CZ Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Jewelry

Eternal Sparkles is full of great ideas for unique jewelry pieces that aren’t overly fancy.  She suggests combining materials like turquoise and cz, which combines the raw, natural qualities of turquoise with the sparkle and refinement of cubic zirconia.

For casual work looks that don’t cause too much distraction, she suggests some lovely cz stud earrings or a simple cubic zirconia bracelet.

Her thoughts on what fashion jewelry to wear for an evening out:

“Then there are moments when you’re out having fun and enjoying yourself, but remember that what you wear is a direct reflection of your personality. Whether you’re heading out to a party, fancy date or a girl’s night out, fashion jewelry is always best when it’s fun, flirty and can make a bold statement. Gorgeous and elegant Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings would be the perfect touch to any dress. Attract attention and make your way into the crowd with this striking piece of fashion jewelry. On its centerpiece is a radiant princess cut CZ stone further embellished with clear CZ stones that adorn the band of this sterling silver CZ bracelet. In a rhodium plated finish, this CZ jewelry radiates glitz and elegance.”

Eternal Sparkles: Fashion Jewelry for all Occasions.

Actors and actresses, including soap opera stars, are central to cubic zirconia jewelry’s popularity in the last decade.  This is not because many celebrities wear cz (although many now do), but because consumers wanted replicas of the stars’ diamond jewelry.

Today, if a celebrity gets married and receives a large diamond ring, you’ll be able to find an exact replica of that ring just weeks later.  Now, consumers have come to expect that all celebrity jewelry is available at this more reasonable price.

Here’s more:

“When it came to trends, Lachey and Simpson weren’t the only musical duo making their way into the line of celebrity inspired jewelry. Kevin Federline gave Britney Spears a stunning ring featuring a cushion-cut center diamond sitting atop a double row of connected diamond-encrusted bands. The inspired design was recreated in sterling silver and glistening white cubic zirconia. The cushion-cut center stone, which replicates a flawless diamond, sits boldly above a double band of cubic zirconia accents.”

Celebrity Inspired Jewelry – Get The Look For Less | Celebrity Secrets.

Kids can be a bit absent-minded when it comes to jewelry, which is why we don’t typically invest in a lot of expensive rings, bracelets and necklaces for children.  However, as this article points out, giving a child a beautiful and fashionable cubic zirconia ring, bracelet or cz necklace can help teach a young person responsibility without a giant investment.

“Cubic zirconia rings are very prolific in jewelry stores across the world. This is partially because they’re inexpensive, but mostly because they have excellent looks. The combination of these two features makes them a great thing to help encourage a kid’s fashion sense. With cubic zirconia, you’re not risking a truly precious piece of jewelry.”

Cubic Zirconia Rings For Kids – Info Barrel.

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.

A few tips to keep in mind when shopping for CZ cubic zirconia bridal jewelry for your wedding:

1. Cubic zirconia jewelry sets, such as a necklace-earrings-bracelet combo have a more pulled-together look on formal occasions.  They might even save you money over buying each piece separately.

2. Stay classic.  Similar to the milestone commitment you’re making getting married, you will have these cz pieces for a lifetime. Try pieces that have timeless elegance.

3. Always invest in precious metals with your cubic zirconia jewelry.  For more casual occasions, we love sterling silver.  However, for an event such as a wedding, opt for platinum or gold.  Seeing a cz in a fine, precious metal setting makes it ast a lifetime and look like a million bucks.

ABC News had a detailed report about how engaged couples are passing on the traditional diamond engagement ring.  Many are choosing to use the money for the celebration.  Others, concerned about their  job security, were uncomfortable with such a large purchase.  Consumer reports indicate that shoppers are seeking out less expensive rings with smaller stones, cubic zirconia or birthstones.  In addition, some are downgrading their metal from platinum to white gold or other material.   This is great news for cubic zirconia jewelry designers and is sure to create even more quality competition for customers’ business.

“So now she has a ring, although not with a real diamond. It doesn’t matter, Perez said, and “no one can tell the difference…”

“Some couples have also decided to skip the diamond altogether, picking birthstones or no rock at all. Part of that is over ethical concerns about the source of diamonds and part of it is driven by the economy…”