Like many simulated diamond makers, Nexus Diamond heavily promotes their wedding and engagement ring offerings, but they do have a variety of everyday earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, watches and special collections.  They even have some trendier pieces such as their black and white line set in shiny platinum coated silver that look very couture.  Simulated sapphires, emeralds and rubies have striking color and some necklaces creep into the $5,000 plus range.  However, it is becoming more widely understood and accepted that the craftsmanship, materials, quality and settings of simulated pieces can command high values.   Since $5,000 is a small fraction of what some Cartier necklaces cost, the price still seems relatively intelligent.  And even for under $400 at Diamond Nexus Labs, you can easily find something lovely that looks far more expensive.

I liked the colored diamond simulants and have been very intrigued by browns lately, such as their chocolate brown cushion cut stone.  I also admire some of Nexus Diamonds’ more modern style white gold right hand rings. Their lever back earrings seem like a no-brainer in classic day-to-night styles you’ll wear for years to come.

There are a lot of diamond simulants out there, so like when buying other gemstone jewelry, the reputation of the seller is critical.  I can’t wait to check out Diamond Nexus Labs in more detail and look forward to hearing about your experiences as well!

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!

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!

The first way to wear a shimmering layered cz necklace look is by selecting one or more different pieces of varying lengths. Mix station chains with some hanging close to the neck and others at the chest or even waist level. You may also combine cz station necklaces with other types of chains. This is a great look because you have the flexibility to adjust the necklaces to best accent your outfit and neckline. Longer necklaces can be worn as is, or wrapped one or more times around the neck. One gorgeous example is the incredibly beautiful  Bezel-Set Contessa Necklace that can be worn as a single, long drapey accessory or wrapped two or more times around the neck.

Another way to achieve the multi-layer look is with a pre-layered single necklace comprised of several strands secured together at the clasp. In this style, you are wearing one piece, but it contains between three and eight chains punctuated with cubic zirconia. Each chain falls at a different length and gives the impression of wearing multiple necklaces.

From My Jewelry Box: One endearing heart pendant fashioned out of .925 sterling silver comes replete with a collection of multi-colored cubic zirconias. Rich hues of purples, greens and whites come together in this classic heart making it a real treat to wear.

Sterling Sillver Multi Color Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Cluster Heart Pendant

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.

Here are a few reasons why we think that a cubic zirconia statement necklace makes a fabulous, cost-effective purchase this season.

• A statement necklace functions as your primary piece of jewelry. When you’re wearing it, you need very little other jewelry.
• Statement necklaces can be dressed up or down.  Chunky colored cubic zirconia necklaces can be worn as easily with an evening gown, as with an oxford shirt and jeans.
• CZ statement necklaces are flattering.  They draw the attention upwards toward the face, rather than the middle of the body.
• Cubic zirconia necklaces can be worn either against the skin or over clothing.
• It’s comprised of large elements made of fabric, gemstones, or metals, and provide a focal point for your outfit.
• Statement necklaces, with multiple strands, eye-catching pendants, and brilliant colors, add drama to a simple outfit.
• Necklaces come in timeless classic styles as well as modern and vintage.

Easily found for under $40, here are some of the most stylish and timeless cubic zirconia pendant styles available today:

• CZ covered initial pendants.  Combine your 2-3 letter initials on one chain for a personal look.
• Circle of life pendants.  This simiple handset style is crusted with gorgeous cubic zirconia.
• A single, colorful cz stone in an antique marcasite setting.
• Cross pendants with cubic zirconia detailing never go out of style.
• A large, solo cz barrel bead pendant.

Note: Many cubic zirconia necklace charms are sold in sets of 2 or more.  Keep an eye out and you’ll find favorites like a heart and a star charm sold together.