Does Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Tarnish?

Over the years, Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has become popular in the gemstone & jewelry industry because of how much it resembles diamond, but without the high price tag. The pressing question though is: does cubic zirconia jewelry tarnish?

This guide helps you understand how CZ reacts when exposed to elements that cause jewelry to tarnish.

What is Cubic Zirconia Made of?

Cubic zirconia is a lab-grown gemstone made from Zirconium Dioxide. The Zirconium Dioxide powder is heated to very high temperatures to create molten crystal. This molten crystal is then cooled down and cut into fine shapes for clarity and light reflection.

Unlike diamonds that are gotten from the Earth’s crust, cubic zirconia stone processing is done in a controlled lab, ensuring that they are flawless and don’t have inclusions like natural gemstones.

Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

NO, cubic zirconia itself does not tarnish because it’s made of durable materials that are resistant to oxidation and corrosion. However, the metal used in the jewelry settings may tarnish, thereby affecting the shine of the CZ stone.

Metals like sterling silver, brass, or gold-plated bases can tarnish when exposed to moisture, air, or chemicals. Thus, to make sure that the CZ stone continues to shine, always care for both the stone and the jewelry setting. You can check what types of jewelry do not tarnish, so that you choose quality metal for the stone setting.

Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish in Water?

Water itself doesn’t affect the cubic zirconia stone, but it can impact the metal setting over time. Frequent exposure to water, whether shower water, chlorinated pool water, or saltwater, can accelerate tarnishing, especially in tarnish-prone metals like brass or sterling silver. You can choose stainless steel jewelry for better resistance to tarnishing; it’s a more durable option for frequent water exposure.

Does Gold-Plated Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

Whether gold-plated cubic zirconia tarnishes depends largely on the base metal and plating quality. Thin gold plating wears off faster, exposing the base metal to tarnish. This becomes worse if the base metal is brass or sterling silver, which react with moisture, air, and chemicals.

Higher quality options like PVD gold coated jewelry or thicker gold plating provide stronger resistance, ensuring your gold-plated cubic zirconia maintains its color and shine for longer periods.

Does Cubic Zirconia Stainless Steel Tarnish?

Cubic zirconia set in stainless steel is highly tarnish-resistant. Stainless steel has a protective chromium oxide layer that prevents oxidation and corrosion. This makes it ideal for long-term wear, even in humid or wet conditions.

If you’re wondering, does gold stainless steel tarnish, the answer is NO. Even if the gold plating wears off, the stainless steel base metal still has its chromium layer, which prevents it from tarnishing.

Does Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Cubic zirconia set in sterling silver can tarnish over time. While the CZ stone will not tarnish, the sterling silver setting reacts with air and moisture, leading to oxidation and darkening. The remedy to this is to coat the sterling silver with rhodium to serve as a protective layer that enhances the jewelry shine and reduces tarnish.

Does Brass Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

Brass cubic zirconia jewelry is prone to tarnishing. As mentioned earlier, CZ doesn’t tarnish. However, brass reacts quickly with air and moisture, leading to oxidation that dulls the stone’s appearance. Over time, it may even cause green tints on the skin.

Factors Contributing to Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

Here are three main reasons why cubic zirconia loses its appearance:

• Exposure to Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, bathing solutions, seawater, and chlorinated swimming pools can impact the jewelry settings. They can also leave water residue or oils on your CZ stone, making it look dull.
• Wear and Tear: Daily friction gradually erodes gold plating, particularly when it’s thin. This exposes the base metal, which may tarnish unless it’s a high-grade metal like stainless steel.
• Improper Storage: Keeping your CZ jewelry in a humid or open-air area increases exposure to moisture and air, which are primarily causes of tarnishing. Rather, keep it in an airtight container or pouch.

Does Cubic Zirconia Turn Green?

Cubic zirconia stone itself is colorless, inert, and non-reactive, so it does not cause your skin to turn green. However, certain base metals (such as copper and brass) used for CZ setting may turn green when they react with moisture or air. 

How Long Does Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Last?

Cubic zirconia jewelry pieces maintain their sparkle for years, but overall durability depends on the setting. CZ with stainless steel can last many years. CZ with thin plating over brass or sterling silver may last around six months, while those with thicker plating (at least 2.5 microns thick) can last more than two years.

How to Clean Tarnished Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

Knowing how to clean cubic zirconia jewelry is instrumental in how long it lasts and how much it retains its shine. Follow these simple steps for cleaning:

Step 1: Soak

Put the jewelry in warm water with a drop of mild soap. Leave it for a few minutes to loosen dirt and oils.

Step 2: Brush

Gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush, focusing on crevices around the stone where dirt may stay.

Step 3: Rinse & Dry

Rinse thoroughly in running water and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

NOTE: Avoid using abrasive cleaners. And for severe tarnish or stains, reach out to a professional for re-plating.

How to Choose High-Quality Cubic Zirconia Jewelry That Stays Sparkling?

If you want your cubic zirconia jewelry to last long and stay sparkling, it’s important that you only buy from a professional custom jewelry manufacturer. This is a guarantee for long-term beauty.

When you buy, check these four things:

Select 3A Stone Grade or Above

Professional CZ jewelry manufacturers use a rating system of A to 5A (AAAAA). Always choose the one with 3A and above. This rating indicates better clarity, fewer inclusions, and superior brilliance. The ones with the higher ratings resemble diamonds and maintain their sparkle longer.

Prioritize Stone Cut and Setting Method

Select a cubic zirconia that has a precise cut. The cut impacts light reflection and maximizes the sparkle of the stone. Also, check the settings of the stone. Those with secure settings like prong or bezel don’t just showcase the stone’s brilliance, they also protect it from loosening or damage during wear.

Choose High-Quality Base Metal

Try to avoid cubic zirconia jewelry that is set in lower-grade metals. Rather, choose those with durable and hypoallergenic metals. Options like platinum, titanium, and stainless steel jewelry offer the best tarnish-resistant properties and protect the skin from irritation.

Consider Plating Thickness

Choose CZ jewelry with thicker plating, such as PVD gold or gold-filled. They offer better protection against friction and tarnish. Also, they are reliable options for preserving the shine and luster of the cubic zirconia for a long time.

Conclusion

If you were wondering in the beginning, does cubic zirconia jewelry tarnish? It should be clear now that it does not tarnish. Rather, what may tarnish is the metal it is set in. Choosing a CZ jewelry with the right metals and finishes makes all the difference.

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