Precious stones have always been a rarity and, for that reason, hotly in demand. However, only so many can purchase precious gemstones without breaking their backs financially. Therefore, customers went for the second best or, in some cases, even better. Semi-precious stones with a strong resemblance to the real deal. They are relatively cheaper. For emeralds, there is service. For Sapphire, there is tanzanite. For rubies, you could go for spinels. But what about diamonds? Diamonds are at the very top of precious stones, being the hardest minerals on Earth, for a long time, no other stone could match diamonds in look and glamour.
That was until cubic zirconia (popularly known as CZ) came along. Not only could Cz match diamonds perfectly, but they are also cheaper! Understandably, they are popular in the market. Cubic Zirconia is a durable stone with a great appearance. So if you are a manufacturer looking to offer your customers something as extraordinary as diamonds at an affordable price, you should consider Cubic Zirconia. Read on to know all about the fantastic synthetic gemstone cubic zirconia. CZ Jewelry
Everything You Should Know About CZ Jewelry As A Manufacturer
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone laboratory engineered in the 1970s. Although it was initially created for industrial purposes, the fact that Cubic Zirconia was a cheaper alternative to diamonds meant it was going into total commercial production. This happened in 1976, with production reaching over 50 million carats of Cubic Zirconia in the 1980s. It is crystalline. With a hardness of 8.0 to 8.5 months, Cubic Zirconia is durable enough as an alternative to diamonds. CZ Jewelry
How Is Cubic Zirconia Manufactured?
Cubic Zirconia is synthetically made in laboratories by combining certain ingredients, which are zirconium and calcium dioxide. The addition of several elements during the process can account for various colors of cubic zirconia. Although, cubic zirconia occurs naturally. The first natural cubic zirconia to be discovered was in the 1930s. However, they are limited, and almost all CZ in the market are of synthetic make. CZ Jewelry Cubic Zirconia, due to its uncanny resemblance to diamonds, is referred to as faux. That’s a fashionable way of saying artificial or fake. Although being independent stones, Cubic Zirconia is often called fake diamonds; that is how good an imitator they are. CZ Jewelry
What is the difference between Cubic Zirconia And Diamonds?
Just because cubic zirconia looks like diamonds doesn’t mean they are the same in every way. As a manufacturer, you got to be able to tell the two apart. Mistaking cubic zirconia for a diamond and vice versa could be a costly mistake. To the inexperienced eye, there are no differences. But with these tips, you would notice the subtle differences and be able to tell them apart. CZ Jewelry
Cubic Zirconia Are Generally Clearer Than Diamonds
Diamonds are naturally occurring stones. As such, when they are being formed in nature, foreign materials may enter the gems. These foreign particles may be visible or so minute that you need a magnifying glass to spot them. This affects the clarity of a diamond. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is made synthetically in a highly controlled environment. There are hardly any alien materials within. With this, you can certainly tell them apart. CZ Jewelry
Diamonds Are Harder Than Cubic Zirconia
Diamonds are so hard that only a diamond can scratch diamond. As the Earth’s hardest minerals, it is not a surprise that they come out at ten on a Moh scale. Cubic Zirconia is hard but not as hard as diamonds. They occupy 8.0 to 8.5 on the Moh scale. Also, diamonds weigh more than cubic zirconia as they are made of carbon. Cubic Zirconia would come up denser on the scale. Cubic Zirconia Are Less Expensive Than Diamonds
Most times, the most obvious distinction between a CZ and a diamond is price. Diamonds are more expensive than Cubic Zirconia. So if someone is offering you a “diamond” at a very, very low price, check it out if it is a diamond. CZ Jewelry
What is the difference between Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite?
In the jewelry market, moissanite rivals Cubic Zirconia as an alternative to diamonds. Just like Cz, moissanite is scarce naturally and thus made in laboratories. Moissanites are more expensive than Cubic Zirconia. Another difference is that it is harder than cubic zirconia as it comes out on the Moh scale at 9.5. CZ Jewelry
GRADING OF Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia gemstones are graded from A to AAAA. A is of the lowest grade, being more liable to damage and tarnishing. 5 A or AAAAA is of the highest rate and quality. They bear the closest resemblance to diamonds and are popular in the market as the best cubic zirconia. CZ Jewelry
The price of Cubic Zirconia stones is affected by the grade. The lower the quality, the lower the cost and looks, and vice versa. CZ Jewelry
4Cs of Cubic Zirconia
CZ is judged on the 4 “C”s: clarity, color, cut, and carat like all gemstones. CZ Jewelry
CLARITY
On clarity, Cubic Zirconia is generally clear crystals with no foreign matter; if a CZ is clouded, the value drops. CZ Jewelry
COLOR
Generally, Cubic Zirconia is colorless. Although, adding certain elements during its creation can cause it to come out in various colors: pink, blue, green, and yellow. The general colorlessness of cubic zirconia puts it on the D grading of diamonds, thus very desirable. CZ Jewelry
Cut
Like all gemstones, CZ is cut to improve brilliance. It follows the traditional cut shapes of diamonds: hearts, round, cushions, and pears.
Carat
Although Cubic Zirconia is measured in carats like diamonds, an increase in size doesn’t affect the price much. CZ Jewelry
Caring For CZ
CZ is less resistant to dirt and tarnish than diamonds, thus requiring great care. However, it is possible to keep CZ of good quality. Keep CZ away from chemical solutions and moisture that would encourage tarnishing. Take your time to clean it from time to time to keep it in optimum condition. Cubic Zirconia can become cloudy if not adequately taken care of. CZ Jewelry