If you’ve been reading our blog with any sort of frequency whatsoever, then you’ve probably noticed a trend: we talk about cubic zirconia jewelry a lot. Maybe it’s caught your attention, maybe it hasn’t. If the latter is the case, it might just be because you aren’t familiar with cubic zirconia or “cz” jewelry. This may surprise you, but just like diamonds and other “real” gemstones, there are a variety…
Everyone knows that diamonds come from deep inside the Earth and were formed over many, many years, but what about simulated diamonds? Cubic zirconia is a simulated , man-made gemstone that first came onto the market in the late 1970s. At the time, no one had seen anything like it before. Here was a gem that looked reminiscent of diamonds. In fact, the highest quality “CZ,” as it is often…
It feels like they were just here yesterday, doesn’t it? Surely it can’t really be time for the holidays yet again. There should be time still, time to procrastinate. But no, a quick glance at the calendar confirms that it is indeed that time again, and that there is no more time afforded you to delay shopping. If you’re smart, you planned ahead and got all or most of your…
Diamonds may indeed be a girl’s best friend, but there’s no reason why they should be her only friend. Cubic zirconia jewelry lets you acquire a large collection of “friends” and has many benefits over authentic diamonds. Here are the top five reasons why synthetics have a leg up on the real deal. Substitute for Your Authentic Diamonds If you enjoy jewelry – and who doesn’t? – there’s a great…
A few weeks ago we talked about the Big Four C’s of precious and semi-precious gemstone buying: cut, clarity, carat and color. These elements help to determine the value of any particular stone. Pricing can range from a few hundred to a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on how a stone stacks up in these key factors. Bigger carats, higher clarity, finer cuts and balanced colors…
Purchasing an engagement ring with a precious gemstone at its center can be an extreme financial burden for many people. Yes, it carries a lot of emotional weight and helps to symbolize your commitment to the lifelong bond you’re forming with another person, but precious gemstone prices can be prohibitive to many. It’s understandable, then, that nobody wants to end up paying too much. The good news is that you don’t have…
Diamonds may just be a girl’s best friend, but they’re far from her only one. There are many gemstones, but only a few are precious and beautiful enough to be commonly used in jewelry. Different types of stones have diverse significances, are appropriate as gifts on different occasions and have their own unique lore. Keep reading to find out more about your favorites! Diamond Diamonds, it has been said, are…
When cubic zirconia first appeared in 1978, it quickly became popular due to its extraordinary similarity to diamonds. Russian Formula cubic zirconia – the premium grade of five general types available commercially – was selling in the late 70s for prices that would now be considered exorbitant. Over time it has become much more affordable (especially given inflation), and CZ has become even more of a hit. In fact, gemologist…
All types of rings, including diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ), require ongoing maintenance so that they continue to shine and sparkle for years to come. The cost of jewelry upkeep and protection is reduced with CZ: insurance costs are avoided or significantly reduced. However, any ring you own is a treasured possession. Caring for it properly will secure it and keep it looking its absolute best. Cleaning your ring Much…
Cubic zirconia is a synthetically produced stone that is extraordinarily similar to diamonds in a number of its properties – including look, texture, luster, density, and clarity. Since cubic zirconia has so much in common with diamonds and is relatively inexpensive, it is often used as a stone in jewelry. Although cubic zirconia (CZ) is produced in synthetic form to optimize its affordability, it is based on the naturally occurring…