Whether you are shopping for jewellery online or in the store, knowing about the gem in your jewellery is an important factor in your purchase. When we discuss gems, two terms often come up in conversations: zircon and lab grown diamonds. As we think about the two, they may seem closely related to each other (both can truly exhibit dazzling brilliance) but they are actually quite different from each other with respect to origin, composition, durability, price, and purpose. In this blog we will take a close look at both gemstones, go through the comparison side-by-side, and help you determine which one matches your personal style, your budget, and your long-term needs for jewellery. 

What is Zircon?

Anushka Sharma Silver Leaf Necklace

Definition and Origins

The term "zircon" pertains to the mineral known as zirconium silicate (chemical formula ZrSiO₄), which is a natural gemstone occurring in a range of colours, including blue, yellow, red, brown, green and colourless (frequently referred to as "white zircon"). Historically, colourless zircon was used as a "diamond substitute" due to its brilliance. 

Key Physical & Optical Properties

Some of the important characteristics of zircon are: 

- The refractive index in colourless zircon is high (e.g., 1.925 -- 1.984), which leads to good brilliance. 

- It is birefringent (double refractive), which means you may have the ability to see doubled facets when you view through the stone. 

- The Mohs hardness is approximately 6 to 7.5 depending on the variety. 

- Specific gravity can vary as zircons tend to be heavier than many semi-precious stones. 

As a natural crystal, many fine zircons are heat-treated to improve colour or clarity. 

Zircon Jewellery -- Use & Allure

Zircon provides several appealing variables to jewellery wearers:

- The brilliant sparkle and fire (especially in well cut colourless zircon) is visually appealing.

- An alternative to diamond to satisfy a more budget friendly approach

- Offered in a variety of colours providing more flexibility in design.

- Regularly used by jewellery brands for accent stones or fashion jewellery.

Read more: Zircon - The New Crowning Glory of Jewellery World 

What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Made With 14K Gold

What It Means & How It’s Created

A lab grown diamond (which is called a laboratory created diamond or cultured diamond), is a diamond made using controlled technological processes, either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

These diamonds are real diamonds - chemically, physically and optically the same as mined natural diamonds. 

Key characteristics of lab-grown diamonds:

Hardness: Lab grown diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale - just like natural diamonds.

Composition: Lab grown diamonds are also made of pure carbon and in the same crystal lattice as earth-mined diamonds. 

Visual properties: Lab grown diamonds have the same brilliance, fire and light performance as natural diamonds with a good cut. 

Value: Generally lab diamonds are a relative bargain compared to mined diamonds, and are often superior in value, durability and resale value compared to many diamond simulants.

Read more: What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Lab Grown Diamonds in Jewellery - Why Should You Consider Them?

As a consumer, lab grown diamonds have multiple advantages. 

- Ethical sourcing and sustainability (in most cases) compared to mined diamonds. 

- Lab Diamonds are highly durable and will last for everyday wear (engagement rings, pendants, etc.). 

- The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or other reputable labs issued certificates for these diamonds to prove cut, colour, clarity and carat weight just like natural diamonds. 

Zircon vs Lab Diamond - Direct Comparison

Let us do a side by side comparison using some important parameters, to clarify the good and bad for each item.

Material & Composition

Zircon: Natural zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄).

Lab Grown Diamond: Pure carbon, just like natural diamond, grown in a lab.

Implication: Base materials are completely different, which has implications for durability, value and authenticity.

Hardness & Durability

Zircon: Generally, Mohs 6 - 7.5 for gem quality zircon.

Lab Grown Diamond: Mohs 10.

Implication: Lab grown diamonds are significantly more resistant to scratches, wear and daily use. Zircon requires much more care and will show visible wear over time.

Look and Sparkle

Zircon: High refractive index with lots of “fire” (flashes of colour) from dispersion; but may show doubling (birefringence or lower durability.

Lab grown diamond: Same optical capabilities as natural diamond (brilliance, fire, scintillation) when cut and polished to an appropriate quality.

Implication: At a glance, zircon can have diamond-like qualities, especially at smaller sizes; however, with closer inspection or in time, the differences will start to present as more pronounced.

Cost & Affordability

Zircon: Less expensive alternative to diamonds, with similar look.

Lab grown diamond: Less expensive than natural diamond of equal size, but zircon will be less expensive. 

Implication: If budget is your primary focus and are fine with medium hardness, zircon is suitable; however if you are looking for a "real diamond" effect that will last, lab grown diamond may be worth the cost. 

Suitability for Everyday Wear

Zircon: Suitable for occasional wear and everyday wear. 

Lab grown diamond: Great for everyday wear (engagement rings, pendants, daily bracelets) because it has good hardness. These diamonds are also perfect for wedding and anniversary gifts. 

Read more: Enhance Your Festive Glamour with Timeless Zircon Jewellery

Certification & Authenticity

Zircon: Often sold as gemstone grading, they will not always include the same level of rigor with diamonds for authenticity certificate.

Lab grown diamond: A lab grown diamond can be accompanied by a report from any of the major gem laboratories, such as GIA, IGI, etc., with a report detailing (cut, colour, clarity and carat) equally to a natural diamond. 

Read more: What are the Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds? 

Choosing Between Zircon and Lab Grown Diamond – Considerations

Pick the best piece that suits you

Daily Usage & Frequency of Wear

- For an extended period (engagement ring, daily pendant)? → Opt for lab grown diamonds.

- Worn from time to time, e.g. fashion jewellery, statement ring (something you may change seasonally)? → Zircon and lab grown diamonds are perfectly fine.

Budget

- If you want sparkle but do not have much budget to work with, zircon is great value.

- If your budget allows then you are looking at longevity and being durable. Go with a lab grown diamond.

Longevity & Resale Value

- If you concern yourself with heritage, wear for an extended period of time with possible resale value - a lab grown diamond will be better.

- If you plan on switching styles regularly or the piece is trendy, zircon can still work.

Visual Anticipations

- If you're looking for the best visual performance (brilliance, fire, sparkle) with the least compromise: lab diamond is more durable.

- If you're okay with very good sparkle but don't want actual diamond properties, zircon is fine.

Care Tips Specific to Each Stone

Zircon vs Lab-Grown Diamond — can you tell the difference?

For Zircon Jewellery:

- Avoid regular, daily wear in high-abrasion environments (like a ring that is continually rubbing against other jewellery).

- You may clean with soap and water if the stone is clean. You should not clean a zircon in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner unless the jewelry manufacturer states that the stone has been treated to withstand those cleaning methods.

- If you have zircon jewellery, be sure to store your jewellery separately, for example, in a soft pouch, to avoid abrasion when storing.

- Be aware that if you have a colourless zircon, prolonged exposure to UV or sun will slightly change the colour.

For Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery:

Although lab grown diamonds are very durable. Do not subject it to harsh chemicals, have prongs serviced regularly, and clean it regularly to preserve its brilliance.

The realm of  jewellery offers a wealth of diversity and nuance. While both zircon and lab grown diamonds are captivatingly sparkly, they vary widely in terms of their materials, durability, value and appropriateness for your style.

If you are thinking long-term, want durability lab grown diamonds are a fantastic choice. If you are looking for cost-effective style and “great sparkle for less,” zircon is quite a reasonable alternative.

In the GIVA universe, the choice of zircon versus a lab grown diamond may, in good conscience, be a strategic choice: what part of your life will the jewellery fill? How often will you wear it? How long do you want it to last? What budget can you work with? 

By making these decisions thoughtfully, you will be assured that your choice brings joy, fulfills a life purpose or intention in your life, and retains its shine long after the initial sparkle of your purchase.

TAGS

-

Difference between Zircon and Lab grown diamond , GIVA Jewellery , How-to Guide , Zircon Jewellery

Shwetha J

Shwetha is a content writer who brings in Shopify & off-page SEO expertise, and matches her passion for dance off-duty.