Cubic Zirconia jewelry – or “CZs” – is heating up as the super-smart option for anyone who loves their “bling.” And there are some very good reasons why CZ jewelry is the hot ticket among those who could afford pricier diamonds or gems, or anyone who wants dazzling (but affordable) jewelry. (See some outstanding examples up close at Birkat Elyon).
CZs result when the mineral element “zirconium oxide” is super-heated to 5000- degrees Fahrenheit. A few other things are added to the recipe so that the CZ maintains its shape and properties as it cools. But the end result is gorgeous pieces that are nearly indistinguishable from actual gemstones. Here are six interesting facts about cubic zirconia jewelry—and why the wealthy frequently choose these pieces over “the real thing.”
IT WAS ORIGINALLY IGNORED
“Zirconium oxide,” the key element of cubic zirconia jewelry, was first discovered in 1937 by German mineralogists. They dismissed it as nothing special. And it would’ve stayed that way, but Soviet-era scientists stumbled upon it again. Their hope was that it could be grown in their lab and turned into a kind of diamond-hard indestructible glass to be used in their space program. They also hoped to incorporate the properties into a laser.
Fast forward to 1969 when someone got the genius idea to convert this growable, “diamond-like” substance into actual jewelry.
CZs ARE HEAVIER THAN DIAMONDS
A cubic zirconia stone is about 75% heavier than a diamond of equal size. Check it for yourself.
CZs HAVE A PEDIGREE
Cubic Zirconia is so impressive in its makeup that even the high-ticket company, Swarovski, uses it in their expensive crystal items.
THE RICH LOVE THEIR CZ JEWELS…
One of the biggest markets for CZs are rich people. Not only do they get more “bang for the buck,” if a CZ piece is ever lost or stolen, the financial pain points are a lot less painful. Celebrities and high-rollers can “look the part” without excess worry. Insurance companies also love CZ owners for not putting them on the hook for a big-ticket item. That means big insurance savings.
The other cold, hard fact is that diamonds tend to lose 50% of their value after purchase. Here’s a dirty secret: diamonds are marked up anywhere from 100 to 200 percent, so retailers aren’t anxious to buy them back at the same cost.
CZs OFTEN STUMP THE EXPERTS
If anyone worries that cubic zirconia pieces somehow stand out (in a bad way) from actual diamonds or gemstones, know that the experts themselves need to employ some pretty serious equipment to distinguish them from the real thing. Today’s technology has made it such that high-quality CZ’s are nearly indistinguishable from their real mineralogical counterparts. So as you flash that gorgeous ring or earrings, know that pretty much everyone will just think, “Wow!”
CUBIC ZIRCONIA JEWELS HAVE “POWERS”
Over the centuries, gemstones and minerals have frequently been associated with mystical powers. “Cubic Zirconia” is linked to balancing the body’s health, both on the physical and mental levels. Wearing a “CZ” piece is also thought to help connect you with the Angelic realms.
So not only will you look awesome, you’ll have a direct line to some pretty impressive higher powers.
Want to see what all the CZ buzz is about? Stop into Birkat Elyon to experience their full-line of gorgeous CZ jewelry.