Cubic zirconia is sold in trade grades, usually written as A, AA, AAA and AAAAA (often called 5A). A higher grade generally means clearer material, a more precise cut and more sparkle. These grades are set by stone manufacturers and dealers, not by an independent body, so one supplier's AAA may match another's AA.
Use the grade as a starting point for discussion, and judge the stones on samples.
What the grades usually mean
- A and AA: lower-cost stones, sometimes with visible inclusions, cloudiness or uneven facets. Used in budget fashion pieces.
- AAA: a common middle grade, clear to the eye with acceptable cut. Used widely in everyday jewellery.
- AAAAA (5A): the top commercial grade, with clear material, precise facets and strong sparkle. Used in premium and bridal pieces.
Why there is no single standard
Unlike diamonds, CZ has no independent grading system or certificate. Each factory grades its own output, and grading words drift as dealers compete. Treat a grade on an invoice as a promise to be checked, not a guarantee.
How to judge stones yourself
- Look at the stones under a single bright light and in daylight; good stones flash evenly.
- Use a 10x loupe to check for bubbles, cloudiness and chipped or rounded facets.
- Compare colourless stones on white paper; low grades can look grey or yellow.
- Check that stones of the same nominal size match closely in pave settings.
- Keep a few loose stones or an approved piece as the reference for bulk orders.
Grade against price
Higher grades cost more, but on most pieces the stones are a modest share of the total cost compared with metal, plating and labour. Upgrading small accent stones often makes little visible difference, while upgrading a centre stone can change how premium a piece looks. Our guide to comparing quotes from Rajkot makers shows how to make sure quotes use the same grade.
What this means for a buyer
Name the grade in the purchase order, approve stones on a sample, and inspect bulk goods against that sample rather than against the label.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We check stone quality and setting on samples and bulk goods and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.