Stone

Zirconium

Colour

Transparent

Care profile

Moderate

About the stone

The zirconia used in jewelry (cubic zirconia) is a stone that’s entirely man-made.

It’s zirconium dioxide melted at over 2700°C and carefully crystallized to obtain a clear, inclusion-free stone.

It’s virtually absent in nature — a triumph of the lab.

It even has a Cold War backstory: it was perfected by Soviet scientists at the Lebedev Institute in Moscow in the 1970s, under the name “fianit”.

The result mimics a diamond’s fire so well that it has become the most popular sparkling and affordable alternative to diamond.

Good to know: it’s different from “zircon,” which is a completely separate natural gemstone.

Most often it’s colorless, mirroring diamond, but it can be produced in any color.

Its strong brilliance is beautifully showcased in 925 silver and gold.

As a modern stone, it doesn’t have its own symbolic tradition, but it’s loved for its sparkle and versatility.

With a hardness of 8–8,5 it stands up well to everyday wear, requiring only moderate care.

Clean it gently to keep its fire, and it’s right at home in everyday jewelry.

Zirconium care

How to care for it.

Care profile

Moderate

Attention level

Warm water with soap or a gentle professional jewelry solution.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone is not clearly compatible (e.g., some amethysts or topazes may be affected).
Avoid steam cleaning unless specifically safe for that stone.

Remove jewelry before intense physical activities or entering chlorinated pools.
Avoid contact with strong chemicals (chlorine, ammonia).
Some stones may lose color with prolonged sun exposure; store them properly.

Store in soft pouches or separate compartments to prevent scratches.
If the metal oxidizes easily (like some silver alloys), consider anti-tarnish strips.
Avoid areas with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas).