How To Buy Zirconium Rings

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They're beautiful, elegant, and timeless. Sadly, not all girls can afford them. Luckily, cubic zirconium exists. Cubic zirconium, also cubic zirconia or CZ, is a synthetic gemstone that looks like a diamond, and has long been used as an inexpensive alternative to genuine ones. Cubic zirconia is being used in rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants. Cubic zirconium is usually colorless, but it can be made in different colors as well, like some diamonds are pale yellow, pink, and even black. 

The first cubic zirconiums were made in Russia. They were originally produced to replace natural rubies in manufacturing lasers for their space program. They were not in any way intended to be diamond substitutes, as they are being used now. It was in the 1980's when Swarovski & Co. made cubic zirconium in mass production.

If you are not a diamond expert, the difference between diamond and a cubic zirconium rings is virtually impossible to detect. However, when closely compared with a genuine diamond, a zirconium diamond's luster is undeniably higher. This is because it's synthetic, and a natural stone would have to have some impurities and inclusions. Jewelers use a refractometer, a tool that measures a gemstone's refraction index. Refraction index, or R.I. is basically a measure of how much light is reduced inside the gem, or how much light bounces off.  To be able to tell the difference accurately, you'd need a tool that would magnify the stone ten times. One of the noted differences between a genuine diamond and a cubic zirconium is their weight difference. A cubic zirconium is approximately 75% heavier than a diamond.  Basically, it is composed of 87.5% zirconium oxide and 12.5% yttrium oxide. These, when combined, create a crystal that closely resembles a diamond.

Apparently, not all cubic zirconias are alike. There are certain differences in the way they're manufactured. There is a certain retailer, called Ziamond, that claims that their cubic zirconiums are upscale, and the most beautiful ones available. They sell what they call "ziamond rings" with a silver band and a "ziamond", and in addition to women's jewelry pieces, they also produce some for men.  They claim that this is because they use the same original formula the Russians used for their lasers.

When buying cubic zirconias, it is best to educate yourself on how a top grade gem should look. Keep in mind that a quality cubic zirconium piece has luster that can rival that of a diamond’s, while the low grade ones closely resemble a piece of glass. The most notable property of a cubic zirconium is its affordability. This is a good thing for those of us who are on a budget, and those who would rather be practical. The only thing that would make consumers not want to purchase a cubic zirconium may be their pride, or their attitude towards it being a synthetic, and not a natural diamond. While it's true that nothing can replace the feeling of having the real thing, nowadays, it all boils down to practicality. What you can do, if you really want a genuine diamond, as well, is to buy some real pieces, and mix and match them with cubic zirconium ones. This way, you get to wear the real ones, and be economical at the same time.