Cubic zirconia, abbreviated CZ, is a simulated gemstone that can look very much like a diamond, and as a result the demand for cubic zirconia rings has grown massively in recent years. Even though it is grown in a laboratory, it is called a simulated gemstone rather than an artificial gemstone because its optical, physical and chemical properties are different than those of a natural diamond. This means that a jeweler with his loupe can tell that it is CZ rather than the diamond it is mimicking. Without such a careful scrutiny, however, a person wearing CZ jewelry will look like they are wearing diamond jewelry. It can come in colors too; depending on what other elements it has in it. Some of the more popular colors are blue, brown, red, and amber.
Cubic Zirconia Rings for All Occasions
Some women prefer cubic zirconia engagement rings to diamond rings because they are nervous about wearing so much money on their fingers. Some men like to give their ladies a cubic zirconia engagement ring because they can get a much larger, showier ring for less money. Insuring CZ jewelry is also much less costly. Unless you are among the very wealthy, a jewelry wardrobe consisting of a selection of CZ jewelry a different piece for each different outfit may be a wise choice rather than having at most one or two pieces that are genuine diamonds. CZ is also a great way to add some sparkle to your wedding band, and more people are opting for cubic zirconia wedding rings.
The value of CZ jewelry depends on the same criteria as the value for natural gemstones. The four C’s that determine the value of natural gemstones also determine the value of simulated gemstones. These are clarity, cut, color, and carat. Since simulated gemstones are denser than the gemstones that they mimic, a carat of a CZ ring will be heavier than a carat of a diamond ring. This adjustment is made so that the rings will have stones of the same size for the same number of carats.
When choosing a cubic zirconia ring, you will want to check it for clarity. A stone with bubbles or murkiness in its depths will not satisfy as well as one that is clear and easy to see through. If your choice of stone is one of the ones with color, you will want to make sure that the color is evenly distributed throughout the stone. Uneven coloring is a mark of an inferior stone. Just as in natural diamonds, the stones with color are generally of lesser value than the stones that have none. The clarity of the stone will be reflected in the brilliance of the flashing facets.
The cut of a cubic zirconia ring will be the final determination of its value. CZ stones will accept the same variety of cuts that diamonds will. Each CZ stone is unique and a skilled cutter will evaluate the stone and cut it to enhance its special properties.
Cubic zirconia rings may be a good choice for you. It will look lovely on your lady’s finger and will allow you to still have some money in your pocket for other uses, such as a delicious dinner at your favorite restaurant.
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