly similar. These qualities make cubic zirconia a popular choice for couples who are on a budget but love the classic look of a colorless, dazzling diamond. 

Cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide—a synthetic, colorless gemstone. Unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring gemstones, cubic zirconia is lab-created and made by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers like magnesium and calcium.

"Cubic zirconia allows you to choose high-quality and low-cost materials that have the capabilities of mimicking the appearance of real diamond jewelry at a fraction of a cost,” says Nidhi Dangayach, founder of Verlas. "If you're looking for everlasting brilliance in the stone, a high-quality cubic zirconia can mimic the look of a diamond beautifully and even sparkle like one."

Nidhi Dangayach founded the direct-to-consumer jewelry brand Verlas alongside Nityani Riziya in 2019. Before starting Verlas, she worked with one of the top three diamond jewelry manufacturers in the world as a marketer and helped launch two brands in brick-and-mortar stores.

If you’re curious about the differences between cubic zirconia and diamonds, what metals pair best with cubic zirconia, and if this gemstone is the right choice for your engagement ring, we’re here to help. Learn everything you should know about cubic zirconia engagement rings below. 

The most appealing quality of cubic zirconia engagement rings is the price, as well as their striking similarity to the look of a real diamond. However, in Dangayach's opinion, there are a few crucial differences. "It's important to know that the surface of cubic zirconia is easy to scratch, unlike a diamond that can only be scratched by another diamond!" says Dangayach. "Accrual of surface scratches on cubic zirconia will eventually cause it to lose its sparkle."

Because cubic zirconia looks similar to a diamond, this allows brides to get a bigger stone without the hefty price tag. However, Dangayach cautions going too big if you want to maintain the illusion. "A trained eye can easily tell the difference between the sparkle of a cubic zirconia and a diamond," she says. "There's a difference in how light passes through both stones, reflects from their surface, and disperses: cubic zirconias almost create a rainbow effect. "

Here are a few questions and answers you should know before purchasing a cubic zirconia ring.

While they might look eerily similar, cubic zirconia is not a diamond. Diamonds are regarded to be the hardest known material in the world, making them incredibly durable and averse to any damage, which leads to a lifelong investment.

Cubic zirconia is rated 8-8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, while diamonds are rated 10. Because cubic zirconia is a softer stone, it needs to be handled with even more care if you want to prevent scratches to the facets of the stone face.  Avoid any exposure to water, chemicals, and perfumes when it comes to your cubic zirconia jewelry. These liquids could seep into the stone and setting and lead to damage, deterioration, and/or cloudiness.

Scroll through to see all of our favorite cubic zirconia engagement rings.

This halo-style engagement ring and eternity-style wedding band pair beautifully and come in a polished sterling silver setting. For a look that's both elegant and timeless yet affordable, this set ticks all the boxes.

Courtesy of Mystique of Palm Beach

For something simple yet stunning, check out this cubic zirconia asscher version of the classic style solitaire ring. Available in 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, or 14K rose gold, you can customize this traditional ring to fit your own personal style.

The profile of this dazzling gem reveals its understated double halo setting. Small stones set in a thin sterling silver band make the center cushion stone pop.

A row of smaller stones surrounding the crown elevates this classic solitaire design. Made out of genuine 925 sterling silver, this traditional style features an eye-catching 1.25mm accent stone for a sleek, sophisticated look.

This unique and modern engagement ring features a cushion-cut, prong-set, clear cubic zirconia stone at the center and trillion-cut CZ's on either side. The simple band made from platinum-clad sterling silver allows you to have all the wonderful shine and durability of platinum without the price tag.

The double band on this solitaire engagement ring perfectly accents the 2-carat stone. Surrounded by sparkling gemstones, this ring is sure to dazzle.

Courtesy of Eve's Addiction

This option is ideal for anyone that loves gold. This 14K gold engagement ring features white cubic zirconia and a 6mm square-shaped center stone flanked by petite 2mm cubic zirconia stones along the front.

An Asscher-cut center stone decorated with a halo of smaller gems gives this engagement ring a larger appearance. Hand-set in sterling silver, this brilliant engagement ring sparkles from every angle.

This three-carat emerald stunner is sure to stand out on your finger. With this ring, you get the look and feel of a high-end diamond at an affordable price.

Elegant and regal, this ring has a distinct look that feels both vintage and modern. The marquise-cut cubic zirconia stone is set against a silver-plated band with decorative prongs.

This simple set features a beautiful center stone flanked with three smaller stones on either side for a dainty, dazzling look. A delicate wedding band completes the look.

If you're looking for a traditional cushion cut halo without the hefty price tag, look no further than this AINUOSHI engagement ring. This sterling silver rhodium-plated engagement ring is a real showstopper, featuring a 6-carat main stone.

This stunning 5.6-carat cushion cubic zirconia engagement ring is anything but understated. The rhodium plating gives you the rich look and feel of white gold and platinum at a fraction of the cost.

Courtesy of Blush & Bar

Crafted with a gorgeous 6-carat cubic zirconia at the center and fourteen smaller accent stones surrounding it, this engagement ring is set against a dainty minimalist band in the metal of your choosing.

A truly remarkable design, this bridal set features dazzling intricacy that gets more impressive the longer you stare. This vintage-inspired piece features a main stone equivalent to 2.5 carats and a twisted wedding band.

A wide silver band makes this 3.35-carat center stone really stand out. The high polished stainless steel band keeps this ring looking extra brilliant.

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