Cubic zirconia does not tarnish, but the metal holding it can. So, does cubic zirconia tarnish at all? Only through its setting. CZ is a lab-created diamond simulant with no silver or copper to react with air and moisture. Sterling silver, gold-plated, and base-metal settings do react. Knowing the difference helps retailers care for stock and answer customer questions, and our wholesale jeweler in Milford can help you choose pieces with sturdy settings.
What is Cubic Zirconia Made Of?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created gem made from zirconium dioxide. The Gemological Institute of America explains that CZ is made by heating powdered ingredients to their melting point, then cooling the mixture until it turns solid. The result is a clear, hard stone that mimics the look of a diamond. The stone is also inert, so skin reactions usually trace back to the metal in the setting, most often nickel. Our guide to sterling silver for sensitive ears covers which metals are gentlest on skin.
Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?
Does cubic zirconia tarnish? No. Tarnish is a surface film that forms when certain metals react with sulfur, moisture, or air, and zirconium dioxide does not react that way. The metal settings are a different story. Sterling silver can tarnish. Gold-plated pieces can wear through to the base metal underneath, and base metals can discolor. Care for both the stone and its setting, and a quick wipe after wear goes a long way. For more on metals that hold their color, see our guide to types of silver that resist tarnish.
How is Cubic Zirconia Made?
Makers start with high-purity zirconium dioxide powder and a stabilizer. The powder is melted at extreme heat, then cooled so it solidifies into crystals. Because the process happens in a lab, CZ is usually free of the inclusions found in natural gemstones, though tiny gas bubbles can show up in some stones. That clarity, combined with strong fire, makes CZ a popular alternative to diamonds.
Is Cubic Zirconia Durable?
Cubic zirconia is durable for a diamond simulant. It rates about 8.5 on the Mohs scale, while diamond sits at 10. That hardness suits earrings and other pieces worn regularly, but CZ can still pick up scratches from dust and rough handling. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not toughness, so a sharp knock can still chip a stone. So how long does cubic zirconia last? The International Gem Society notes that daily-wear CZ typically keeps its look for about two years before it turns cloudy or scratched. Pieces worn only on occasion can last longer. Keep CZ away from abrasive surfaces, and store each piece separately.
One more distinction: a cloudy CZ is not tarnished. Oils from skin and everyday products settle on the stone, and tiny scratches build up. Regular cleaning restores much of the shine. Deep scratches may need a jeweler to re-polish or replace the stone.
Will Cubic Zirconia Turn Green?
Does cubic zirconia turn green? The stone itself never changes color. When a ring or earring leaves a green mark, the metal is almost always the cause. So does cubic zirconia turn skin green? Not on its own. Copper alloys, brass, and worn gold plating can react with sweat, lotion, and humidity. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, so some wearers see a faint mark in humid weather. Our post on sterling silver and green skin explains why. The tint is harmless and washes off. To prevent it, keep jewelry dry, wipe it after wear, and brush a thin coat of clear nail polish inside a ring band. Platinum is among the metals least likely to react.
How to Clean Cubic Zirconia
Dirt, oils, and lotions build up on CZ and dull its shine, so clean it regularly. Cleaning CZ is simple and needs no special products. Soak the piece in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the stones and settings, paying extra attention to crevices. Rinse well under warm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Dry the setting thoroughly, because trapped moisture speeds up tarnish on silver. Avoid abrasive cleaners and stiff brushes that could scratch the stone or the metal. If the setting is sterling silver, our guide to cleaning sterling silver safely covers ways to remove tarnish without harsh chemicals.
Why is Cubic Zirconia So Popular?
The biggest draw of cubic zirconia is its price. It costs far less than natural diamond, which puts diamond-like sparkle within reach of many shoppers. It also comes in many colors and cuts, so it fits most retail displays.
For wholesale buyers and retail resellers, CZ set in .925 sterling silver pairs the sparkle customers want with a metal that cleans up easily. Blake Brothers has sourced sterling silver jewelry since 1974, and our cubic zirconia earrings include studs, teardrops, and drops. Order wholesale silver jewelry with free priority shipping in the US on orders $250+. The order minimum is $100.
Preventing Tarnish and Maintaining Your Jewelry
The key to keeping CZ jewelry looking its best is regular care. Store each piece dry in a fabric-lined box to limit exposure to air and moisture, and keep pieces in separate pouches so harder stones and metal do not scratch them. Remove jewelry before swimming, exercising, or using cleaning products. So will cubic zirconia tarnish if you wear it daily? The stone will not, but an unprotected setting might. Choose pieces with sturdy settings that resist tarnish.
A few extra habits make a measurable difference. Apply perfume, hairspray, and lotion before you put jewelry on, not after. Wipe each piece with a soft, lint-free cloth after every wear to remove skin oils and residue. For sterling silver settings, the silver is what may tarnish, not the CZ, so keeping the setting clean and dry is the most effective single step.
Conclusion: Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?
Cubic zirconia stones do not tarnish, but the metal settings can if they are not cared for properly. A simple routine of cleaning, wiping, and dry storage keeps pieces sparkling. CZ is a strong choice for any jewelry case.
FAQs: Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?
Can you wear cubic zirconia every day?
Yes, but expect wear. With daily use, CZ typically looks cloudy or scratched in about two years. Clean it often and store it dry.
How long does cubic zirconia last?
It depends on wear. Daily-wear CZ often shows scratches or haze in about two years, while pieces worn occasionally can last longer with proper care.
How do you clean cubic zirconia rings?
Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to gently clean the stones and metal settings. Rinse well and pat dry.
Does cubic zirconia turn skin green?
The stone does not. The metal setting can if it contains copper or has worn plating. Wipe jewelry after wear and keep it dry.
Is cubic zirconia hypoallergenic?
The stone is inert, so reactions usually come from the setting, most often nickel. Choose settings made of nickel-free metals.
FAQs About Blake Brothers
What kind of jewelry does Blake Brothers offer?
Blake Brothers is a wholesale supplier of sterling silver jewelry, including earrings, rings, pendants, and chains.
Where can I find Blake Brothers?
Blake Brothers is based in Milford, New Hampshire, with a second showroom in Charlotte, North Carolina. Please call to make an appointment before visiting a showroom.
Does Blake Brothers sell cubic zirconia jewelry?
Yes. Our cubic zirconia earrings include studs, teardrops, and drops, with sterling silver settings.
Why choose Blake Brothers?
Since 1974, Bill and Suan Blake have hand-selected jewelry from artisans in Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), and India. Sterling silver pieces carry a guaranteed .925 purity.
Can I shop online with Blake Brothers?
Yes. Browse the online collections and order wholesale. The order minimum is $100, and US orders of $250+ ship free with priority shipping.
