Discover the Differences Between Rhinestones Vs. Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia

Rhinestones Vs. Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia for Jewelry

Throughout history, both men and women have worn jewelry to indicate wealth and social status. Moreover, gemstone jewelry held a special place of importance, offering protection against evil spirits. Later, the wealthy and noble class wore it to distinguish themselves from the lower classes. Today, manufacturers create faux gems as an affordable option. When comparing rhinestones vs. diamonds vs. cubic zirconia, which one offers the best sparkle?

Real Vs. Faux Gems
Some historians credit Georges Frederic Strass, a Parisian jeweler, as the father of costume jewelry. In the 1730s, he created the first faux gem made from leaded glass. With a foil backing to reflect light, it would be impossible by candlelight to tell this limitation from diamonds.

The popularity of paste jewelry, as it came to be known, soared among the rich and noble born. Aristocrats could freely wear and travel with jewelry pieces without worrying about theft. Additionally, it was available in many colors, enabling wearers to have pieces created for specific outfits.

Furthermore, the rise of the middle class also helped fuel the desire for faux gemstones. Due to their more affordable price, men and women of moderate means could look well-to-do. Some famous designers, like Chanel and Dior, began creating rhinestone jewelry.

However, even with real gemstones, quality and grade vary. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of facets are another important part of creating sparkle. When comparing materials, remember that superiority varies between manufacturers and jewelers.

Crystal Rhinestones
Centuries ago, gem hunters gathered glittering quartz found along the Rhine River. Once this natural resource became depleted, glassmakers began experimenting to replicate it. Typically, rhinestone is the most popular word for these manufactured faux gems. However, some companies may describe their products as strass or diamante.

Originally, all crystal rhinestones contained lead. Due to health concerns, many manufacturers switched to using barium, zinc, or potassium oxide instead.  

While chatons have a pointed back like diamonds, the most common rhinestone is the flatback. With a silver backing to reflect light, these rhinestones have a diamond like sparkle.

Cubic Zirconia
During an unrelated experiment, German scientists created this compound as a byproduct. Thinking it didn’t have any applications, they basically ignored it. Decades later, Russian scientists rediscovered cubic zirconia.

However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that jewelers began using this beautiful lab-created gem. At that time, Swarovski began cutting and offering cubic zirconia in its product offerings. Its high dispersion index and cost-effective price make it a sought-after diamond substitute.

Diamonds
Created deep within the earth, intense heat and pressure turn carbon into the hardest substance known to man, diamonds. Raw diamonds are irregularly shaped stones with a dull, glassy surface.

Many historians believe that the people of India first discovered diamonds. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1300s that jewelers began experimenting with cutting this mineral. As technology developed, so did jewelers' skill with faceting. Both real and faux gemstones incorporate highly developed engineering principles to angle facets for the play of light.

​Rhinestones Vs. Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia - Important Attributes

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Of course, when making jewelry, price is a critical consideration. However, creating a unique and exciting piece is equally important. One way to achieve this is through a play of light. Each material interacts with light differently to create sparkle.

1. Reflective Index 
This is the amount of light reflected off the facets or foil backing to the viewer’s eye.

2. Refractive Index
When light enters a material, it slows down and bends. The refractive index (RI) of a gemstone is a measurement of the material’s ability to bend light.

3. Dispersion
White light consists of different colors traveling at the same speed. When it enters a material, the color wavelengths slow down at different speeds. This causes the white light to separate into colors.

Two other terms, fire and scintillation, relate to these properties. Fire is the light reflected through the gem/faux gem top after bouncing around inside. Scintillation is the multi-colored sparkles of light. Our chart at the top of the page compares the materials’ unique characteristics.

Best Choice for Rhinestone Jewelry
Of course, the debate over rhinestones vs. diamonds will continue. Yet, the beauty and cost-effectiveness of crystal rhinestones help make them a popular choice for jewelry. For many years, Swarovski was the premier brand to use. However, in 2021, the company removed itself from the retail market due to changing economic conditions.

A quality Swarovski alternative is Preciosa crystal components. With a similar level of brilliance and sparkle, Preciosa boasts a 500-year history of glassmaking.  Its crystal clear rhinestones are almost indistinguishable from diamonds.  Furthermore, the company offers a variety of colors and sizes for all your needs.

Moreover, Rhinestones Etc. has an extensive collection of both hotfix and flatback Preciosa Rhinestones. We offer fast processing times with same day shipping. Browse our online rhinestone store to find your crystal components.