Cubic Zirconia, Glass Crystal or Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which Stone Is Right for You?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a lab-made stone that closely resembles a diamond's sparkle at a fraction of the price. It is hard-wearing and comes in many colours, which makes it a practical choice for jewellery you wear every day. Glass crystal costs less but scratches more easily. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, with the highest hardness and the highest price.

• Is cubic zirconia a diamond? No. CZ is made from zirconium dioxide; diamonds are pure carbon.
• Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond? Yes. It has the same carbon structure as a mined diamond, but it is grown in a lab.
• Which stones does DANSK Copenhagen use? Cubic zirconia and, in some designs, glass crystal. Each product page states which stone is used.

Knowing your stones helps you choose with confidence, whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift. This guide compares the three stones you are most likely to meet. If you are drawn to organic beauty rather than sparkle, our pearl guide is a natural companion read.

What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is a man-made gemstone and a diamond simulant: it closely resembles a natural diamond but is a different material. It is made from zirconium dioxide rather than carbon. The word “cubic” refers to its crystal structure, which gives it a convincing, diamond-like sparkle.

CZ entered jewellery in the 1970s and quickly became a favourite for its brilliance and value. It is colourless by default, but trace metal oxides create a wide range of hues, from classic clear to deep blue and soft pink.

Durability is one of CZ's strongest qualities. Its hard, non-porous surface resists scratching and is easy to clean, so your jewellery keeps its sparkle through everyday wear.

Here is what makes CZ a strong choice:

• Real brilliance. The sparkle closely resembles a diamond.
• Hard-wearing. A scratch-resistant surface helps your jewellery keep its sparkle.
• Wide colour range. Many shades suit classic and modern designs.
• Lab-made. Created in controlled conditions rather than mined as a gemstone.

What Is Glass Crystal in Jewellery?

Glass crystal is a lower-cost alternative to CZ, often used in fashion jewellery and in designs where colour and shape lead.

Glass has a lower refractive index than CZ, so it returns less light and gives a softer sparkle. It is also softer than CZ, so it can scratch or chip more easily. Wipe it with a soft cloth and store it separately to keep it looking its best.

• Lower price. Glass keeps jewellery accessible.
• Softer sparkle. A lower refractive index returns less light.
• A little extra care. Glass is softer than CZ, so it scratches more easily.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical make-up as mined diamonds, pure carbon, but are grown in controlled conditions rather than extracted from the earth.

Because they are genuine diamonds, they have the highest hardness and brilliance of the three. They also cost significantly more than CZ, though less than mined diamonds.

• Maximum brilliance. Genuine diamond sparkle.
• Highest hardness. Diamond is the hardest of the three stones.
• A more accessible diamond. Lower in price than a mined diamond, but well above CZ.

Cubic Zirconia vs Glass Crystal vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: How Do They Compare?

Each stone sits at a different level for sparkle, hardness and price. Here is a side-by-side comparison.

CZ suits you if you want everyday sparkle and durability at an accessible price. Lab-grown diamonds suit fine jewellery and engagement rings. Glass crystal suits jewellery where a lower price and a wide colour choice matter most.

Why Does DANSK Copenhagen Use Cubic Zirconia?

Founded in Copenhagen in 1971, DANSK Copenhagen designs jewellery for everyday wear. We choose cubic zirconia for the same reasons we make our collection from 316L stainless steel: beauty, durability and honest value.

• Sparkle. Convincing, diamond-like brilliance in person.
• Durability. A hard, non-porous surface helps your jewellery keep its sparkle.
• Colour range. Trace metal oxides open a wide, creative palette.
• Lab-made. Created in controlled conditions rather than mined as a gemstone.
• Fair price. CZ keeps DANSK Copenhagen jewellery at accessible prices.

In some designs, we use glass crystal instead, when its colour or shape suits the design best. Each product page states which stone is used.

Cubic Zirconia FAQ

Is cubic zirconia the same as a diamond?

No, but it closely resembles one. CZ is made from zirconium dioxide, while diamonds are carbon. CZ gives a similar sparkle at a fraction of the price, which makes it a practical diamond simulant for everyday jewellery.

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?

Yes. A lab-grown diamond has the same chemical make-up as a mined diamond: pure carbon. It is grown in controlled conditions instead of being mined.

Will cubic zirconia lose its sparkle over time?

With simple care, CZ holds its sparkle well. Its hard, non-porous surface resists scratching better than glass crystal. Wipe it with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals to keep it looking its best.

Does DANSK Copenhagen use real diamonds?

No. DANSK Copenhagen uses cubic zirconia and, in some designs, glass crystal. CZ gives a diamond-like sparkle at a fair price. Each product page states which stone is used.

Can you tell CZ and a diamond apart with the naked eye?

In everyday jewellery, the difference is hard to see at a glance. A trained gemmologist with the right tools can tell them apart.

Explore our jewellery with cubic zirconia and find your new everyday favourite.

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