How Long Does Cubic Zirconia Last? Durability & Care Guide

                  Image curtesy of Diamond Travel Jewelry

With the right care, cubic zirconia jewelry can stay brilliant for many years. The most common complaint, that CZ "goes cloudy," is usually about surface buildup rather than the stone itself breaking down.

CZ sits around 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it resists everyday scratches well, though it's softer than a diamond and can pick up fine surface marks over years of heavy daily wear. It can also chip if struck hard against a surface, much like any faceted stone. The cloudiness people notice over time most often comes from lotions, oils, soap film, and skin residue coating the stone, which dulls its ability to reflect light. The good news: in most cases that sparkle can be restored with a proper cleaning.

To clean CZ jewelry at home, soak it for a few minutes in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, gently brush around and behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Cleaning behind the stone matters because that's where light enters and reflects back. Doing this every week or two keeps the fire looking fresh.

A few habits extend the life of your pieces. Take rings off before applying lotions, perfume, or makeup, since these are the main culprits behind buildup. Avoid wearing CZ in chlorinated pools or hot tubs and in saltwater, as harsh chemicals can affect the metal setting and plating over time. CZ can get wet and a quick splash won't hurt, but it's best not to shower in it daily because soap residue accumulates fast. Store each piece separately in a pouch or lined box so harder stones don't rub against softer settings.

Worn thoughtfully, CZ is genuinely suited to everyday wear, which is exactly why it's such a popular choice for travel and daily jewelry.