Why Cubic Zirconia Is a Good Alternative to Diamonds
Diamonds have always been elegant parts of many jewelry pieces. It signifies the utmost beauty, sophistication, and luxury. Its lavishness, however, comes with a high price. If you are planning to purchase a diamond nose ring, necklace, or bracelet and are on a budget, there is no need to panic. There is an alternative to diamonds that can also look fancy and elegant that does not break the bank, Cubic Zirconia.
People tend to buy cubic zirconia jewelry pieces as an alternative to diamonds due to their cheaper yet still beautiful features. More practical buyers look for this type of piece as a gift to special people in their lives and even for themselves. As you know more about this precious find, we’re pretty sure you will give cubic zirconia try and become a part of your jewelry collection as well!
Read along and learn more about cubic zirconia and some benefits you can get in getting this alternative to diamonds. To give you more background on cubic zirconia pieces, you will be able to encounter the following information in this article:
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A brief history and background about the origins of the cubic zirconia gems
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What cubic zirconia jewelry looks like
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The different properties of cubic zirconia
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Grade stones
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Carat size (weight)
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Cut (like diamonds)
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Physical attributes (color and clarity)
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Durability
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After you have finished this article, go ahead and check out our pretty collection of cubic zirconia pieces here on Lavari Jewelers!
What are cubic zirconia stones and where did it come from?
Before cubic zirconia was made in laboratories, it was discovered in 1892 in the form of a mineral called zirconia oxide. It was after about 8 decades when it became popular when scientists discovered that this natural mineral could grow in a laboratory and undergo a synthetic process. The synthetic products were then called “Djevalite” and were sold as simulated diamonds.
Another decade passed when cubic zirconia became more and more popular in fashion and even as a cheaper alternative to diamond engagement rings. Nowadays, cubic zirconia evolved into sturdier and clearer jewelry pieces that really look like diamond jewelry.
How cubic zirconia jewelry looks like
A lot of people prefer cubic zirconia, aside from being a cheaper version of a diamond, it is easy to care for. Another interesting thing about cubic zirconia is that it can look completely transparent and have a brighter fire, even causing it to sparkle into rainbow colors.
Cubic zirconia jewelry pieces are colorless, which makes them look more like a piece of diamond jewelry. In addition, they are manufactured to appear flawless.
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Different Properties of Cubic Zirconia
Grade stones in cubic zirconia—and like in other gems and in diamonds as well—are used in determining the quality of your jewelry piece. They are rated from A to AAAAA, from lowest to highest respectively. To determine which quality of cubic zirconia you have, it shall undergo the 4 Cs process, or through its Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat.
Like diamonds, cubic zirconia is cut to show the best features of the gem. It will depend on the skill of the stone cutter how good a cubic zirconia cut will become. There are four types of cuts: Brilliant Cut or the standard one, Princess Cut or the square cut, and Trilliant Cut or the triangular one, and Heart-Shaped Cut or cut into the shape of a heart as the name suggests.
This cubic zirconia nose ring set can be purchased from Lavari Jewelers
Meanwhile, the clarity is determined during manufacturing. The lesser the cloudiness of the cubic zirconia is, the higher its value. This is also the reason why cubic zirconia is clearer and flawless compared to diamonds. Furthermore, the color of cubic zirconia is white, and its quality also depends on how white or clear they appear. Finally, cubic zirconia is also rated by its weight or carat size.
The lowest grade stone of cubic zirconia or the “A Grade” ones are often used by artists to decorate their creations. It is mostly used to give sparkle to a costume or artwork. Meanwhile, the AAA Grade cubic zirconia are the most popular ones found in the market. They are more polished and are often used in reasonably priced jewelry.
The AAAAA Grade cubic zirconia stones remarkably look the same as diamonds. They are of high quality but not of a really high price. It is affordable yet stunningly beautiful like a diamond.
Although it may look exactly like a diamond, cubic zirconia is an 8.5 on the Moh’s Scale or the gauge of its durability, against diamond which is a 10. With this, take good care of your cubic zirconia jewelry pieces to make their luster and beauty last longer.
Lavari Jewelers Cubic Zirconia Pieces
Cubic zirconia stones are used in rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and in almost all types of jewelry, you have in mind. It can be found set in sterling silver, gold, and platinum. You can check out different styles of these wonderfully crafted pieces here on Lavari Jewelers. Enjoy!