"Diamonds are women's best friends" says an old famous song launched by Marilyn Monroe in 1953 in the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". The song was brought back to life and made famous once more by Nicole Kidman in 2001 in the movie titled "Moulin Rouge". Two exceptional movies, impressing through the sumptuous decor, the opulent costumes and the refined acting, symbolized by diamonds - the most precious of all precious stones!
Nonetheless, diamonds jewelry market has another challenger on the wave: cubic zirconia. But cz jewelry industry really took off in the 1980's when Swarovski & Co., a world-renowned Australian producer of leaded crystal, began producing cubic zirconia and cz jewelry for mass consumption. Today, many women prefer and can afford to buy cubic zirconia rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces that best suit them and make them feel beautiful and confident.
Cubic Zirconia is well known as a substitute for diamond, due to its high hardness and great fire. But in recent years, it has established itself as a gorgeous gem in its own right. CZ is a beautiful synthetic gemstone that is durable and inexpensive and now even comes in any color of the rainbow, making it even more desirable. To the untrained eye, a cz jewelry looks identical to a good quality diamond jewelry. However, cz jewelry has slightly less brilliance or sparkle than diamond jewelry and more fire or flashes of color. The overall effect is so similar that it can even fool a trained gemologist on occasion.
Diamonds were and still are the symbol of influential people; they are used to symbolize hardness, omnipotence and control, at the same time with purity, innocence and love. Grace Kelly, the princess of Monaco or Elizabeth Taylor are only some of the women hopelessly in love with diamonds, they are all women with an extremely powerful personality, feminine to the perfection and showing almost an unearthly elegance.
Women have always been fascinated by the newest looks of their favorite celebrities, paying attention particularly to the celebrities fashion jewelry. And everyone wants to have them. There is only one big problem: the huge price associated with these unique and perfectly designed creations. Consequently, jewelry producers started to make their own collections of replica jewelry, that look exactly like the celebs' ones but can be purchased for a lot less.
A vast selection of trendsetting cz jewelry is offered by SparklesForever.com, the number one online replica jewelry boutique. Here, anyone has where to choose from: the hottest new looks in earrings, necklaces and bracelets, celebrity fashion cz jewelry, as well as wedding bands and engagement cubic zirconia rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. No matter if you want the new earring Gwen is wearing, Nicole Richie's new look in bracelets or engagement cubic zirconia rings that look just like Christina Aguilera's; SparklesForever.com has them all.
Many women find it enjoyable to peruse through the thousands of models of cz jewelry available online and finally decide to shop. For less than $100, anyone can buy the latest red carpet star and dazzling designer replicas for a fraction of their original price, and then fool their friends with the fake jewelry they have purchased.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ stones) are lab created gems. Cubic zirconia is found in nature, but it is extremely rare and the chemical properties of natural cubic zirconia are slightly different than those of synthetic gems. The simulated stones are made from a powder that is heated to a very high temperature, and then cooled in a controlled environment so that flawless crystals form.
How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different from Diamonds?
There are several differences, the most notable of which is that diamonds are found in nature whereas cubic zirconia used for jewelry is man-made. Diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness (the highest rating), whereas cubic zirconia is generally rated at 8.5 on the hardness scale. CZ stones are denser and thus heavier than diamonds. When it comes to quality, however, these synthetic gems leap ahead of the pack. Whereas most diamonds have what are called inclusions (flaws), the best cubic zirconia stones are flawless. Similarly, colorless diamonds are very rare, whereas the lab created gems are perfectly colorless (although color can be added during the manufacturing process).
Are all Cubic Zirconia Stones the Same Quality?
Like diamonds, loose cubic zirconia stones are rated according to quality. Cubic zirconia AAAAA are the best quality simulated stones, while CZ AAA are next, followed by the A-grade cubic zirconia.
Are Cubic Zirconia Stones Available in the Same Cuts as Diamonds?
Cubic zirconia stones are cut so that they have the same facets and proportions as diamonds. The most classic cut of both diamonds and CZ stones is the round brilliant, with 58 facets and the ability to reflect light. Stones with a marquis cut are typically twice as long as they are wide and have a point on each end. A pear shaped cut resembles a teardrop combines the faceted brilliant cut of a round stone with the elongated look of a marquis stone. Similarly, the oval cut has the sparkle of a round brilliant, but is oval rather than round. The octagon cut, also known as the emerald cut, has stepping stone facets that reflect light more subtly. A square cut is sometimes called a princess cut, and has pointed corners.
How is Loose Cubic Zirconia Used?
Jewelry makers buy loose cubic zirconia at wholesale prices, and use a variety of materials to transform the synthetic gems into beautiful accessories. CZ stones are used in engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, solitaire rings, and even ankle bracelets. Colored cubic zirconia is also used in a variety of fashion jewelry, including earrings and as side stones in rings. Settings are often made from 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or platinum.
Both Clint Jhonson & Chris Robertson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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