Discover Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings
Diamonds are the preferred gem for most wedding and engagement rings. Although
inexpensive diamonds are available, some people still can’t afford the diamond
of their dreams. Instead of settling for less, cubic
zirconia engagement rings can offer an affordable alternative.
Not many people can tell the difference between a man-made cubic zirconia and a natural diamond. Even professional gemologists are tricked every once in awhile. That’s not hard to believe though, considering how real cubic zirconia diamonds look. There’s probably more than a few brides sporting engagement rings that don’t contain natural diamonds (whether they know it or not).
Cubic zirconia engagement rings are just as attractive as natural diamond engagement
rings. So why do most people insist on choosing the more expensive natural diamonds?
It’s basically because of the lasting value of a genuine diamond. People tend
to place more value on natural diamonds, because they do retain their beauty over
time and generally increase in value over time.
When was Cubic Zirconia Invented?
Cubic zirconia wasn’t actually invented. It’s a mineral that naturally occurs just like traditional diamonds. The mineral was discovered in 1937, and its similarity to diamonds was noticed immediately.
You’re probably wondering if cubic zirconia was discovered in 1937, and is almost
as good as a diamond, why isn’t it more popular. It’s because cubic zirconia is
rare and not easily obtained. Jewelers couldn’t find a steady supply, so they
weren’t
able to use it for jewelry. However, a pair of Russian scientists found a way
around this problem.
In the late 1970s, Russian scientists learned to reproduce cubic zirconia. They discovered a chemical process that allowed them to produce natural looking supplies of the mineral. The process involved combining zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide. When the two substances were melted together, they created a brilliant crystal that looked like a natural diamond.
This discovery made the mineral widely available and easily obtainable for use in jewelry. Jewelers realized they had a gold mine. The mineral was less expensive than natural diamonds and could be mass produced.
Suddenly, cubic zirconia was the talk of the town. Advertisers and jewelers made a big deal about this new discovery. If you watched the American home shopping networks back in the 1980s, you probably remember how popular cubic zirconia became. Almost overnight it seemed like the mineral was everywhere. Jewelers jumped at the chance to sell cubic zirconia engagement rings and wedding rings to those who couldn’t afford natural diamonds.
Consumers quickly embraced cubic zirconia. Jewelry made from the mineral are the most popular, but inexpensive, jewelry on the market. Consumers embraced the mineral because it allowed many of them to have the look of an expensive natural diamond without the price tag. Now there are millions of cubic zirconia items available, from bracelets to earrings.
Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings Vs. Traditional Diamond Engagement Rings
It’s difficult to tell the two apart just by looking. Sit an imitation diamond next to a natural diamond and you’d need a microscope or magnifying glass to spot the differences. And if you think imitation diamonds pale in comparison to natural diamonds, then you should think again.
Good quality cubic zirconia engagement rings are
durable but not that long lasting because of the difference in the hardness of
the material. That is probably the biggest drawback against having a cubic zirconia
engagement ring. Over a short period of time (sometimes a matter of months) The
cubic zirconia ring will become scratched and appear cloudy because of the scratches
on the stone. Genuine diamond engagement rings, because of the hardness of the
material keep their beauty for ever.
Novori Jewelry has natural certified diamonds that can fit any budget. Most people
think that natural diamonds are too expensive but once they look at the online
internet diamond prices they are surprised at what they are able to afford even
on a tight budget. In most cases there is no need to purchase a cubic zirconia
ring because they can afford the real thing.
Consider This:
- Cubic zirconia engagement rings come in a variety of colors. You can have a ring in just about any color imaginable. If color isn’t your thing, you can choose to have a perfectly colorless ring. And that isn’t always easy to do with natural diamonds.
- Cubic zirconia engagement rings are perfect or nearly perfect. It’s uncommon to find a flaw in a cubic zirconia ring diamond. On the other hand, natural diamonds have flaws that are known as inclusions. Cracks, hairlines, and feathers are usually present in even the most expensive natural diamonds.
- Cubic zirconia engagement rings will scratch easily and look cloudy and rough
rather quickly. They should be considered and interim step towards purchasing
a genuine natural diamond.
There’s very little difference between a cubic zirconia engagement ring and a natural diamond engagement ring. The only real difference is how you feel about wearing man-made diamonds. You shouldn’t deprive yourself of a beautiful ring just because the diamond is man-made.
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