What is Cubic Zirconia? ▾
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthesised crystalline material made from zirconium dioxide, developed as a diamond simulant with a refractive index and visual brilliance closely approaching that of natural diamond. Rated 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it's significantly harder than glass crystal (around 5.5), giving it the durability required for fine jewellery settings and everyday wear. Preciosa Cubic Zirconia is cut using proprietary diamond-cutting software to maximise brilliance, fire and scintillation.
Is Cubic Zirconia the same as a real diamond? ▾
No. Cubic Zirconia is a man-made diamond simulant, not a diamond. Real diamonds are crystalline carbon formed in the earth's mantle, while CZ is zirconium dioxide synthesised in a laboratory. CZ is widely used as a diamond alternative because it shares many visual qualities with diamond at a fraction of the cost, but it can be distinguished from diamond by a professional jeweller using thermal and optical testing.
What's the difference between Cubic Zirconia and crystal glass? ▾
Cubic Zirconia is a synthesised zirconium dioxide material with a refractive index of approximately 2.15 to 2.18 and a Mohs hardness of 8 to 8.5. Crystal glass (used in flatback rhinestones, beads and pendants) is made from lead-free glass with a refractive index around 1.5 and Mohs hardness around 5.5. CZ is significantly harder and more diamond-like in brilliance, but considerably more expensive per stone. Use crystal glass for surface embellishment and beaded designs; use CZ for set-stone fine jewellery work where durability and diamond-like brilliance are required.
What cuts of Preciosa Cubic Zirconia are available? ▾
Preciosa Cubic Zirconia is available in over six precision cuts: baguette (elongated rectangular), navette (pointed-end oval), octagon (eight-sided), oval (rounded elongated), pear (teardrop) and round (the classic faceted profile). Each cut is precision-engineered using Preciosa's diamond-cutting software to maximise brilliance and light return.
What size Cubic Zirconia do I need for a ring? ▾
Common centre stone sizes for rings are 4mm (approximately 0.25 carat equivalent), 5mm (0.5 carat equivalent), 6mm (0.75 carat equivalent) and 7mm (1 carat equivalent) in round cut. For surrounding accent stones (halo and pavé settings), 1mm to 2mm round CZ stones are widely used. Larger statement rings use 8mm centre stones. Preciosa CZ runs from approximately 0.70mm at the smallest through to 8mm.
How do I set Preciosa Cubic Zirconia in a metal setting? ▾
Preciosa CZ stones are designed for standard jewellery setting techniques including prong settings, bezel settings, channel settings and pavé. The pointed back of each cut sits in the setting cavity, with the faceted crown exposed. Use a prong-closing tool, bezel pusher or channel-setting tools sized to match the stone diameter. Preciosa CZ's higher hardness (8 to 8.5 Mohs) means it can withstand heat and pressure during setting without cracking or chipping when handled correctly. Browse our jewellery findings and tools collection for compatible settings.
Should I choose Preciosa or Swarovski Cubic Zirconia? ▾
Both Preciosa and Swarovski produce high-quality precision-cut Cubic Zirconia and both are widely used by professional jewellers. Preciosa CZ is cut using proprietary diamond-cutting software developed in-house and offers strong availability across the most-requested cuts in wholesale packs. Swarovski Cubic Zirconia is the longer-established brand in the CZ market with the widest cut and colour range. Both are compatible with standard jewellery settings and can be combined within a single design. For precise comparison, order samples first.
How quickly can I receive Preciosa Cubic Zirconia? ▾
The majority of orders dispatch same or next working day from our warehouse. UK orders typically arrive within 1-2 working days; USA orders within 2 to 5 days via express shipping.
