The marking “C/Z” on a ring stands for Cubic Zirconia—a popular diamond simulant used in jewellery.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a lab-created gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It closely resembles a diamond in appearance—clear, sparkly, and brilliant—but is much more affordable. It’s often used in rings, earrings, and fashion jewellery to create a luxurious look without the cost of natural gemstones.
Why “C/Z” is Marked on Jewellery:
The “C/Z” stamp is there to identify the stone and distinguish it from natural diamonds or other precious gems. This ensures transparency for customers and is commonly accompanied by a metal purity stamp (e.g., “925” for sterling silver or “9K” for 9ct gold).
How to Tell if Your Ring is CZ:
It will often be labelled or stamped “C/Z”
Typically set in silver, 9ct gold, or fashion jewellery
Sparkles brilliantly, but lacks the depth and natural imperfections of a diamond
Lighter in cost and often lighter in weight
At PureJewels, we use genuine diamonds and hallmarked metals in all our fine jewellery collections. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of your gemstone or would like it assessed, our team would be happy to assist.