What Is A Cubic Zirconia?

Posted by The Popular News Today on Saturday, July 2, 2011

By Tyler Senecca


Since the economy is not as robust as it used to be, many couples are looking into other diamond alternatives, such as cubic zirconia. As a consumer looks into the available options carefully, she can easily find beautiful earrings, necklaces, anniversary rings, and engagement rings with this simulated gemstone.

Many people have heard of the name cubic zirconia, and think that it's a cheap plastic diamond from Walmart. So few people know or understand the fact that, just like other products, there are varying grades and qualities of this gemstone. Many people are now aware that cubic zirconia is a real player in the jewelry industry. The gemstone contains the chemical ZrO2 (zirconium oxide), while at the same time it can contain oxide metals in their structure which also make them into alternate colors like:

Green: Chromium Orange, Red and Yellow: Cerium Purple: Neodymium Pink: Erbium Brown: Titanium

Cubic zirconia can also be swapped out for many other stones that are colored like emeralds and rubies, mostly because of its adaptable chemical composition. So what exactly are the most significant differences between mined diamonds and cubic zirconia? As a result of many years of research and development (since its invention in the early 1970s), manufacturers have refined the process so well, while still doing so at a fair price, that it has become extremely popular as the best alternative to diamonds.

Flaws: A person knows that no gem or diamond will be flawless. Even the real ones have some imperfections. On the other hand, since these are artificially grown they will inherently be flawless due to conditions. CZ Hardness: This is less hard than a real diamond, but is still not a deal breaker for most folks. CZ Weight: The Zirconia stone is about seventy percent heavier than a diamond and when the stones are weighed loosely, it can be detected. The Sparkle of the CZ: This is a stone that is artificial that is not clear yet it has more color or fire in the structure of the crystal. When the CZ is examined it has colors and rainbows whereas the diamond will have shadows or light flashes.

There are many types of jewelry that the Cubic Zirconia can make. The gems or stones that are artificial can make many different jewelry pieces that are an alternative and more affordable than the precious stones. CZ can act as a fantastic "place holder" for a diamond once finances permit. They opt for a more expensive setting and pick the artificial substitute until they can upgrade to a diamond.




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