CZ Sterling Silver Jewelry Shopper

This lab gem supplier gives some interesting facts on cubic zirconia and how they differ from diamonds.  Based on looks alone, professionals say that cubic zirconia and diamonds are indistinguishable.  CZ gemstone experts use a variety of scientific criteria to verify authenticity.  Distinguishing factors between cubic zirconia jewelry and diamond jewelry include density, dispersion and color grading.

• CZ is 1.6 times denser and therefore heavier than diamond with a higher specific gravity, 5.6 to 6.0.
• Harder than most natural gems and nearly as hard as diamond’s 10, cz registers 8 on the Mohs scale.
• With a refractive index of 2.17, cz is nearly as refractive as diamond which has an index of 2.42.
• Both cz and diamond exhibit subadamantine luster.
• CZ has an exceptionally high dispersion, 0.060, compared to diamond at 0.044, producing greater prismatic fire.
• Completely colorless AAAAA cubic zirconia, comparable to a perfect D on the diamond color grading scale, can be created in the lab whereas most diamonds contain yellow or brown flaws.

via Distinguishing Cubic Zirconia from Diamonds | The Lab Gem Supplier.

Natural moissanite was first found in 1905 as a small component of a meteorite in Arizona by Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan, after whom the material is named in the gem market.  However, like cubic zirconia, the better known diamond simulant, most moissanite jewelry is actually synthetic.

Both moissanite and cz are harder than most natural gemstones.  Moissanite, however is more heat resistant, which can effect the way jewelry is assembled.  Moissanite gemstones are lighter than diamonds, while cz gemstones are slightly heavier. Cubic zirconia has been marketed as an alternative to diamonds since the 1970s, however moissanite jewelry came out in the late 1990s.

Here’s an excerpt from this jewelry education article:

“In 1998 C3, Inc. (Charles and Colvard) [Nasdaq: CTHR], a subsidiary of Cree Research, Inc., introduced gem-quality synthetic silicon carbide onto the market under the name “moissanite” ,marketing it as a lower-cost alternative to diamond. For example, a 1 carat moissanite gem sells for about $600 (2005 USD), while a diamond of similar size and color typically runs for upwards of $4500. Synthetic moissonite is approximately as hard as diamond, with a slightly higher index of refraction and greater dispersion; these qualities make SiC a decent and durable diamond simulant. It is interesting to note that the higher dispersion and index of refraction means moissanite has more fire and brilliance than diamond.”

Jewelry Education Moissanite (Silicon Carbide) Gem Business Cubic Zirconia CZ Diamond Designer Jewelry.

It takes years of experience to be able to distinguish diamonds from its many types of simulants and similar stones.  It can also take time to wade through the way these stones are named and marketed.  This guide provides an overview of synthetic and natural gemstones that resemble diamonds.  It provides a useful comparison of moissanite, cubic zirconia and diamonds (among other stones), their visual characteristics and brilliance.

“Cubic Zirconia is an artificial synthetic because the stabilizing oxides used in its manufacture remain in the finished product and its structure is different to the natural material Baddeleyite Zr02. This has been such a good imitation that cubic zirconia can be purchased in both graded colours and clarities. Its refractive index is near enough for the stone to remain quite brilliant when tilted, and although the dispersion is higher than that of diamond, is not so obvious to the layman, and close enough to deceive. The relative density is much higher than diamond and a loose stone will appear to weigh too much.”

Diamond Simulants- Moissanite to Sapphire...

Unless you make jewelry, or are a real jewelry aficionado, you may not be familiar with all of the terms you come across when shopping.  Between standards for precious metals, manufacturing processes and decorative elements, there is a lot to learn when looking at jewelry.

We came across this helpful reference that gives nice, straightforward definitions of commonly used jewelry terms.  You may know what a cubic zirconia is, but what about liquid silver?

“Liquid silver is the phrase used to describe small tubular beads that are commonly strung together on multi-strand necklaces to give a very soft look, like cascading water; hence the name “liquid silver.” The original use of the product was in Southwestern and American Indian jewelry designs in combination with turquoise, coral, and fetish beads. Liquid silver is commonly sold by the ounce to make it easier to price necklaces made using this technique by weight. However, today’s designers also use liquid silver beads individually as design components or crimps in countless ways.”

Jewelry Dictionary: Halstead Bead, Inc..

We wanted to let you know about our ever-expanding cubic zirconia site on Squidoo. There, we post additional resources on shopping for high-quality cz jewelry.  This includes informative videos, great tips on caring for your jewelry, and the latest cz trends.

Visit: http://www.squidoo.com/czsterlingsilver