Jewel Gallery
Lynn & Carl Buehler 800-330-0094
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Sterling Silver Hoop Earring Jackets
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premium cut CZ
shown left to right,
trillion, pear, marquise,
radiant rectangle,
oval, quadrillion square,
and round
CZ: The Story
Undoubtedly the best diamond alternative and value available today, Cubic Zirconia has been established as an affordable diamond substitute as well as an important fashion staple in itself.
The CZ story began in 1937, when the cubic form of zirconium oxide, (CZ for short), was discovered by two German mineralogists. It wasn’t until the 1970’s however-when Soviet scientists learned how to “grow” this mineral in a laboratory-that it gradually became popular with jewelry designers.
Gemologists agree that Cubic Zirconia is the finest diamond alternative because it comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamond. Most people, even trained gemologists, cannot tell the difference with the naked eye.
Like a diamond? In appearance, Cubic Zirconia looks almost exactly like a good quality diamond, although there are some slight differences.
FIRE & BRILLIANCE
CZ has slightly less brilliance (sparkle) than diamond, while having more fire (flashes of rainbow colors). The overall effect is so similar to diamond that trained gemologists often require special equipment to tell them apart.
HARDNESS
There are very few substances on earth harder than CZ. With a hardness rating of 8.5, CZ comes close to matching diamond’s perfect 10. Yes, CZ will scratch glass, just like a diamond.
WEIGHT
CZ is about 75% heavier than diamond. As such, a CZ’s size is referred to in carats only as in comparison to diamonds. CZs are more accurately measured in millimeters, referring to the diameter. *A 6.5mm Cubic Zirconia is equal in size to a one-carat diamond and actually weighs about 1.75 carats.
CLARITY
Because CZ is grown in a lab in a controlled environment, if the crystal is not perfect in clarity, it is simply not used. The finest CZs are perfect in clarity. And your CZ gemstone will remain sparkling clear with regular cleaning. CZ can be worn everyday and will never get dull or change color. To maintain the brilliance, clean the stone as per Lynn’s tips on the Jewelry Care Products page.
CUT
The finest CZ is cut to exacting tolerances, according to the proportions demanded in fine diamond cutting. Finely cut and faceted CZs will have a polished girdle and more fire. All of our CZ’s are premium faceted stones. Both the hardness and clarity of CZ allow intensive precision faceting such that the hundreds of facets in trillion, quadrillion, and radiant cuts equal the brilliance of diamonds.
