💫 Not All Sparkle Is Diamond: Why We Love Cubic Zirconia and Synthetic Gems
, by Jewel Hub, 5 min reading time
This post explores the value and beauty of synthetic stones like cubic zirconia (CZ) in modern jewellery. It explains why traditional diamond testers often show weak or no signals for CZ and other lab-grown gems, debunking the misconception that sparkle equals diamond. The article highlights CZ’s ethical appeal, affordability, and brilliance, while celebrating JewelHub’s design philosophy of storytelling over status. It also introduces pavé-inspired metalwork, where shimmer is sculpted rather than set — blending emotional design with clever craftsmanship.
In a world where shimmer speaks louder than price tags, choosing jewellery becomes less about status and more about story. At JewelHub, we're rewriting the rules of sparkle — and it starts with embracing stones that shine with intention.
💎 The Truth About Diamonds… and Why We’re Not Obsessed
Diamonds are dazzling, no doubt. But they’re also incredibly expensive, mined under complex ethical concerns, and often hold cultural pressure rather than personal meaning. So when our customers ask why their ring doesn’t pass the “diamond test,” we smile — because it’s not supposed to.
Diamond testers measure thermal conductivity. That means only diamonds (and sometimes moissanite) will light up the device. Cubic zirconia (CZ)? Synthetic sapphires? Glass? All fail — and that’s perfectly okay.
✨ Fun fact: CZ may not pass the test, but it passes the vibe check. Hard.
💖 What Is Cubic Zirconia — and Why We Use It
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone designed to mimic the fire and brilliance of diamonds — without the hefty price or environmental toll. At JewelHub, CZ gives us freedom: to create emotional, expressive designs with sparkle that lasts and value that feels accessible.
Durable & brilliant: CZ resists scratches and offers high refractive shine
Budget-friendly: Ideal for designs ranging from poetic bands to statement crowns
Ethically made: No mining, no guilt — just modern sparkle
A weak flicker or one light on a diamond tester is most commonly associated with cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ is a poor conductor of heat, which is what traditional diamond testers rely on to identify genuine diamonds. Here's a quick breakdown:
🧬 What About Our Other Stones?
We love variety. From synthetic emeralds to lab-grown rubies, each stone adds colour, mood, and symbolism to our collections. Many of our pieces also feature pavé-inspired bands — sculpted to shimmer even without stones. It’s a little illusion, a little magic, and a whole lot of design intention.
“Crafted to dazzle, even without diamonds.” That’s not just a tagline — it’s a philosophy.
🌱 When Value Means More Than Price
A £22 ring with heart-shaped gems and symbolism woven into every curve? That’s value. A £29 emerald ring that glows like royalty and fits like it was made for you? That’s worth. We design for people who want their jewellery to speak — not just sparkle.
And when a customer notices that their ring doesn’t flash on a diamond tester, we say: good. You’re not buying pressure — you’re buying poetry.
💎 Stone Types vs. Diamond Tester Behaviour & Price Range
Stone Type
Diamond Tester Result
Typical Price Range (per carat)
Notes
Natural Diamond
✅ Passes (strong light / beep)
£4,000–£6,000+
High thermal conductivity; most valuable
Moissanite
✅ Often passes as diamond
£300–£600
Can fool testers; double refraction under loupe
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
❌ Fails (no light or weak flicker)
£1–£5
Low conductivity; budget-friendly sparkle
Synthetic Sapphire
❌ Fails (no light)
£20–£100
Durable; often used in watch faces and accent stones
Synthetic Ruby
❌ Fails (no light)
£30–£120
Strong colour; used in fashion jewellery
Glass / Resin
❌ Fails (no light)
<£1
Very low value; used in costume jewellery
Natural Emerald
❌ Fails (no light)
£500–£1,100
Prized for colour; often included
Lab-Grown Diamond
✅ Passes (same as natural)
£800–£2,000
Chemically identical; 50–70% cheaper than mined diamonds
Spinel (Synthetic)
❌ Fails (no light)
£20–£200
Often mistaken for ruby; good brilliance
White Topaz
❌ Fails (no light)
£10–£60
Clear but softer; sometimes confused with CZ
🧪 Tester Tip
Diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, so only diamonds and moissanite typically pass. For more accuracy, use a multi-mode tester that checks both thermal and electrical conductivity to distinguish moissanite from diamond.
Would you like this adapted into a care card or mini glossary for your product pages? I can also help write a customer-friendly explanation like “Not all sparkle is diamond — and that’s the beauty of choice.” Just say the tone you’re after!
🛍 Explore Our Sparkling Alternatives From Guardian Snakes with ruby eyes to Radiant Blossoms in pink and blue, JewelHub invites you to wear jewellery that tells your story — not just one written by tradition.
Want to add a call-to-action like “Browse Our Symbolic Collection” or share this piece on Instagram with a carousel showing CZ vs diamond? I can help tailor it to blog, newsletter, or social caption formats next 🔱
