Cubic zirconia is much less expensive than a diamond, so cubic zirconia engagement rings are much more affordable than diamond engagement rings.

Not only are cubic zirconia engagement rings less expensive, but they look almost the exact same! To an untrained eye, cubic zirconia looks identical to diamond.

When thinking of getting an engagement ring, here's a chart comparing both cubic zirconia to diamonds that you'll want to consider:

If you're wondering how easy it is to sniff out a cubic zirconia engagement ring vs. a diamond ring, it's hard.

At first glance, the two seem quite similar; truth be told, the best way to tell them apart is by using specific tools such as a magnifying glass or microscope. If your girlfriend whips these out when you propose, you might want to reconsider the engagement ;)

After time, however, cubic zirconia could crack, scratch or fade in brilliance easily. Hopefully by then you've either come clean about buying it for her (if you lied initially) or you've saved up enough money to get a diamond engagement ring.

They say a diamond is forever and that's more than just a marketing slogan- diamonds are very durable and will keep their shape and form for a lifetime in most cases. Cubic zirconia rings, however, will fade after several years depending on their exposure and care.

Cubic zirconia isn't the only material in an engagement ring- there's also the ring/band itself to consider. The most common materials used are:

• Sterling silver
• Sterling silver coated with platinum
  
• Rhodium coated sterling silver
• White gold (in rare cases)

Do you see a common theme here? It's Sterling Silver and that's in order to keep the cost of the engagement ring down.

If your aim is to get an affordable engagement ring that will last, I would strongly suggest getting one with a platinum or rhodium coat. Sterling silver is too easily scratched and damaged; platinum is not.

For other types of affordable engagement rings, consider also looking at:

• Gemstone engagement rings
• Cheap diamond engagement rings
• Ruby engagement rings
• Build your own engagement rings