As a general rule of thumb, gemstones can be classified into three categories; natural, synthetic and simulant. Obviously, natural gems are mined and cut from minerals. For example, diamonds come from the mineral carbon. Organic materials such as pearls, coral and ivory are also considered natural gemstones.

Synthetic gemstones are manmade but for the most part are created to give the gem the same appearance and chemical properties of their natural counterparts. Some examples of synthetic stones that are commercially produced are alexandrite, emerald, garnet, quartz, and many more. There are even some synthetic stones produced which do not have a natural partner.

A simulant gem is one that is grown in a laboratory and may look a lot like a natural stone but it will have different chemical and physical properties. Cubic zirconia is one example of a simulant gemstone, which was first grown in a lab in 1976, and is now commonly used as a fabulous diamond substitute in much of today's jewelry designs.

The cubic zirconia more closely resembles a diamond than any other stone ever manufactured by man. It is slightly less hard and reflects slightly less light but is impossible to distinguish from a diamond to the naked eye. Cubic zirconia, like a diamond, is available in both high and low grades and its price will vary accordingly.

Cubic zirconia is manufactured using what is called a skull melting system. This system is used due to the fact that cubic zirconia has a very high melting point. The skull refers to the copper cup in which the powders to grow the crystals are melted. The hollow walls of the cup are filled with water which keeps the powders next to the wall from melting while the powders in the center are heated and melted to the proper temperature. As the cup of liquid cools, crystals form and cubic zirconia is created.

Once the crystals have been grown and harvested, it is the responsibility of the gem cutter to cut the stones to the appropriate size and shape. The specifications for cutting the stones are very exact and cutting are a very precise undertaking. It is always the goal of the gem cutter to use as much as possible of the crystal to create the best quality gems. Just as with cutting diamonds, the gem cutter will determine the best cut to maximize the refraction of light within the stone, thus giving the stone its clarity and thereby, its value.

As its production methods improve, cubic zirconia continues to remain a popular choice for jewelry designers and consumers alike. No longer used solely in rings as it once was, cubic zirconia is now becoming an alternative choice among jewelry wholesalers everywhere in the design of earrings, tennis bracelets and other quality pieces. Its reputation as a diamond substitute is being over shadowed by its popularity as a mainstream diamond alternative.

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