Cubic zirconia is a synthetic laboratory-made crystal. It is a universal substitute for diamonds, miming most of its ideal appearance and characteristic properties. Moreover, It is the most used crystal serving the high-end fast-fashion jewelry industry long-term.
The shine and glint that the cubic zirconia showcases is enough to confuse a lot of common users, but the price makes the buyers realize that the crystal is not an authentic diamond.
This delicate crystal may show exceptional brilliance but may discolor and tarnish without proper care. Let us discuss the causes of tarnishing of zirconia crystal trinkets and the practical solutions to keep them lustrous in the long run.
What is Cubic Zirconia Crystal?
Zirconia crystal is a laboratory-made crystal and reserves the title of the most affordable and ideal substitution for traditional diamonds.
This crystal is colorless and exhibits a beautiful glint. It is relatively hard and rates at 8- 8.5 on the Mohs scale in terms of hardness. CZ has been an economic rival of diamonds in the jewelry and crystal market since its initial production in 1976.
How is Cubic Zirconia Made
The origin of the cubic zirconium is from the zirconium oxide. It is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. It has also been uncovered that cubic zirconia occurs naturally in nature but in trace.
The scarcity of natural CZ is why most of the cubic zirconia sold in the ornament market is synthetic.
Synthetic cubic zirconia is produced by melting zirconium oxide alongside additional minerals like magnesium and calcium in a metal chamber at a high temperature of 5000 Fahrenheit. Cubic zirconia crystals form once the product is removed from the metal chamber.
Depending on demand and choice, these crystals can be cut in any shape and size; some popular crystal shapes and cuts include oval, pear, emerald, octagon, baguette cut, and many more.
What Causes Cubic Zirconia To Turn Yellow?
High-quality cubic zirconia crystals do not turn yellow or even tarnish. The discoloration is due to its synthetic making of CZ from zirconium dioxide in a laboratory.
As an artificial gem with a colorless foundation, it is meant for longevity and durability. Some of the reasons for the yellowing and tarnishing of the trinket are given below:
Artificial Cubic Zirconia
Authentic cubic zirconia gems do not turn yellow or discolored. Still, if they do, this may indicate that the cubic zirconia stone is of inferior quality or a counterfeit version of the CZ stone.
Solution
To prevent this from happening, get your cubic zirconia crystal from renowned jewelry stores. Authentic jewel stores pledge to the authenticity of their gems and crystals.
Exposure to Heat
The long exposure of the CZ jewelry under the sun may cause the yellowing of the item.
Solution
If the crystal has been gradually discolored through constant exposure to heat, the changes may be irreversible, unfortunately.
However, you can try getting the crystal polished from a professional jeweler.
Interaction with Alcohol and Sweat
The setting-piece of the CZ may usually turn yellow. This yellowing happens due to the inclusion of copper, brass, or nickel as an alloy in the setting base.
Even if the setting base may have a chrome coating, it may deteriorate with time due to the interaction of the metal with perfumes, sweat, alcohol, lotion, and so on.
Solution
Remove trinkets before applying perfume, lotion, etc., on your skin for the jewelry to last long.
Silver Base
Most cubic zirconia gems are usually placed on a silver base. The silver base may also tarnish over time due to excessive exposure to the atmosphere, moisture, and various tarnishing liquids.
Solution
This can be prevented with a protective rhodium coating on the base. This measure ensures protection from corrosion, discoloration, and tarnishing.
Aging
The aging of the CZ stone might not turn the crystal yellow but may make it duller and cloudy. This might be an outcome of various scratches and excessive usage.
Solution
You can restore the stone’s brilliance by getting professionals to clean it.
How To Restore Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?
Without care, any jewelry can tarnish and discolor. Excessive use can cause scratches and chips on the CZ gem, making the cubic zirconia cloudy and dull. Thus, cubic zirconia must be cleaned once or twice every month to retain its glint and brilliance.
Various methods of restoration and cleaning to revive and restore the luster of cubic zirconia are given below:
Regular Cleaning of Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
You can get the shine back on your CZ jewelry using mild detergent and warm water. Add a mild detergent in warm water and dunk the jewelry in it to get it wet. Then, remove any debris, dirt, and other remains with a soft toothbrush.
Rinse it with warm water after a few minutes and dry it with a soft cloth. Your CZ jewels will be as good as new.
Soaking Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Use one part detergent and three parts warm water to make a cleansing solution. Soak your CZ jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. After some time, take it out, then rinse and dry your CZ stone to achieve a healthy shine.
Here’s my recommended detergent for the tasks, which you can also use for your daily chores: Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent
Use A Polishing Cloth and Solution
Use a handy dandy polishing cloth for this. By constantly rubbing a polishing cloth back and forth, your cubic zirconia adornments can instantly restore a beautiful glint and flare.
For an even better result, top it off with the application of a layer of polishing solution.
Recommended Polishing Cloth: Hagerty Jewelry Polishing Cloth
Recommended Polishing Solution: W. J. Hagerty Silversmiths’ Silver Polish
Seek Professional Assistance
If the above strategies do not work, it is better to seek professional help. A steam or an ultrasonic cleaner can give you the luster and brilliance of your cubic zirconia jewelry.
What To Avoid With Cubic Zirconia Jewelry On?
Good care is crucial to everlast the shine and sparkle on your cubic zirconia adornments. Avoiding a few things with the CZ jewelry is necessary to remain lustrous. Some of them are noted below:
Water
If cubic zirconia jewelry is periodically exposed to water for consistency, it may damage the base setting and the gem.
It is advised by jewel makers to remove your CZ jewelry before getting into any water-related activity to prevent tarnishing.
Rough Activities
Rough jobs may involve physical strength, which increases the chances of damaging your cubic zirconia jewels.
Thus, avoid wearing cubic zirconia jewelry during intimidating and rough jobs, as it may cause scratches and chipping.
Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals include bleach, ammonia, chlorine, house cleaning agents, and many more, which are responsible for the discoloration and deterioration of the alloy.
Jewel makers recommend removing all your cubic zirconia jewel wear when dealing with cleaning and harsh chemicals. This prevents the jewelry from eroding.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics like hairspray and perfume-like products may be the primary reason for discoloration and tarnishing. Also, products like sunblock and other makeup supplies can build up residue in the setting base of the jewelry.
It is suggested to put on your jewelry and adornments after getting ready. This will save your jewels from building up gunk.
Conclusion
Cubic zirconia, a popular synthetic diamond substitute, can discolor without proper care. A high-quality CZ does not tarnish but exposure to heat, interaction with certain substances, and aging can affect its appearance and make it seem yellowish.
To avoid this hazard, purchase from reputable stores. Moreover, protective coatings, regular cleaning, and exposure to harsh conditions are advised.
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