Cubic Zirconia
A hard, brilliant lab-made stone used as a diamond substitute. Called American diamond throughout the Indian trade.
Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide grown in a lab. It is optically close to diamond and considerably cheaper.
It is harder than pearl but softer than diamond, and it abrades over years of wear, gradually losing its sharp edges and sparkle.
Natural zircon is a different, genuinely natural gemstone. The similar name causes constant confusion.
When you are buying
American diamond and cubic zirconia are the same material under two names. If a listing uses one price for AD and a much higher one for CZ, that is marketing rather than a material difference.
Pearls with stones
A few from the collection, from ₹1,800.
Pretty pearl bangle set with gold colour american diamond spacers
Trendy Pearl Necklace in Pearls and Rose Quartz
Dainty Peach Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Radiant 19 Inches White Pearls Necklace With SP Purple Garnet Beads
Luxurious 23 Inches White Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Striking Blue Pearl Necklace With Oxidized Polki Pendant & Grey Onyx
Spectacular 6mm White Semi-Round Pearls 19Inch Necklace With Victorian Pendant
Royal White Pearls Haar With CZ Peacock Pathakam
Polki
An uncut, unfaceted natural diamond, set face-up in kundan. Glows softly rather than sparkling.
Karat
The purity of gold, measured in twenty-fourths. 24K is pure gold; 22K is 22 parts gold to 2 parts other metal.
Kundan
A setting technique where highly refined gold foil is pressed around stones to hold them, with no prongs or claws.