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.

“If you were to search for a cluster ring, cluster earring or even the classic tennis bracelet, it may be difficult to find one that features multiple diamonds that are of the same quality and clarity. For instance, one may look good and the next may have visible inclusions or even appear cloudy. With a cubic zirconia cluster ring, cubic zirconia stud earrings or cz tennis bracelet, you will have a flawless, eyeclean look in every single stone.”

The Benefits of Wearing Cubic Zirconia Jewelry « AlmostDiamonds.com Reviews and Articles.

We suggest taking the design one step at a time as follows:

1. Setting – Most people have some idea of the type of ring setting they want, so this is a typical place to start.  You’ll need to select the style of the setting, such as solitaire.  Is the band plain or set with pave gemstones? After getting a sense of prices, you’ll also want to determine the metal used in the setting.  This could be gold, platinum or sterling.

2. Stone - The setting you choose determines the type and shape of the primary cubic zirconia stone.  If you chose a solitaire setting, you may be in search of a round or square cubic zirconia.  If the setting is accented with colored gemstones, it’s important to identify the gemstone and consider their shape in relation to the primary stone.

3. Price – Once you have a complete picture of what the ring will look like, you can make adjustments based on cost, stone size,and more.  For example, your ideal ring in platinum may cost considerably more than in a 14k gold setting.  In order to get the carat weight you want, you may decide to go with a less expensive metal, or vice versa.    There are always tradeoffs.

The important thing when designing an engagement ring is that you start with what you know.  Try to keep an open mind and proceed one step at a time.  You’ll be sure to end up with the perfect piece.

From My Jewelry Box: A stunning butterfly ring with colorful cubic zirconia laid in warm 10 karat white gold is the perfect gift for children. A unique and patented cut replicates the form of the butterfly and provides all the sparkling brilliance of a standard cut gemstone. The positioning of the facets maximizes the return of light to the eye resulting in breathtaking luminescence.

Baby Garnet Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Butterfly Ring in 10K White Gold

“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.

The Frisky blogger discusses this in response to the NY Times Freakonomics blog.  The NY Times raises the very valid points about blood diamonds and paternalism, which we totally agree with.  But the Frisky blogger has a great point that an engagement ring is not just a token, but something symbolic, and while it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it has meaning.

Ladies, Your Engagement Ring Is A Bad Investment | The Frisky.

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.