The article warns:

“Brass CZ jewelry is pushed as gold, steel as sterling silver and cattle bones often fill-in for ivory on the spurious websites selling online. So when you logon with an intention to buy CZ or any kind of jewelry for that matter, try to do so from reliable and credible sites like EBAY, Amazon, etc. or do so from a seller of international repute. It is a good idea to go through the feedbacks, reviews and ratings that the buyers of an online seller post about him.”

How to choose a reliable online seller of CZ jewelry – Fine Living.

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.

A Bead A Day blogs about gorgeous beads and jewelry findings, as well as featuring some fabulous and crafty designers.  We love how she appreciates and shares the beauty of these small, overlooked objects.  She just posted a lovely ruby-colored cubic zirconia bead to be included in one of her designs.

A Bead a Day describes:

“These CZ teardrops are actually intended to be used as pendants which meant they were a little more expensive than I would have expected to pay for just the beads, BUT sometimes you have to go with the way the wind blows and believe that something even better is in store!”

A Bead A Day: CZ Teardrop Pendant.

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.

Educating yourself before making a jewelry purchase is invaluable in helping you identify your priorities.   For example, if cost is your main issue, a cubic zirconia may be the best option for you.   Or, if you want something large, clear and flawless, a cubic zirconia may also be a better choice than a diamond.

On the other hand, many people are drawn to the fact that diamonds are a natural substance, unlike cubic zirconia which is synthetic.

Here’s a brief excerpt about cubic zirconia and diamond color:

“Diamonds are generally found with a yellow or brown tinge in them, this is due to the nitrogen found in them. The color depends on the concentration of nitrogen or other such subsitutes in the diamond. The really colorless diamonds are the ones which are free of any flaws and usually rare.Cubic Zirconia on the other hand being a synthesised product, can be made absolutely colorless. It can be given the grade ‘D’ which is the best quality diamond on the diamonds color grading scale. “

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond – Difference and Comparison – Diffen.

One beautiful way to wear pearls is combined with cubic zirconia.  The smooth, glossy pearl finish beautifully compliments the sparkle of cz.  We’re seeing lots of chandelier earring styles where a cubic zirconia crusted chandelier shape is decorated with pearls in a beautiful and flattering v-shape.

Pearl dangle earrings are also very popular.  At the ear, you may find a cubic zirconia stud followed by a drop chain of sterling silver and cz and finished with a single pearl.

Pearl and cubic zirconia brooches are also a great way to update last year’s coat or sweater and can be a real conversation piece.  You’ll find modern cluster designs and art deco vintage shapes that help bring out the best in your outfit.

Marie Claire has a lovely slideshow of the over 150 products available where 50% of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  You’ll find a gorgeous necklace by Lark & Lotus featuring pink tournalines and cubic zirconia briolettes on a sterling silver chain.

There is also an adorable Twinkle Faith necklace with pink glass, quartz and Swarovski crystal drops.

You’ll also find the Avon locket, which features a silver tone link chain with embossed pink rhinestones.

Finally, there’s the BNPink bracelet, an extraordinary design made with Swarovski crystal, cultured pearls, Venetian glass, lampwork beads and sterling silver.

Breast Cancer Products – Benefit Breast Cancer – Breast Cancer Awareness – Marie Claire.

Diamond giant De Beers is losing diamond market share, but is trying to keep prices high.  They have lobbied courts to have stones like cubic zirconia labeled as “artificial diamonds.”  (Not the most favorable description). However, “cultured” diamonds (like cultured pearls) is the term being used for CZ instead.

This article discusses the divide between the economic realities and those involved in the diamond industry.  Here’s why De Beers is worried:

“Indians believe that a flawed diamond can wreck a person’s life. But it’s a flawless gem that has De Beers, the world’s largest diamond company, worried. De Beers, which at one time controlled more than 96% of the global supply of diamond roughs — stones before they are cut and polished — saw its share slip to 70% last year, according to a KPMG India report.

This was primarily because Australia’s Argyle and Russia began selling rough diamonds independently, instead of routing them through De Beers’ Central Selling Organisation. Another reason was a steady rise in popularity of laboratory-grown cultured diamonds, which are different from CZ (carbonate zirconium) and other varieties of artificial stones commonly referred to as American diamonds.”

Cultured diamonds may overwhelm the real ones – dnaindia.com.

“It is bond strength, not hardness, that determines how easily oxygen can attack and burn a material, allowing me to burn a diamond in a pool of liquid oxygen resting in a block of graphite. If your house burns down with the family jewels inside, you can collect the pools of melted gold, but the diamonds will be gone in a puff of CO2. Cheaper, more attractive stones, such as cubic zirconia and synthetic ruby and sapphire, are made of refractory metal oxides that easily withstand the same heat. So it’s actually mall trinkets, not diamonds, that are forever.”

Gone In a Flash: Burning Diamonds With a Torch and Liquid Oxygen | Popular Science.