What’s the Deal with Cubic Zirconia? A Brilliant and Ethical Alternative

A Brilliant (and Ethical) Alternative to Diamonds

You’ve just found the perfect piece of cubic zirconia jewellery — elegant, sparkling, and full of character. But maybe you paused at the words cubic zirconia, wondering: what exactly is it? Is it a real gemstone? How does it compare to diamonds — and why do we use it at Nudie?

Let’s demystify cubic zirconia — the stone we love for its beauty, brilliance, and values.

 

So, What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Let’s clear things up: cubic zirconia (CZ) is a lab-created gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It was developed to offer a visually flawless, highly affordable alternative to diamonds — and it delivers big time on the sparkle front.

In fact, it actually reflects more rainbow light than a diamond (thanks to a higher dispersion rate of 0.066 vs. 0.044). So if you love that prism effect when the sun hits your jewellery just right… CZ might be your soulmate.

The Gemological Institute of America puts it simply:

“Cubic zirconia is so optically flawless that even trained gemologists can mistake it for a high-grade diamond at a glance.”

 

Why We Use Cubic Zirconia at Nudie

We’re not here to sell status symbols. At Nudie, we create jewellery that feels beautiful, empowering and meaningful — and that includes making sure it’s responsibly made and reasonably priced.

Here’s why CZ is perfect for our pieces:

🌿 Ethical & sustainable – It’s lab-grown, so there’s no mining and zero risk of conflict
💸 Affordably luxurious – You get all the sparkle, without the traditional diamond markup
✨ Visually flawless – No inclusions, no murkiness, just clean, bright shine
💪 Durable enough for daily wear – Hardwearing but lightweight, perfect for layering

Using cubic zirconia allows us to stay true to our values while still offering the refined look and feel of luxury jewellery — without the guilt, and without the gatekeeping.

 

Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond: The Honest Comparison

Diamonds may technically be harder (and well-suited for engagement rings or heirlooms), but cubic zirconia is more than durable enough for day-to-day jewellery — especially earrings, necklaces, and statement pieces like ours.

 

Is It “Fake”?

Not at all.
Cubic zirconia is often referred to as a diamond simulant, but it’s not pretending to be anything it’s not. It’s a beautiful gemstone in its own right, with unique qualities and a growing fanbase around the world. A diamond alternative.

Calling it fake is like saying oat milk is fake milk. It’s not — it’s just a different choice that aligns better with your values, your budget, or your vibe.

 

A Personal Note from Our Founder

“When I was designing Nudie’s first collection, I knew I wanted pieces that looked like fine jewellery but felt accessible and authentic. Cubic zirconia gave me the freedom to focus on creativity, values, and quality — not inflated pricing.”
— Sophie, Founder of Nudie Jewellery

 

So… Should You Choose CZ?

If you value sustainability, style, and self-expression — and want jewellery that sparkles without the stress — the answer is a very sparkly yes. ✨

Whether it’s a gift to yourself, or your everyday reminder that you’re more than enough just as you are, cubic zirconia brings the light — you just bring the attitude.

🛍️ Explore our cubic zirconia collection
📸 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for styling tips and sparkly BTS
💛 And remember: £1 from every order supports skin-related charities, because beauty should do good, too.