Like most cz and faux diamond drop earrings, the lever back style earrings are the simplest to wear, and a failsafe for any jewelry wardrobe.  The higher-end styles come in solid white, rose or yellow gold with Diamonique gemstones in the 2-3 carat range.  The length of the drop is around an inch.  The round, bezel-set 100 facet style is a favorite and they are for pierced ears only.  These earrings are currently available for just under $100.

If you’re looking to spend a bit less on Diamonique earrings. the sterling silver or yellow-gold clad over sterling silver is a beautiful option for about half the price.  For example, their bezel-set, pear shaped lever back earrings with tear drop stone and gorgeous open gallery work is a bold look.  This earring set weighs in around 4 carats and are just over 1 inch in length.

For a different kind of cz drop dazzle, we like the “double drop” Diamonique lever back model features a 1 carat, and a 3 carat simulated diamond.  These prong-set earrings are again available in the 14k clad over sterling silver, or pure sterling silver, and create a bold, sparkly look with eye-catching movement.  These are surprisingly the least expensive of the Diamonique earrings we reviewed today at just over $39.

QVC offers every style of Diamonique lever back earrings available in every cut, style and precious metal.  Marquis, Asscher, Briolette….You’ll find them all at QVC.  Diamonique lever back earrings tend to have long, comfortable and sturdy posts, and no pair will cost more than around $115 dollars, a great deal considering the high-quality craftsmanship and precious metals used.   On sale, some are as low as $24, even with 14 carat gold clad metal.

CZ pairs with silver or gold in concert with turquoise, but the silver tends to be the most common, and as far as precious metals go, the most affordable.

While we’re obviously huge cz and Diamonique fans by themselves, we love the bold colors, and the way the turquoise varies from one stone to the next, making each piece totally unique!

You’ll also find that the turquoise and cz combination is more economical than pairing cubic zirconia with other materials like pearls, or other gemstones.

The biggest bang for your buck when pairing turquoise and cubic zirconia, comes with the purchase of a set, where you may find coordinating earrings and pendant or ring.  The turquoise pieces themselves don’t have to be too big in order to make a statement.

If you didn’t already know, we love a heart jewelry set (hint, hint) – even if we don’t always wear the pieces together. Another great heart-shaped cubic zirconia jewelry option is this dazzling sterling silver open pendant necklace trimmed with sparkling stones. It comes on an exquisite 18″ sterling silver chain. And THEN, you also get adorable cz diamonique stud earrings. These are a striking pair to match the gemstone inside the heart.  The whole package is a steal at $27.99. Visit Massini Sterling Silver CZ Ice Open Heart Pendant w/Earrings for more details.

Another cubic zirconia jewelry set that will really impress is this Multicolored Heart Cluster Earrings and Pendant Set. Colored synthetic gemstones, particularly in clusters like this, continue to be incredibly popular and have a vintage feel. The heart cz earrings and coordinating pendant necklace feature canary, champagne and green colored stones for a fresh, highly wearable look for spring. The pieces in the collection can be purchased individually, but when you buy both, you save ten dollars.   Quite a deal!

The key motif can symbolize many things and makes a lovely gift.  It could represent holding the key to someone’s heart, or an opening of your heart to someone. (There’s a Madonna song in there somewhere, forgive me).   Key jewelry may also indicate trust, or the keeping of a secret.   Particularly in the more vintage looking designs, it can have a nostalgic sentiment.  Like hearts, crosses, butterflies and circles, the vintage key design is versatile and timeless.

For an adorable take on the vintage key jewelry trend, we love these Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Key Drop Earrings.

A holiday jewelry must, these elegant sterling silver Cubic Zirconia Snowflake Earrings have hypoallergenic posts, and 2 carats of hand cut cubic zirconia stones. Their perfect, delicate shape sparkles, while the snowflake’s symmetry gives each piece a calm, balanced feel.  They coordinate beautifully with a Cubic Zirconia Snowflake Pin/Pendant necklace that comes suspended on an 18-inch rope chain.

Best of all, they’re guaranteed to never melt!

One of Tacori Diamonique’s signatures is the crescent design motif. You’ll find this design, not only in earrings but Tacori cz bracelets, necklaces and rings.  The crescent design features Diamonique stones that seem to float alone inside a repeating half-circle design.  This creates an even bolder look to pieces that feel both vintage and updated.  The word “crescent” comes from the Latin verb “to grow” and referred to phases of the moon.   It is one of the oldest symbols known to humanity and is widely used.  It is associated with numerous religions, country flags, and cities, such as New Orleans, the “Crescent City.”  This universal symbolism makes the crescent shape a wonderful design for jewelry, representing growth, change or family.

In Tacori Diamonique cz stud earrings, you’ll typically see a crescent cut design featuring smaller round gemstones encircling a larger round or oval central stone.  The cubic zirconia drop earrings are similar to the studs but often feature additional briolettes, and crescent design detail on the levers.  They are bound to become staples in your earring collection as they are simple, elegant and very comfortable to wear.

Instantly recognizable, all pieces from the cz crescent style line coordinate beautifully. The Tacori Epiphany Diamonique collection is made from platinum clad sterling silver which looks particularly elegant due to the bold, crisp platinum shine.  All  cz lines are available exclusively at QVC.

Here’s an overview of some of our absolute favorite sterling silver cubic zirconia earrings that you or someone you know are sure to appreciate this holiday season. These styles are classic, yet contain huge amounts of hand-set cubic zirconia stones that will catch anyone’s eye. Some of these are available in both pierced or clip on styles.

First, we love the Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Hoop Earrings that are encrusted with almost 2 carats of gemstones. Stones are in a prong setting and the hoops measure about 9/10″ in diameter.

We also adore these elaborately designed and elegant CZ filigree cluster earrings.  Each earring features 34 cubic zirconia accents and is available in a pierced or clip on style.  Filigree, the crafting of wire into beautiful designs originated in ancient Egypt.  The pattern lends a vintage feel to this special pair.

Finally, for a total splurge, we’re in love with this Show-Stopping Sterling Silver and CZ Ring, Earrings and Pendant Set.   Jewelry sets have really made a comeback in the last couple years and we love the flexibility of wearing one, some or all the pieces at a time.

This set has some serious bling, including an 8 carat pear-shaped ring surrounded by cz accents.  There are also matching pear shaped earrings (pierced style only) with the  high-sparkle primary stone glamorously surrounded by cubic zirconia accents.  Finally, there’s an incredible pear-shaped  cubic zirconia pendant also surrounded by cz accents that comes on a stunning sterling silver cable chain.

Eco-Elegant Earrings by Rebekah Green : Feelgood Style.

Looking for some reasonably priced cubic zirconia options?  You can buy a flawless, brilliant cut colored cz pendant to wear on an existing chain for just a few dollars.  (And with bead shopping, the more you buy, the less each unit will cost!).  Another example would be cubic zirconia studs that come with a small loop on the bottom.  These are sold in packages of two. You can attach any type of charm or bead to the bottom of the cz stone, and you’ll have a fabulous pair of danging earrings.  For under fifteen dollars per bracelet, you can buy chains that feature faceted gemstones as part of its design.  Then, consider adding various beads and charms to the bracelet for an extra sparkly and fun holiday look.

South Paw Studios - elegant handmade jewelry from a self-taught Ohio artist.  Gorgeous, modern earrings, necklaces.

Broken Teepee Designs – a Montana-based artist makes dramatic beaded necklaces, bracelets and cubic zirconia earrings.

Los Angeles artist Nicola Yoon makes romantic handmade gemstone jewelry incorporating 24kt gold vermeil.