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is there a visible difference between a real diamond and a cubic zirconia?

my boyfriend and i want to get married soon, but are both working on masters degrees right now so money is tight. we've talked it over and are thinking of buying a 'fake' diamond engagement ring. asha, moissanite, cubic zirconia...which is best??

Public Comments

1. It would be better to talk to a jewelry store. I don't think that it would be that easy to tell the difference. The biggest mistake people make is telling people...big mouths never win......good luck.
2. Until you get the money to buy a real diamond, cubic zirconia will fool your friends (unless they are jewelers). The key is to get it in a size that isn't over the top because then people tend to think it's fake. Good for you for not putting yourself in debt over a wedding ring...surprising how many people do that.
3. The man-mades are sooo incredibly realistic, it would take a magnifying glass to tell the difference. Moissanite is the best.
4. no. not at first. heard a zirconia will yellow if in the sun a lot and after a few years.
5. Real diamonds have flaws Man made gems are sometimes even harder and they are flawless.Only a jeweler can tell. If the real McCoy is neccessary down the road choose a style in which the mounting can be saved and a real gem mounted in it.
6. Good idea!! One of my friends has a cz and you can't tell at all! Once you would save up enough money, then you can replace it with a real diamond, just make sure you get a good setting to do that!! Until then, I wouldn't say a word!!! No one will know the difference and they won't notice once you change it if you use the same setting!
7. cubics shouldnt be worn in the shower/bath/while washing dishes they will get dull
8. Unless they are a jeweller, no!
9. Cubic Zirconia are normally too large, too sparkly and too clear. If you get one, get a small one that doesn't look fake. And if it's in a good setting it's hard to tell. Moissanite are very delicate and chip and brake easily.
10. the larger the stone the more it comes into question whether it's real or fake. if you don't care that it's fake go with a design you like and screw the rest of the world.
11. Kelly there is nothing wrong with an alternative to a mined diamond - I too looked into Moissanite - though I would never settle for cubic zirconia. Depending where you live you can go to stores to see moissanite - but if you want to look online, check out Diamond Nexus Labs.
12. Having known many gemologists, I can say that to the naked eye, not even a jeweler can tell the difference. (If they can, they're not someone you want to do business with) Which is why they have created tools to do that. From the ones that I have seen, the CZs tended to be sparklier than diamonds oddly enough, if that is important to you. My mother was given a real diamond engagement ring and it is very cloudy, but she loves it. CZs are most commonly sold, but go with whatever you like best. CZs will get dull if they have contact with water and you can't get the sparkle back when they do. I don't know enough about asha (sp?) or moissanite to give opinions either way.
13. Honestly, for some it is really hard to tell the difference. If no one knows, no one would even guess - so keep it on the downlow. I would go with a good quality CZ - some are in bridal sets that are absolutely gorgeous and totally affordable. And don't tell anybody - not even your mom.
14. I'm not familiar with asha, but moissanite is more durable than most cz. However, a lot of moissanite can be almost as expensive as a diamond. If you do get a cz make sure it's good quality and that you take care of it. And remember, you can always buy a small diamond and upgrade later, many jewelers have programs for this.