While cubic zirconia rings tend to have a somewhat negative reputation, there's simply no denying their elegant looks and radiant shine. Cubic zirconia is most often seen as an inexpensive diamond substitute, but it can certainly hold its own as a valuable semi precious gemstone. The truth about cubic zirconia rings is that you get what you pay for and far, far more.
The Origin of Cubic Zirconia's Negative Reputation
In order to understand why cubic zirconia rings are looked down upon by many people, it's important to understand where this kind of jewelry comes from in the first place. Cubic zirconia first graced the jewelry scene with its radiant presence in 1976. Natural varieties of this compound aren't really suitable for jewelry, and it took until this time to figure out how to craft a high quality synthetic.
At the time, diamonds had cornered the jewelry market as the best, most precious, and most highly sought after gem in the world. All of a sudden here comes the cubic zirconia ring, which offers a similar look at a fraction of the cost. Naturally, the diamond industry and distributors became somewhat nervous. After all, their monopolistic practices allowed them to charge far more than the actual costs of the diamonds. So what did they do? They began a smear campaign.
Cubic zirconia rings were targeted and labeled systematically by their competitors. They were no longer synthetic - they were branded as 'fake.' Instead of an inexpensive substitute, they were considered 'cheap.'
Is there any truth to these claims, though? How does a cubic zirconia ring compare to a diamond one, anyways? Is there any truth to these negative claims?
At the time, diamonds had cornered the jewelry market as the best, most precious, and most highly sought after gem in the world. All of a sudden here comes the cubic zirconia ring, which offers a similar look at a fraction of the cost. Naturally, the diamond industry and distributors became somewhat nervous. After all, their monopolistic practices allowed them to charge far more than the actual costs of the diamonds. So what did they do? They began a smear campaign.
Cubic zirconia rings were targeted and labeled systematically by their competitors. They were no longer synthetic - they were branded as 'fake.' Instead of an inexpensive substitute, they were considered 'cheap.'
Is there any truth to these claims, though? How does a cubic zirconia ring compare to a diamond one, anyways? Is there any truth to these negative claims?
Cubic Zirconia Rings on Amazon
Platinum Overlay Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Emerald-Cut Three-Stone Cubic Zirconia Ring
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010) 
Sterling Silver 3-Stone Cubic Zirconia Ring
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Eternity Ring
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Cubic Zirconia Rings vs. Diamond Rings
- Dispersion - Cubic zirconia displays greater dispersion compared with diamonds - 0.060 versus 0.044. This means that CZ rings will have more prismatic fire when compared against diamond rings. The extra brilliance is apparent to the untrained, naked eye.
- Hardness - Cubic zirconia is not as hard as diamonds are - 8 versus 10 on the Moh's hardness scale. This means that cubic zirconia rings are more likely to be scratched or dinged over the years.
- Density - Cubic zirconia is significantly denser than diamond. CZ gems will weigh 1.6 times more than similarly sized diamonds. This means that a cubic zirconia ring will weigh noticeably more.
- Flaws - Since they're synthetically made, cubic zirconia rings are practically flawless. Most diamonds, on the other hand, have a few natural inclusions.
- Color - Cubic zirconia rings tend to be entirely colorless. Diamond rings usually have a very minor tint to them, unless they're of exceptionally high quality.
- Setting - Both cubic zirconia rings and diamond ones can be set with the same band materials. There's no limitation here, so you can choose whatever you like, whether it's silver, gold, white gold, platinum, or something exotic like tungsten or titanium.
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The Truth About Cubic Zirconia Rings
The ultimate truth about cubic zirconia rings is that they're just as real and valuable as any other kind of jewelry. The only reason to think otherwise is if you're trying to make them into something that they're not. A cubic zirconia ring will never be equivalent to a diamond one. Even if it achieves the same look, it won't feel the same as a diamond. Passing it off as one would just be dishonest.
In the end, jewelry is all about good looks. Cubic zirconia rings easily achieve an amazing aesthetic, and at inexpensive prices, too. This makes them exceptionally attractive for gifts or for yourself. So long as you're honest about the nature of the ring, it is unlikely that anyone will be angry or disappointed at you. Who turns down fine jewelry, anyways?
For their price, you can't do better than a cubic zirconia ring. If the fact that they're synthetic bothers you, don't get one. If the fact that they're lovely entices you, don't get caught up in negative propaganda. As a rule of thumb, if the cubic zirconia ring looks alluring, then it's valuable to you. And your own opinion should be the one that's most important to you anyways.
In the end, jewelry is all about good looks. Cubic zirconia rings easily achieve an amazing aesthetic, and at inexpensive prices, too. This makes them exceptionally attractive for gifts or for yourself. So long as you're honest about the nature of the ring, it is unlikely that anyone will be angry or disappointed at you. Who turns down fine jewelry, anyways?
For their price, you can't do better than a cubic zirconia ring. If the fact that they're synthetic bothers you, don't get one. If the fact that they're lovely entices you, don't get caught up in negative propaganda. As a rule of thumb, if the cubic zirconia ring looks alluring, then it's valuable to you. And your own opinion should be the one that's most important to you anyways.
New Rings Reviewed at Radiant Rings
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Greydaeny is a jewelry enthusiast who loves all things beautiful and elegant. She has taken it upon herself to educate, inform, and show the world all... (more)
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