~ A Guide to Buying Wholesale Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconia is a made in a laboratory to have the same features of a diamond, so it could be used as a replacement for the diamond. Even though the hardness of the cubic zirconia is not equally to the hardness of a diamond, the cubic zirconia is still increasing in popularity because of its harness and brilliant shine. It has become of the more popular choices for a diamond replacement in jewelry. Because cubic zirconia is available in the different shapes and the variety of colors, they can be found in the most fashionable styles in all types of jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
All of the gemstones made in the laboratory carry the same traits and feature of their natural counterpart. They have become more popular for their beauty and less as a replacement of the original stone. The synthetic gemstones creating in the laboratory have the same mineral in their make up as the natural stones. The cubic zirconia however is different because its composition is to simulate a diamond. It is made with the same crystal system found in a diamond. Unlike it synthetic relatives the cubic zirconia was only found once in its natural setting and has never been found again.
The synthetic gemstones are made to emulate all types of stones, such as coral, diamond, alexandrite, emerald, sapphire, ruby, garnet, quartz, and turquoise. They can also be found in the same fashionable shapes their natural counterparts. They are available in, such as round, oval, pear, heart, and baguettes.
Even though the cubic zirconia is a diamond replacement stone in jewelry. They can also come in a large variety of colors. They are available as oval-shaped champagne stones, heart-shaped pink stones, or pear-shaped blue stones. Each colored stone is available in every shape the diamond can be found no matter the color of the cubic zirconia.
When buying wholesale stones, you want to find the high quality stone. Make sure to look at their samples for the quality of the cut, the smoothness, the hardness, and the weight. If you are unable to detect a high quality stone, enlist the assistance of a good gemologist you can trust. Even though you are trying to find the best prices in stones when looking at wholesale, do not buy second hand stones. You want the jewelry you make to wear to look like it a high quality piece of jewelry. Cubic zirconias are available in different grades such as Grade A, Grade AAA and Grade AAAAA. The Grade AAAAA offers long-lasting brilliance and sparkle, so it has become a high valued stone with consumers. If you choose to make your own jewelry, remember to make quality your top priority.
Choosing Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
When you shop for cubic zirconia jewelry, consider the price you want to spend on the jewelry, and consider the look you are going for when choosing the jewelry. Because cubic zirconia is less costly than diamonds, some manufacturers will make them cheaply by using cheaper metals. Some manufacturers see the cubic zirconia as the beautiful stone they are, so they will make them with precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and the up and coming titanium. The cubic zirconia jewelry made with precious metals will cost more than cubic zirconia jewelry made with a cheaper metal.
Another difference you might be able to see with the naked eye is the way the cubic zirconia is cut. Cubic zirconia stones are mass-produced; some manufacturers will use a machine to cut the facets in the stones. However the manufacturers who see the stone for its own beauty will have the cubic zirconia stones hand-cut like a diamond.
If the cubic zirconia jewelry you have seen looks cheap, it is because it was cheaply handled and put together. However, there are several manufacturers who do beautiful work with cubic zirconia jewelry and the cubic zirconia jewelry will rival diamond jewelry.
Even though cubic zirconia is not as hard as a diamond. It will cut glass just like a diamond when it has a quality cut and a professional hand polish. The same method and ingredients are used to make cubic zirconia stones. I believe the difference between a quality stone and a cheap looking stone is in the cutting and polishing of the stone. Even a diamond would not look as good if cheaply cut and cheaply polished, and neither does the cubic zirconia.
When they are creating the cubic zirconia stones certain minerals can be added to create a different color. Cubic zirconia can be made to look a number of quality gemstones, such as emerald, sapphires, and rubies just to name a few. A cubic zirconia can be created to match your birthstone. When the cubic zirconia is treated with the Azotic coating, the colors that emerge are stunning. They are even more stunning when added to a Topaz, which is the stone most treated with the Azotic coating process.
Probably the cubic zirconia jewelry seen by most people in stores is the less costly version, which is not made to rival a diamond, and does not show the cubic zirconia at its best. I have seen cubic zirconia jewelry online, which is not cheap. It costs less than the same setting with a diamond. However, it is difficult to tell quality by a picture on a web site.
The next time you go shopping for jewelry, ask about the cubic zirconia jewelry. You may be able to look at some of the quality cubic zirconia jewelry I have seen evidence of online. I would hate to think the only cubic zirconia jewelry in stores is cheaply made cubic zirconia jewelry. I think the cubic zirconia is a beautiful stone. The cubic zirconia even looks good in when it is placed in a gold plated setting, but personally I don't believe those settings do the cubic zirconia justice.
Choosing the Shape of Your Cubic Zirconia
When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will be looking at the cut of the stone in combination with the design of the ring. The cut of the stone is as important as the design. The two combined together will compliment each other in a beautiful arrangement for you to wear on your hand, arm, neck or ears.
If you choose to have a piece of cubic zirconia jewelry custom-made, with a design of your own creation or a design chosen from a designer, you will want to choose the right cut of stone to enhance the design. A cubic zirconia stone will come in the same type of cuts you will see in a diamond. Diamond cutters are always trying to come up with new and unique cuts for the stones. These listed below are the most popular cuts of diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia.
Round Brilliant - The round brilliant is the most elegant, classic cut. The stone has been well rounded and highly polished to reflect an abundant percentage of light. Because of the brilliance of the cut of stone, could be reason for the name.
Marquise - The marquise is a long, almost slender cut of stone. It is pointed at both of ends and is slightly rounded in the middle. This cut can be made to be longer or shorter depending on the design of the ring or the preference of the client.
Princess - The princess cut is the square cut of stone. The brilliance of the stone comes from the complex cuts in the corner of the stone.
Radiant/Emerald - The radiant and the emerald are two different cuts, but a similar in various ways. They are both cut into a rectangle shape. They both have a very classic look about them. However, the radiant cut was not invented until sometime in the 1970s. The emerald cut had started loosing it's popularity in the early 1970s. The radiant cut has more complex cuts in the stone for the maximum reflection of light and brilliance.
Pear - The pear shape is also known as the teardrop shape. The cut combines the lengthened shape of the marquise cut with brilliant elegance the round cut stone.
Oval - The oval cut is a rounded, elongated cut stone. It is cut to bring out the brilliance of the stone giving it an elegant look. This cut of stone has become very popular as the center in a design of elegant pieces of jewelry.
Heart - The heart is a frivolous fun creation. The heart shape stones have been used in many different settings of earrings, necklaces and rings. Recently it has become more popular in rings especially engagement rings.
These cuts of stone are well known and are very popular when choosing cubic zirconia jewelry. When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will have these stones to pick from as well as some unique cuts not mentioned here. Choose jewelry to enhance your style whether it is one of the well known cuts or a unique cut only owned and worn by you.
Creating Your Own Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
If you are the creative type person, you may enjoy making your own jewelry. You are able to make the design as unique as you are and you can choose the stones that will enhance your design. It will all be your choosing. Creating your own cubic zirconia jewelry allows you to have the freedom to create exactly what you want. Since cubic zirconia comes in a variety of beautiful colors, you will be able to combine stones not found in tradition settings at your local jewelry store.
You will have the freedom to create your own design or you can choose a designer who will make the jewelry for you. The stones can be purchased in bulk at wholesale prices, which will enable you to have enough stones to make a jewelry ensemble.
Creating your own jewelry can sound like a much more difficult process than it actually is. It will take some work, patience and resolve on your part to get the project through to completion. Now let's look at some of the steps to creating your own cubic zirconia jewelry.
You have to think about what you want to make. Have the idea in your mind and visualize it. This will help give you direction when you are in the process of making your jewelry. It is frustrating to be in the middle of making your jewelry and don't know the direction you need to go in. Your project is likely to be put on hold for a time.
Now you have to decide the type of materials you want to use. The stone color(s) you want and the type of metal. Gold or silver metal may be a little more expensive than you want to spend for you first effort at making jewelry. You may want to start off making your first attempts in something cheaper. Get the mistakes out of the way before you progress to the gold, silver or platinum stages. Stainless steel would be a good choice of a material to use on your first attempt to making your own cubic zirconia jewelry.
Now that you have decided on the metal you will use. We can look more closely at the piece you have chosen to make. For example, you have decided to make a pair of earrings first. How are the earrings going to look? Are they going to be stud earrings or would you like to make wires to dangle from your ears?
Now everything has been decided on, it is time to find instructions on how to make the piece exactly as you want them to look. You can find the type of instructions you need at your local craft store or you can even find them by searching the web.
Gather all the materials you will need to make your piece of jewelry. If you need to make a list. Don't start making your piece of jewelry until you have all the materials you need all together. You will hate getting to the "good part", so to speak, and have to stop because you forgot one item. Double or even triple checking all the materials is a good way to insure you have everything you need.
Start assembling your piece of jewelry.
After you have completed your piece of jewelry, take a look at it. You can wear it around with pride in yourself. After this project, you will probably want to do more. Necklace to match, gifts for family and friends, etc. the possibilities are endless.
Cubic Zirconia and Sterling Silver - A Match Made in Heaven?
For centuries with each new change in the times there was a change in ladies fashion. In the beginning there was no fashion and no choices to make unless it was, "shall I wear the brown one today or the other brown one?" Clothes had to be tied with small rope or heavy threads just to keep them on. Major changes in the fashion industry have happen over the years. Many of us have seen the pre-mini skirt phase, the mini-skirt and hot pants phase, the maxi-skirt phase and the list goes on. We have seen a lot of changes in our own lifetimes. With each new season comes a new idea in fashion, or sometimes an old idea spruced up. The fashion industry keeps making room for those new ideas.
The same thing has happened with jewelry over the years. New ideas and new materials to be used in jewelry have help make the jewelry of today what it is. Jewelry is not a simple ornament, it is a fashion statement. Accessories are important to a women's wardrobe and if men would admit it to their wardrobe too.
The designers of today have come up with some stunning creations. We get a glimpse of them as they are walking on the red carpet. The price tag is so astronomical it would take us two lifetimes to pay for them.
However, there is an alternative. Because of the high fashion pieces we have seen on the red carpet and in other situations, there is a huge demand on cubic zirconia to mimic these lovely works of art. Cubic zirconia could be on the fast track to becoming a girl's next best friend because of the availability and the price. They look so much like diamonds is it impossible for the average person to tell the difference, and they give us a very appealing option to the real diamonds on the market.
Silver jewelry is becoming more popular because of its price when compared to the price of platinum. Silver jewelry has a quality gold can not match. Silver can be very subtle in bring out features of a stone or a design. It seems to have a very delicate look about it and when coupled with a cubic zirconia together they are transformed into something awe inspiring. Before the creation of cubic zirconia, silver has been used for years in the making of fine jewelry. You can find silver in many more places than in the past because of its increased popularity. Today you can find silver jewelry in almost every jewelry store.
When you put a cubic zirconia in a sterling silver setting, the results are stunning and well worth the price. This is the type of ornamental jewelry that appeals to women the most. The two compliment each other beautifully, and if a woman chooses to have a stone with some color, the cubic zirconia comes in a wide variety of colors. The coupling of sterling silver and a cubic zirconia colored stone or the most common white stone is a beautiful combination.
Cubic Zirconia Bracelets
Bracelets have been around almost as long as some other pieces of jewelry. They were worn in Ancient Egypt as a major piece of jewelry. In fact the early Egyptians probably wore the first charm bracelets. The men would carry around certain items known at that time to ward off their enemies or evil spirits. Because they carried them around, at some time the charms were combined with jewelry pieces, which were worn around the neck or the wrist. This jewelry service a dual purpose, not only did they ward off their enemies and evil spirits, but they also were worn to signify to the Gods of this persons position in the after life.
The bands of leather worn on the forearm's of men and soldiers were known as "Bracels". Although the bracels were adorn with gold and silver, and some times gemstones, they function was of a protective gear. When women decided the smaller bracels were attractive for them to wear, the bracels were renamed to bracelets.
Bracelets have been seen through out the years worn by men and women, and made out of various types of materials such as iron, leather, copper, beads, teeth, bones and then of precious metals such as gold and silver. Bracelets also have been known to worn on the upper portion of a women's arm to enhance a sleeveless outfit.
Today bracelets are still made from the precious metals, gold, silver and platinum. Titanium is beginning to become more popular because of its lightweight, durability and the hypoallergenic benefits. You can find bracelets adorned with a variety of gemstones, real or synthetic. The diamond tennis bracelets have been very popular since introduced into the market. You can now get these same tennis bracelets with cubic zirconia to replace the diamonds at much lower cost than the original.
Cubic zirconia, synthetic gemstones, diamonds and real gemstones can be found in the various creations of bracelets on the market today. Along with the common precious metals, gold, silver and platinum are used in the designing of bracelets, however there are still some old stand-byes. Modern acrylics and plastics are used to make the trendy bracelets. Copper is still used in the making of bracelets because of the noted effect it seems to have in alleviating the discomforts of arthritis.
Anklets have been around for almost as long as bracelets have been around. You will find them created from the same precious metals as the bracelets. The gemstones used are sometimes a smaller version than typically found adorning bracelets. However the effect is still the same.
Cubic zirconia being the best buy for your money, are very popular in the making of fashion bracelets. The fact they come in a variety of colors also helps make them more popular in jewelry fashion design. Cubic zirconia can be found incorporated with all of the known precious metal from gold to titanium. They are used mostly in the bracelets with a chain as the base You can be sure that no matter the situation, you will be able to find a bracelet befitting your taste within the price range of your budget.
Cubic Zirconia Brooches
Brooches have been used for hundreds of years. The Viking women used brooches to fasten two straps of their pinafores together. The brooches of that time were only serviceable so they were not decorated with jewels. However, through out history brooches have been used to hold up tunics, as a fastener for cloaks, or to hold up bits of material.
Brooches have been an important of the type of clothing worn for centuries. The jeweled brooches were not only enhanced with the addition of jewels and color, but they were still useful as well. Sometime in the Middle Ages the circle pin became the most typical brooch. Usually these jeweled brooches were inscribed for a loved one. A large number of the more elegant brooches appeared with the image of lovers formed in gold and enameled in bright colors. Some of the elegant brooches still in existence have religious scenes. They are often decorated with pearls and precious stones.
Today brooches have been used in various ways. They can adorn the lapel of a winter coat, or pin a scarf to a blouse or dress. Sometimes they will add decoration to a plain dress. Some of the circle one still can be found, but often times they will be in the shape of a dragon fly, a butterfly, a feather, or a flower. There are some shaped like snakes, turtles and other creatures.
These brooches are made from sterling silver, gold or platinum and decorated with gemstones, diamonds or cubic zirconia. Some of the brooches have no stones at all, but are painted to give them color. Some are plain precious metal.
If you are looking for brooches and are on a budget, I would recommend the cubic zirconia brooches. They can be set in a precious metal covered with small cubic zirconia stones and the cost will be around $50.00.
Brooches are a great gift idea mostly because many women don't buy them for themselves. If they are given one, they will undoubtedly think of something they wear needing an added touch and the brooch would be perfect.
Beautiful brooches are not seen as often as they once were. Maybe we aren't wearing them as often as we once did or even as often as our Mothers did. However, a brooch can be a lovely addition to your cubic zirconia jewelry. With all the colors available in the cubic zirconia and the affordable price we really don't have a good reason for not wearing brooches more often.
Take a look at your wardrobe. See if you own something a brooch can enhance. If you wear blazers, the right brooch or possibly a lapel pin would compliment and help complete the look your blazer created. A heavy wool coat can always use a brooch for the lapel. The scarves you wear can be draped and held in place by a beautiful brooch. The cubic zirconia brooches are the best buy for your money. Try them with colored stones or try them natural. They will make you look like you are wearing diamonds and you don't need to let them know any different.
Cubic Zirconia Cufflinks and Tie Pins
In many cases, I think cufflinks and tie pins have been forgotten. With the relaxing of business attire for men in the office, cufflinks and tie pins are no longer a necessity. However, evening attire has remained the coat and tie version where cufflinks and tie pins still rule the men's fashion accessories.
When shopping for cufflinks and tie pins, you will find a number of whimsical and trendy pieces, which may attest to the man's hobby or interest. For example, playing cards, dice or even liquor bottles. Other examples include carpenter tool, hand-tied fishing flies under glass, horses, roulette wheels, cap pistols. For the sports fanatics football, baseball and basketball team logos, or footballs, basketball, golf balls and golf club. The traditional cufflinks and tie pins with the classic and elegant are still available. You can find some of the traditional cufflinks and tie pins made of gold plated or silver plated stainless steel with a burnished finish or with a brilliant shine in various shapes such as round, oval, square, triangles and bars. Also available are the jewel-encrusted cufflinks or tie pins. They can be made with colored gemstones such as emeralds or sapphires, or they will have a diamond or cubic zirconia stone.
Cufflinks are traditionally worn with a French-cuff shirt. This style of shirt has no buttons at the cuff to hold them closed. However cufflinks have been around longer than the French-cuffed shirts. They have found evidence of a type of cuff fastener in the hieroglyphics in King Tut's tomb. Cufflinks or cuff fasteners in the mid 1600s were worn only by royalty and were used as decoration. It was in the late 1700s cufflinks were fashioned in a different style to what had previously been worn and was adopted by the middle class and tradesmen of the day. Cufflinks created in the 1840s were held together by metal and sometimes brass chains. They were created from gold, silver or pearl buttons.
The cufflink and the tie pin have come along way since then. They are still a fashion accessory for men and women who sport the French-cuff shirt with a tie today. They also have a much larger selection to choose from than history depicts men had to choose from then. Men and women can choose from the plain, but elegant look of metal or the jewel encrusted cufflinks and tie pins.
Although cubic zirconia may be the least expensive of the stones used in the making of some of today's cufflinks, they are by far the best use of your money. They have the look of elegance and the brilliance of a diamond. A cubic zirconia cufflink coupled with a cubic zirconia tie pin is a stunning finishing touch to a man's suit. Some men say cufflinks are the same to men as earrings are to women. One more pair is never too many and there are many interesting styles to choose from. Cubic zirconia may only make up a small part of the cufflink and tie pin industry, but are a welcomed beautiful and affordable addition.
Cubic Zirconia Earrings
Earrings is like adding icing to a cake, it is the finishing touch to a women's fashion ensemble. Cubic zirconia in its diamond like appearance and its colored version are used in the designs of earrings. You will find them in hoop earrings, droplet earrings, stud earrings, and the chandelier earrings. Mostly precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and titanium are used in cubic zirconia earrings, but you can find some with stainless steel.
Earrings have been around since about 2500 BC. but only the wealthy and royalty could afford to own them. These earrings were discovered in Iraq during an archeological dig. Only two types of earrings have been found dating back to that time era. They are the hoop earrings and the pendent earrings. Not long after the Egyptians began using what is known as earplugs. These are not the same type of earplugs we are familiar with today. They used earplugs in conjunction with piercing of the ear lobe. It is said King Tutankhamen had such a piercing in his ear.
Poverty dominated the Dark Ages to the point jewelry making was not made. The designs were secured and were used after the Dark Ages were over. Early Roman women used earrings to display their wealthy position. Precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires and aquamarines were used the most.
The changing of hairstyles influenced the designer of jewelry. There are times in history where earrings were not worn at all. The elaborate headdresses worn in the Middle Ages were not worn with earrings. The ears could not be seen. The bonnets of the 1800th century made it difficult to wear earrings. Also at that same time women wore their hair in a knot at the back of their head. Their ears not visible again.
When hairstyles started getting shorter or was worn swept up and away from the face. Designers were again making earrings. Today earring are sometime worn and sometimes not worn. It makes very little difference how today's women wear their hair. We keep the earring designer very busy.
With cubic zirconia earrings we can look like we are wearing diamonds without paying the price for diamonds. You can also buy earrings with a necklace to match. These matching sets help you start your jewelry ensemble. Some people want to mix the jewelry they wear together while others want everything to match. Whichever way you choose to wear your jewelry ensemble. I know you will be able to get what you want in a line of cubic zirconia jewelry pieces. Because the prices are so economical, you will be able to get everything all at once. You will also love the quality of cubic zirconia jewelry. They also make great gifts. Most of the jewelers in the business of selling and possibly even manufacturing cubic zirconia jewelry, are reputable dealers. They stand behind their products. They will work with you should there be a problem with a piece they sell you. You will be able to find a number of retail outlets where you can shop for your cubic zirconia earrings.
Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings
We are all familiar with the engagement ring. The man makes a commitment of marriage and shows it by the giving an engagement ring to the woman he intends to marry. We know June is one of the most popular months for weddings, and it has been noted engagement rings are a popular Christmas gift. Do we know when the tradition of the giving of an engagement ring started?
Engagement rings have been discovered as far back as the days of the Roman Empire. The rings were known as betrothal rings. They were given by a man to a woman to testify to their up coming nuptials. During this time era iron was the metal used to make the betrothal rings, not gold, and the betrothal rings were not adorned with a jewel.
Engravings on the inside of the engagement ring began in the 1600s and quickly became popular. The traditions has survived up to current times where the engraving of initials or the engagement date is often placed on the inside of the engagement ring.
The rings of recent times have been set with diamonds, but cubic zirconia settings have become more and more popular. The beauty of the stone rivals the beauty of a diamond, but the cost is about 75% less than the cost of a diamond.
Another tradition in engagement rings is having the engagement ring set with the bride's birthstone as an accent to the diamond or cubic zirconia.
Engagement rings have become an integrated part of the marriage process. Some of those people who opt for just a simple wedding band do so because of cost. Some just like the simple band for simplicity sake. Those opting because of the cost in many cases will buy a more elaborate ring in their later years. Those newly engaged couples could opt to choose cubic zirconia over a diamond and enjoy the ring they want now for the price they can afford. Practical couple will consider saving money on the ring for a better use of the money saved in their new life or honeymoon. There could be thousands of uses for the money saved in the cost of the ring. There is no point in settling for a small stone and get a diamond when you can have the elaborate ring of your choice for less money. If you wish to include the birthstone of the bride, it can be done with the synthetic gemstones available. You will not sacrifice the brilliance and beauty of the ring for the cost. To the untrained eye the cubic zirconia can not be told apart from a diamond. No one will know the difference unless you tell them. You may be so proud of the ring and the money you saved, you may feel like shouting it off of a rooftop.
Right now you may be single, but you might want to take a good look at cubic zirconia engagement ring for when the time comes. See if you can tell the difference between the cubic zirconia and the diamond. Be sure to check out the quality of a cubic zirconia ring when compared to a diamond ring. They are plenty of web sites selling diamond and cubic zirconia rings. Sometimes you will see them side by side, and the only way to tell them apart is by the price. Cubic zirconia can be colored so you don't have to settle for a white stone. To find the same color in the diamond will be difficult because they are rare and costly. When you are ready to take the plunge, look at the cubic zirconia rings before you make your final choice.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry is Making a Splash in Fashion
We love color. We don't like the drab of only black and white. We want the brilliant blues, the deep reds, the bright yellows and the vibrant amber. Cubic zirconia jewelry is giving us color. Cubic zirconia is a very close look alike to diamonds, but did you know they can be made in colors also. Instead of paying the price of a real sapphire, you can have a cubic zirconia colored like a sapphire, a garnet, amethyst, or a citrine. As always the price is still affordable.
Fashion jewelry offers the trendy new styles in whatever bold colors are "in" that season. This is perfect to help you spice up your wardrobe with color. Every one wears black and white, but we always add some color to the outfit. Color is a very important part of a wardrobe.
Of course not all jewelry has to have color to be fashion jewelry. The white cubic zirconia in a setting of sterling silver is very fashionable. Most people prefer to get a lot and to pay less. With cubic zirconia jewelry made with sterling silver, you get the best of both worlds. With the cubic zirconia looking like diamonds or any other gemstone and the sterling silver has the look of platinum, and both of them at a cheaper price than the real things, you are really getting your dollar's worth. You get the classic elegant look of the silver and cubic zirconia combined which will rival any diamond with silver piece of jewelry.
So what colors are "big" this summer? Every color that comes out of your garden, the color of the summer sky which will include all the pinks, and yellows, and blues, and greens, and reds blooming in your garden now. In celebration of summer you can add an ankle bracelet to your jewelry wardrobe. Summer is the best time of year to wear an ankle bracelet. During the winter our ankles tend to stay covered. So while they are out for the summer, adorn them. Give your summer attire the finished look it needs.
So let's get started. Add some color to your jewelry wardrobe. Bring home a vibrant blue earring and necklace set made with blue colored cubic zirconia and sterling silver. Maybe you would rather have a beautiful deep red ruby ring. How about a charm bracelet? Maybe you need a brooch to attach your favorite wrap. What ever your wardrobe has in the way of color can be mirrored in your jewelry. Choose some spectacular pieces, and because they are so affordable you can buy more than just one. You can get the necklace and add the matching earrings and bracelet.
You can get the matching ring and necklace and throw in an ankle bracelet too. Even the white cubic zirconia, especially if you get it with a precious metal will look very elegant for your evenings out. What ever you choose to add to your jewelry collection will be great if you make it cubic zirconia. It is one way you can't go wrong.
Antique Styles Created with Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia can be made into any style of jewelry imaginable. One of the styles you might not have considered is the Victorian antique style of jewelry. Victorian style antique jewelry can be purchased with a cubic zirconia instead of a diamond.
In Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria came the Victorian jewelry period. It started in 1836 and ran through 1901. The designs of the Victorian era were spurred by the Queen's love for her husband and children. The designs mirrored a romantic, sentimental outlook. The inspired theme of the designs came from flowers, bows, hearts, birds, and human hair. All of these were incorporated into the designs of the jewelry. Some of the most popular gemstones used during this time era were the garnet, opal, amethysts, and seed pearls. Opals were the favorite of Queen Victoria, making opals a very popular gemstone. After diamonds were discovered in 1837 in South Africa, they were used in jewelry and became increasingly popular. The jewelry was to be given to show love and was worn during times of mourning as a symbol of love.
Jewelry from the Art Deco jewelry period has been made using cubic zirconia instead of diamonds with great success. The Art Deco jewelry period began in 1920 and lasted until 1935. During this time period dazzling jewelry was produced which was so markedly different to the jewelry produced during earlier time periods. In difference from the soft colors and the flowing lines of the jewelry came very bold, deep, and brilliant colors. The lines no longer were flowing, instead were very even, straight lines. This was the time era of the flappers and jazz.
Egyptian had a very strong influence making the sphinx and falcon very popular. With the concentration of balance and harmony in the jewelry, gemstones were cut using geometrical cuts to blend. Women had started wearing their hair short and very straight. Popular jewelry consisted of long earring, long strings of pearls or beads, cocktail rings and diamond watches. The most popular gems of the time were emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Diamonds were still the gems for wedding and engagement rings.
Cubic zirconia has also been successful in recreating jewelry from the Retro Jewelry Period, also. The Retro jewelry period started in 1935 and ran through 1950, which was during the years of the Great Depression. The characteristics of the Retro jewelry period are large vivid colored gemstones in large rectangular cuts. The synthetic gemstones of ruby and sapphires were some of the popular stones of the time era. With platinum not being available, yellow gold was the metal used in most of the jewelry of the day. Jewelry designers created jewelry pieces with multiple colors and with combinations of rose, yellow and green gold. The fashion piece of the time period was the charm bracelet. They were worn with multiple charms attached to a link bracelet.
The elaborate settings of the engagement ring gave the illusion of a larger diamond. The price was affordable enough to be chosen by the thrifty women of the 1930s. Some of these same types of settings are still popular today.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Trivia
Jostens, the maker of class rings and the famed Super Bowl ring, is said to be making a Fantasy Football Ring. The fantasy football players are now going to be rewarded with a Signet Fantasy Football Championship Ring for the measly price of $99.00. There are 5 different designs to choose from the highest base price being $309.00. The "Franchise IV" model with the base price of $309.00 is described to include 24 cubic zirconias and one 40-point cubic zirconia in the center. Beneath the description is written an upgrade is available for an additional charge. The upgrade will include a 40-point diamond set in a 14-karat white gold band. The ring will run you about $2000.00. Cheap!
Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver, and Angelina Jolie have made it known they will only wear synthetic diamonds, such as cubic zirconia to many of the red carpet events. They are protesting the use of forced child labor in the mining of the so called "blood diamonds".
In the city of Tumkur the jeweler entrusted with the creation of the tiaras for Miss India-Universe, Miss India-World, and Miss India-Earth winner has been doing this since 2004. The owner says the tiaras consist of 22-carat gold, finest cubic zirconia stones, diamonds and precious colored stones.
Suzanne Somers, the actress turned entrepreneur, purchased the design of a Harry Winston bracelet. Made with diamonds the bracelet probably retails for about one million dollars. She has instead made the same bracelet grid using cubic zirconia so she can sell it for only $189.00.
Cubic zirconia jewelry and the stones themselves have been getting more and more attention. People will become more and more interested in cubic zirconia jewelry. If they have never seen it before, they will make it a point to look for it during their next shopping spree. Once they see the beauty of the cubic zirconia in beautiful gold, sterling silver or platinum setting, their eyes will become wide with surprise. The price tag will hook them completely.
When they learn about all the options a consumer has to pick from when it comes to cubic zirconia jewelry, they will be making their lists for gift giving or they might even find something for themselves. With cubic zirconias coming in colored stones increases the selection of the consumer to be even larger than it is with the white cubic zirconia. They will look like someone's birthstone. Birthstone rings were very popular at one time and I don't think they have lost much in the way of public interest.
With the prices of some things as high as they are the price of the cubic zirconia is like a breath of fresh air. The public will become more and more cost conscious. The public already wants the most they can get for their money, but I believe it could reach the point where cubic zirconia jewelry will be much more common than diamonds and some other precious stones. People are always looking for a good buy and I believe with cubic zirconia jewelry, everyone gets a good buy.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry versus Diamonds Jewelry
Since coming to the world's attention in the 1830s, diamonds in has been a favorite of stones for jewelry. Not everyone can afford to buy diamonds, so the search for the best man-made version has been battled for years. Cubic Zirconia is considered to be the best man-made diamond for jewelry on the market today.
There are several reasons some people do not purchase diamond jewelry. The first on being the over-inflated price some believe has been controlled by the DeBeers diamond coalition. Many people believe the prices do not reflect the rarity of diamonds in a fair manner. There have also been studies done showing one third of every diamond sold in the United States today has been altered by an artificial means to increase the value of the diamond. The same studies show young couples on an average are paying 40% too much for their diamond engagement ring.
The price is not the only reason some people are no longer gravitating awary from diamond jewelry. There are the issues of the so called "blood diamonds" with the disturbing rumors of forced child labor and several other horrible human atrocities and cruelties. Well-know celebrities have brought it to the attention of Americans by the refusal to wear diamonds on the "red carpet" and have chosen to wear cubic zirconia stones in all their jewelry adornments for the "Oscar's" and other highly notable celebrity gatherings.
A good quality cubic zirconia in jewelry is practically identical from the mined diamonds. Even some jeweler can not tell the difference between a cubic zirconia and a diamond with out the aid of his gemologist's tool. The cost of cubic zirconia jewelry is about 75% less than the cost of a mined diamond.
There are other synthetic diamonds used in the market today to replace diamonds in jewelry settings. The moissanite is a mineral created by a laboratory as a good diamond replacement stone. It was introduced into the market in the 1990s. It has become the choice of some for their fine jewelry collection. There are those who prefer moissante to cubic zirconia. The moissante match diamond in the hardness of the mineral, but there is a downside. The cost is about $500 per carat and the moissante does not have the brilliance and fire of a diamond or the cubic zirconia.
Just recently introduced into the US jewelry market is the Diamond Nexus. The Diamond Nexus is a result of a new scientific processing technique. They are an excellent replacement stone for the mined diamond. They possess all the qualities of a diamond from the hardness to the brilliance and fire. They are only used in precious metal settings and are priced fairly reasonably at $79 a carat.
The Russian cubic zirconias are the cubic zirconia of the highest quality. The Russian cubic zirconia used in jewelry feature superior cutting and polishing techniques. Because of the masterful cutting and polishing techniques used to finish the stones, enhances the brilliance and fire of the stone creating a stone of a much higher quality than those mass produced and machine cut with very little polishing.
The Russian cubic zirconias used in jewelry are hand picked from the highest quality raw stones, hand cut by master cutters and hand polished. The specifications used for each of the Russian cubic zirconias are the same as those set down by the Gemological Institute of America for diamonds.
The Russian cubic zirconias are barely visible when compared to diamonds by experts. The experts must use advanced gemological tools to discern the differences between the Russian cubic zirconia and a diamond. Because the Russian cubic zirconia has more diffusion with light than a diamond, they have a profusion of fire and brilliance.
For my money, I will take a cubic zirconia jewelry over the other synthetic diamond jewelry any day.
Cubic Zirconia Necklaces
Necklaces have been around for centuries. Necklaces may have been worn as far back as the Stone Age. During an excavation in a cave scientist found forty-one mollusks. It is thought these mollusks may have been strung together to make a necklace. In other archeological digs stones, animal teeth, claws and bones have been found strung together
The early Egyptians, both men and women, were known to have worn necklaces made with gold and beads of a variety of different shapes. Some were even adorned with jewels.
Over the years many different cultures have been known to wear necklaces and other forms of jewelry. Hundreds or even thousands of years ago, jewelry was created out of the limited resources available to the makers. Gold and gemstones were in abundance during some of those times.
As it was just a few hundred years ago, jewelry is worn to complete the look. It has been used as a fashion statement. Today jewelry is made to mimic several different cultures and time eras, as well as the latest designs to compliment today's fashion.
With the modern technology and the resources we have today, we have the ability to create such quality synthetic gemstones as the cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is used in many of the jewelry fashions of today. It can be used in the recreation of the Victorian style of necklaces or the latest fashion trends of today. Cubic zirconia is rarely, if ever, used in vintage jewelry. The vintage necklaces are typically made from rhinestones or colored crystals. However, it is used with all of the precious metals used today in the making of jewelry. You can still find cubic zirconia in metal plated in several layers of gold. Making them even more affordable than those made from 18k gold, silver, platinum or titanium.
From the descriptions and the paintings of several hundred years ago, modern jewelry is not as lavish or the gemstones as enormous or as in such large quantities as it was then.
The necklaces created with cubic zirconia today are elegant with tastefully displayed gemstones. The designs vary from Celtic to current styles. The cubic zirconias are sometimes matched with faux sapphires, emeralds and other synthetic gemstones. Any necklace creation you can find in diamond and other precious stones can or has been emulated with cubic zirconia gemstones.
If you are looking to create a new or to make additions to your current jewelry collection, cubic zirconia will enable you to do this economically. This will allow you to get more jewelry no matter what your budget. Online you will find web sites specializing in quality cubic zirconia stones with any of the precious metals and synthetic gemstones in their product line. If you are looking for a gift for a family member, friend or even yourself, you are sure to find something to catch your eye and appeal to your taste. The next time you go shopping, you might want to take a look in the jewelry section. If you don't see any cubic zirconia, you may be mistaking them for diamonds, so ask the clerk to show you the line of cubic zirconia they sell.
You will find plenty of cubic zirconia to look at on line, but sometime it is best to see them in your hand. This will give you the opportunity to look very closely at them. Photos can be touched up, but the proof will be in your hand.
Cubic Zirconia Rings
Rings have been worn for centuries before the creation of the cubic zirconia. It is said, rings were popular during medieval times. During that time people of all classes wore rings whether they were rich or poor. Usually rings were made from metals, such as copper, iron, gold and silver. The metal signified the class of the person wearing it. Then in the 14th century, rings were introduced with faceted gems in them.
Some rings are attached to certain cultures, such as silver and turquoise bring to mind the Native American. Starting with the early Christians and up to current times, the Greek symbol called the Icthus, which is in the shape of a fish. Then there is the Irish Claddagh, which is preceded by the story of a young couple soon to be married. The groom-to-be was captured and forced into slavery as a goldsmith. During his time of captivity he started creating a ring for his love. The ring consisted of a heart to signify love, a crown to signify loyalty, and two hands.
The young man after years of being in slavery, escaped his captors and return to his home village of Claddagh, Ireland. He found his true love. Since neither of them had every married, he gave her the ring he created during his time in captivity.
To this day rings are made from all different types of materials, such as silver, gold, copper, plastic and even wood. The newest metal to be used in the making of rings and other pieces of jewelry is titanium and tungsten.
Cubic zirconia is typically only used in the precious metal settings, including the titanium. Cubic zirconia is never used in costume jewelry because it is considered to be the best diamond replacement on the market.
Rings have become an intricate part of our lives today. Just for example, there are class rings that range from high school, college and even the military. One of the most coveted rings in the world of football is the Super Bowl ring. Rings are worn to signify commitment whether it is a wife to her husband, or a nun to God. Rings have become a very important part of our life.
The more popular the cubic zirconia becomes the more roles it will play in our life. Can you imagine a Super Bowl Ring with a cubic zirconia in place of a diamond? You never know it could happen. The more and more the diamond reputation is tainted with the thought of child forced into labor to mine them, more and more people will start to rebel against the atrocities and choose not to wear diamonds any longer. The price of the diamond could be another major factor to decrease the demand on diamonds. People may decide it is not worth the price when the cubic zirconia is more plentiful and lower in cost, and the quality cubic zirconia can rival a diamond in brilliance and look.
As they continue to improve on the technology used to create the cubic zirconia everyday, we can expect greater looking cubic zirconias in the future for our rings.
Designer Gemstone in Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. owns and operates the laboratory where these designer gemstones are created. These designer gemstones are created with a process developed and patented by Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. The process creates beautiful colors on stones, which would normally be white stones. The process has allowed them to create about 1800 unique and unusual colors. They have used their coating process on cubic zirconia, sapphires, quartz, and topaz. Topaz is the stone used most often and has a beautiful array of colors.
During the process the gemstones are coated with a sputter coat scattering of tiny flakes of mineral oxide. The minerals produce a variety of colors when it reflects through the stone. After the stone has been coated it must then go through a heating process to make the coating cling to the stone. The Federal Trade Commission has approved this method of enhancing gemstones.
Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. does not sell stones directly to the public. They process stones sent to them by wholesalers. Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. has no control over the quality of the stones given to them to put through the process. Many times they will get quality stone with unique cuts from the wholesaler, but not always. If you buy one of these stones, check it closely to make sure you didn't receive a stone with nicks or scratches in it.
The particularly extraordinary colors come from stones, which have been processed with more than one mineral. The best looking one of the stones processed with more than one mineral is the cubic zirconia stone. When pictures are taken of the same stone in different locations, the stone will appear to be a different stone in each different picture because of the light available at each different location. Each stone is a kaleidoscope of colors because of the constant changing of the light and the reflection. These stones are very unique in their colors after they have been processed.
Even though the Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. came up with names for all the 1800 different colors of the stones they have created, but some sellers are intent in changing the names of the stones. Sometimes a stone with a name not created by Azotic may be a stone processed by a different company. You might want to be careful when purchasing some of the other processed stones because the quality of the process may not be as good as the quality provided by the Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. Just make sure to ask your seller questions. If he seems to be evading the questions or evasive about the answers, Beware!
The thin coating applied during the process is hard and made to last. You will have to be careful when wearing these stones to prevent them from being nicked or scratched. You will want to take them off when doing some of your daily duties. When cleaning these processed stones, you will not want to use any ultrasonic cleaners. They may cause damage to the coating because of a pickling solution in the cleaner. Cleaners, which are safe to use on pearls and opals are recommended by Azotic. A mild soap and water, rinsed well will also work.
Little Known Facts About Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a man made gemstone resembling a diamond used in jewelry settings. German mineralogists discovered cubic zirconia in its natural setting in the early nineteen hundreds, but has not been found since. It was originally created to use a refractory material, which is impervious to heat and chemical damage. Scientists developed cubic zirconia as a new material to be used in lasers and other optical operations.
The cubic zirconia you see today has been created in a laboratory by combining the metals of zirconium and oxide through extreme heat and a monitored cooling process. The temperature required to melt the zirconium is so extreme platinum containers could not be used in the melting process. Soviet scientists developed the method still used today to create the carat stones of cubic zirconia. The process entailed using the zirconium itself to hold the molten form of zirconium. The extreme temperature used to melt the zirconium is created by the use of a very large microwave. It allowed the center zirconium to melt while the outer layer remained cool and solid to hold the molten form. By 1980 there were 50 million carats of cubic zirconia created annually by using the method originally developed by the Soviet scientists.
The production of the cubic zirconia, the melting and cooling of the zirconium metal combined with the metal oxide, formation of columnar crystals are produced and then cut into gemstones. Recently manufacturers have been covering the cubic zirconia with a thin layer of carbon. The process has resulted in making the material harder. It has also given the material a more radiant, diamond-like look overall. Covering the stones with a very thin layer of metal oxide creates the iridescent effect. Unfortunately the effect is not permanent; a simple scratch can easily remove the layer of metal oxide.
Because the cubic zirconia so closely resembles a diamond, only a trained eye can distinguish which stone is the diamond. The differences between the diamond and the cubic zirconia can only be seen under a microscope. The notable differences seen under the microscope can be the distribution effect the cubic zirconia has on light. The cubic zirconia is not as hard as a diamond. A cubic zirconia will weigh more than a diamond of the same exact size. The cubic zirconia has in essence no flawless unlike a diamond. Under a microscope the cuts made in a cubic zirconia have notable differences to the cuts of a diamond. A diamond is rarely a colorless stone where as the cubic zirconia can be made with no color at all. Cubic zirconia can be made in almost any color one could wish for. To produce the color in the cubic zirconia different metal oxides are used to create certain colors.
Cubic zirconia did not come make its introduction to the market until the late 1970s and has since had a huge impact on the jewelry industry. Because the inexpensive cost of the cubic zirconia, its resistance to wear and its close resemblance to the diamond, the cubic zirconia has become one of the most used gemstones as diamond replacement since its introduction to the market in the 1970s. The cubic zirconia's main competition was just recently created is a synthetic monissanite. However, cubic zirconia has retained its popularity in the jewelry market. Many people wanting the look of diamond jewelry without the price tag of diamond jewelry will opt of the cubic zirconia jewelry instead.
Newlyweds Choose Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
After the young man has found the woman of his dreams, he wants to find the engagement ring of her dreams. He traditionally will spend up to the equivalent of two months salary on the engagement and wedding ring. The cost could be more than the young man can afford.
When a young couple is just starting out, they have a lot of everyday expenses as well as the expense of the wedding to take into consideration. They will have to consider the expense of the down payment or deposit on their new home. Plus any debts they incurred separately such as car payment, furniture payment, etc. Wedding can also be very expensive. The cost of the reception hall, cater, band, dress, tuxedo, etc. can cost a young couple thousands of dollars. The couple may then put themselves on a budget, if they don't want to incur debts of the wedding prior to the start of a new life together.
When these couples start shopping for an attractive wedding set, after looking at the difference in the cost of diamond to the cubic zirconia, they will probably choose the cubic zirconia. This will afford them to buy the size and the setting they want with out the debt after the wedding. The cubic zirconia wedding sets are just as attractive as the diamond. In some cases you will be able to find the cubic zirconia in the same exact setting as a diamond, and the price will be much more affordable. You can also find cubic zirconia in gold or silver settings. Gold has been the ever-popular choice in a wedding set by brides, but some have noticed the beauty of the silver settings and is increasing in popularity with new brides.
After browsing the selections of the cubic zirconia at the stores, some couples have opted to have their rings customized. The price is still affordable, and it gives them a unique setting created with their own imagination. The best feature of all is everyone will think it is made with a diamond. To the untrained eyes, one can not distinguish the difference.
If the bride chooses to have some colored stone to enhance the beauty of the main stone. Cubic zirconia can come in an array of different colors. The couple will not have to invest in expensive gems such as rubies, emeralds or sapphires. These types of settings are very unique. This allows the bride the option of having her favorite stone incorporated into her engagement ring or wedding band or both.
If you are a young couple in need of a beautiful wedding set and are on a tight budget, you now have an option other than the nearest pawn shop. Make sure to check out the selections of the cubic zirconia wedding rings in most retail jewelry stores or online. If you choose they will make the rings for you with a design you have created and the loose stone you have chosen. Your wedding day will be stressful enough without worrying about how you are going to pay for the wedding rings after you are married. Do your best to enjoy your special day.
Shopping Online for Quality Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Shopping online has become a common occurrence with some of us. It saves time not having to run from store to store looking for the best deal or to find exactly what we are looking for. The jewelry industry is a very large online enterprise. It is great for the shopper because of the competitive prices and the huge selection. However, in a basket of apples there are always some bad apples. The online jewelry business can be very easily started. The merchant merely plays the middleman between the consumer and the manufacturer. He can fill their site with product. Since they will probably be using a drop ship service, they do not have a large investment in order to keep items in stock. There will also be scams artist in almost every type of business when money is involved, so you will want to learn the tale tell signs of the scam artist so you can avoid them.
When do any kind of shopping online, you need to find out the length of time the merchant has been in business. Scam artist will be changing their name every few months and starting again under a new name. Find out the number of hits they have to their web site. This will let you know how popular they are.
Look at the information they have on their web site. Do have any address, not just a PO Box? Do they have a contact number? Can you contact them by email? Do they have a live chat line for customer assistance? These types of things can tell you a lot about the business. You will want to give them a call. Type them an email to see if you even get an answer back. Contact their live chat line, just because they say they have one doesn't mean someone will actually be on the other end. You will be told to return later. If you never chat with anyone, think twice before buying that $350.00 necklace and earring set.
If they have any business icons posted on their site, such as the Better Business Bureau icon, you probably should check those out for legitimacy. They may have other business icons. You should check them all out, especially before you make an expensive purchase.
When buying quality cubic zirconia jewelry at your local jewelry store, you will receive a certificate of authenticity for the piece. The same should be true when making a purchase of a quality cubic zirconia jewelry purchase online. Make sure you will be receiving an authenticity certificate when making your purchase.
As in any large purchase whether it be made online or at a local retail outlet, shop around and do your research. This will insure you will receive the item you have purchased and the price you are paying is a fair price. Even though cubic zirconia jewelry is not as pricey as diamond jewelry, you still want to get what you paid for. It is easy to forget the amount of research we do when the company is just down the street before making an expensive purchase. So, it would only stand to reason, when making the same kind of purchase online we need to do the same research. Since everyone does not have the same price for the same item, shop around for the best price while you are checking everything else out about the online merchant. You will be glad you did.
Starting Your Own Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Business
Starting your own business is a dream a lot of people have regarding their futures. When you really get right down to it, starting your own business is scary at best. You are taking a vast leap in to the virtual unknown and leaving the comfort and safety of your 9 to 5 job. It's not great, but the bills get paid, right? Many people dream of becoming their own boss, but not many actually do it. You can be one of the few who do. If you love fashion enough to live it and breath it everyday, and you are out going, never meet a stranger type of person, you will definitely want to give this idea some serious thought. Start your own cubic zirconia jewelry business.
The first thing you will need to do is set realistic goals and target, and to make a business plan. Having a business plan is very important. If you intend to get a loan or an investor for the backing, you will need a formal business plan. Your plan will need to be exact especially when it comes to the financial portion of your plan.
Ensure the type of jewelry (cubic zirconia) you are planning to sell is the right type of jewelry for your target market. If you are selling in a flea market venue, don't go for the high-end jewelry such as diamonds.
Host a cubic zirconia jewelry party or have one of your friends host a cubic zirconia jewelry party. You will get her to invite her friends and relatives and have the party at her home. As compensation give her some free cubic zirconia jewelry, it makes for a great incentive for others to host parties in their home. You will sell your cubic zirconia jewelry without worrying about competition. At that moment you have no competition.
When you are looking for merchandise to sell, check and buy from E-Bay. Many people get great deals on items and then re-sell them.
Check on the web to find cubic zirconia wholesale dealers.
You can put your cubic zirconia jewelry in your own garage sale or if you have a friend having a garage sale, ask her if you can put them out at her garage sale.
You will want to check into a merchant account at various places such as Paypal. Paypal will let you make payments to companies through them and they will take payments for you to be placed into your account. Check online for companies selling low-cost jewelry packaging supplies such as the ring boxes, etc. You will also want to find low cost shipping supplies and jewelry supplies and displays. Check into a domain registration and innovative hosting solutions. This will help you host your own web site to give your customers more access to you and your merchandise.
These tips will help you get a good start on your own cubic zirconia jewelry business. Since cubic zirconia is a beautiful stone, and is becoming very popular because of the availability and the price. Selling them will not be hard once you have found the right venue and target market. You will be successful in no time.
Telling the Difference Between a Cubic Zirconia and a Diamond
Many people have always relied on the same old method of telling a real diamond from a fake. If it scratches glass, then it is a real diamond. However, that is not true anymore. Over the years a cubic zirconia has been made to fool the most discerning eyes and they can cut glass, too.
To be able to tell the difference between a cubic zirconia and a diamond you must learn the characteristics of the cubic zirconia. These same characteristics make them look similar to a diamond and also make them different from a diamond. Chances are you are not going to have this kind of scale put away on a shelf, but the cubic zirconia's hardness is measured to be 8.3 on the Mohs scale whereas the diamond will register a 10. The cubic zirconia is flawless where as a flawless diamond is not only rare, but also very expensive. All diamonds will have some impurities in the stone.
Another characteristic of the cubic zirconia is the gray color it will have when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. You can mark the stone in question with a grease tip pencil or felt tip marker. Because diamonds attract grease while cubic zirconia repels grease the marking will not stay on the cubic zirconia.
Checking the transparency of the stone is another test you can do on the stone you have purchased. Lay the stone in question on top of a newspaper, if you can read the print through the stone chances are it is not a diamond. However, this test is not 100 %, so there is a chance it is a diamond.
Also, the facet edges of a stone can help you determine the real from the fake. The cubic zirconia's edges are sometimes rounded with some chipping. If the stone has very sharp edges, you may have a diamond.
Then there is the fog test. Put fog on the stone like you would a mirror. If the stone stays fogging for a few seconds, you may have a cubic zirconia. Real diamonds will quickly dissolve the heat. However, the result of this test is not reliable if the stone has accumulated any dirt and oil.
If by chance you have access to a carat scale or a gram scale. You can analyze the stone's weight. A cubic zirconia weighs more than a diamond with the stones both being the same size.
These tests can not be 100% reliable in determining the fake from the real diamond. If you have paid for a diamond and think you may have received a good fake take it too a qualified gemologist or jeweler.
There is nothing worse than paying for something you did not get. Thieves are using cubic zirconia stones to switch with real diamonds while pretending to shop at a jewelry store. Don't always assume your jeweler is a thief. It could be he was robbed first and hadn't noticed the switch in the fake diamonds for the real one.
The Cleaning and Care of Your Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
All jewelry needs regular cleaning to maintain their beauty. The cubic zirconia is not any different. By following these tips your cubic zirconia will keep its brilliance and sparkle.
When cubic zirconia is set in gold or sterling silver, it can be worn everyday without any damaging effects. Of course the exceptions are as follows.
Although cubic zirconia's hardness can almost match the hardness of a diamond, both stones can still chip bumped a certain way. You will want to remove your jewelry anytime you intend to do any heavy labor.
Soaps can leave behind a residue of film that will dim the sparkle and the brilliance of your cubic zirconia. Make sure to remove your cubic zirconia before showering or any kind of cleaning.
Make-up, face and body powder and lotions can also cause the shine of the cubic zirconia to dull. So remove your cubic zirconia jewelry before coming in contact with any of these products.
Make a habit of having your cubic zirconia jewelry checked routinely by a jeweler. He or She will check for any loose settings and will give your cubic zirconia jewelry a cleaning better than you can do yourself.
How to clean you cubic zirconia jewelry
Set a regular time to clean your cubic zirconia jewelry. The more often it is cleaned the better it will look. All jewelry will dull a certain amount when it is exposed to body oils, dirt, soap and hand cream. They will create a solid build up, which can be difficult to remove.
To clean your cubic zirconia jewelry, buy a brand-name jewelry cleaner in a liquid form. Allow the jewelry to soak according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A small, soft brush will usually accompany the cleaner, if not you will want to find a clean soft toothbrush to clean hard to reach places. An ultrasonic cleaner along with a cleaning solution can be used to improve cleaning. If your cubic zirconia stone has the Azotic coating treatment on it, you can not use the ultrasonic cleaner.
Polish your cubic zirconia jewelry with a soft cotton towel or a chamois skin cloth in between cleanings.
Some cubic zirconia stones are covered with a Lifetime Guarantee, so check with your retailer and follow the recommended cleaning and care procedures.
We all get business with various projects and responsibilities, so it is not uncommon for the cleaning of our jewelry to slip through the cracks. Have you caught yourself at the last minute of getting ready taking a couple of minutes to clean your jewelry before you put them on to go out for the evening? All jewelry requires regular cleaning and proper care to maintain their beauty. So, set aside one day a week, every two weeks, or every month to attend to the cleaning of all your jewelry. You will be amazed at the results, and you won't have to worry about what condition they will be in when you choose them to wear for a special occasion.
The Latest Trends in Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Titanium rings are the latest fashion craze to hit this summer and fall. The jewelry styles of the titanium and tungsten fashions are sleek with very clean lines. Titanium metal is a very lightweight metal, but yet titanium is very durable so, it will last for years to come. With titanium you don't have to worry about having any kind of reaction to the metal against your skin. Titanium is hypoallergenic.
The styles created with titanium and tungsten are unique and different from any other style of jewelry on the market. They have a beauty without the addition of any of the precious stones they are coupled with. The new titanium and tungsten styles in jewelry are going to be one of the most sought after items on the market today.
If you have not had the opportunity to look at this new jewelry craze, you will want to check out the Edward Mirell? Collection. His collection features some very sleek styles created with the patented black and colored titanium. With titanium you can virtually have any color of ring you desire.
Outdoor enthusiast and athletes will love the rings and watches made from titanium and tungsten. They are well known for their resistance to corrosion and at the same time providing ideal matchless beauty. The sleek, contemporary look of the titanium and tungsten jewelry will take you from daytime wear to eveningwear, there is no need to change accessories if you are wearing this style of jewelry. There are lightweight for the office and elegant for evening.
With titanium rings you can choose a classic band or a more complex design using two types of metal, such as titanium with the gold inlaid. You can also choose rings with diamonds or for the more discerning taste cubic zirconia. The cubic zirconia and the titanium compliment each other very well when matched in a titanium ring, necklace or earrings.
With titanium and cubic zirconia jewelry, you won't have to mortgage the house or rob a bank to own them. The prices are very reasonable. You will have beautiful, contemporary jewelry to wear virtually all of the time. Because of its durability, this is something you will own for many, many years.
If you have a wedding set, or are newly engaged and haven't bought a wedding set, you will want to look into the stunning wedding sets available in the titanium and tungsten jewelry collection before you buy anything. Be sure to check out the cubic zirconia wedding rings. You will love the look of the rings and the stone and the prices will not set you back a years pay. You can have the elegance and beauty that will last you a lifetime.
If you don't want to replace your wedding rings, you will still want to see the wonderful ring selection. Anniversaries come once a year, so you may decide to get her or him some thing special for this year's anniversary. Make sure to check out the cubic zirconia and titanium rings, necklaces and earrings available.
Why Should You Buy Fake Jewelry?
As you know, cubic zirconia is often used to replace a diamond because of the similarities to a diamond. Although cubic zirconia is a beautiful stone in its own right, cubic zirconia has been connected with the its use as an imitation for rubies, emerald, sapphires and diamonds just to name a few. Consequently is it thought of only as a fake and not of a beautiful stone. An average size diamond can cost thousands of dollars or more. All for a sparkling rock to be worn on the finger, around the neck or on the wrist.
Diamonds may be a girl best friend, but it is most definitely someone's bank account worst nightmare.
Without a marriage proposal I bet the fake's just became the girl's newest best friend especially if she is paying for them herself. You can have the same elegant and elaborate jewelry you see on the stars on the red carpet or in the movies without paying an arm and both of your legs for them. Many jewelry manufacturers are making the similar creations only using a cubic zirconia in the place of all the stones in the jewelry piece. Honestly if you think about it wearing jewelry costing that much you will need to hire bodyguards just like those ladies have.
You don't have to do without stunning jewelry in your collection just make them cubic zirconia instead of diamonds or other priceless gems. They won't look any different, so you may still have those thieves trying to snatch them off your neck, but they won't get anything you can't replace.
The people who can afford the million dollar diamond necklaces probably don't really wear them in public at all. They could easily wear cubic zirconia jewelry instead to ensure the safety of the jewelry, which lives most of the time in a safety deposit box at the bank or in some vault somewhere. Can you imagine owning that kind of jewelry and not even having the opportunity to wear it? It seems like such a waste to spend all that money on something to stay in hiding all of its days.
I want jewelry I can wear. I want jewelry that looks good without looking gaudy. I want it to compliment the outfit I wear and I want to be able to afford it. There are so many necessities we need money for so to me buying expensive jewelry is such as waste of money. Jewelry is a luxury we should be able to afford. With cubic zirconia we can choose a larger stone, or something covered with stones. We can have the multiple stones a cubic zirconia with synthetic rubies, or synthetic sapphires with a cubic zirconia.
We can even get the matching set with necklace, earrings and ring. Cubic zirconia gives us options we would not be able to afford otherwise. I wish people would see the beauty of the cubic zirconia and forget for one moment it is a fake diamond. I think they would learn to appreciate the stone a lot more, and manufacturers would not place them in anything, but quality settings.
Post a Comment