Often compared with the beauty of shimmering stars, Cubic Zirconia or CZ is undoubtedly the best alternative for diamonds available today. Cubic Zirconia has successfully established itself as the finest and affordable substitute of diamond in today’s fashionable jewelry market. One cannot distinguish the difference between a real diamond and Cubic Zirconia with the naked eye. Even gemologists cannot tell the difference without various examinations and testings.
Available in a variety of colours, like pink, red, green, white, etc., Cubic Zirconia is one of the most sought-after stones in the fashion jewelry sector. Just like diamonds, it offers everything from beauty and brilliance to cost and durability.
Things You Should Know About Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
History Of Cubic Zirconia
The cubic zirconia was first discovered in the year of 1892. The natural form of Cubic zirconia is yellow in color which is known as zirconium oxide. In those days, this material was given no value. But later in the 1930s scientists discovered that zirconium oxide does not lose its properties of strength even in high heat. Eventually, zirconium oxide was used in ceramics, laser machines, etc.
In 1977, Russian scientists actually learned the process to grow these stones in a lab and it was they who marketed cubic zirconia as a simulated diamond. Although it didn’t impact the world of jewelry then, it wasn’t until Swarovski jumped into the market with its own version and coined the term CZ for cubic zirconia. It was then that CZ became popular and a cheaper substitute for diamond jewelry.
So, what is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic and colourless gemstone that is made from the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Although extremely rare, cubic zirconia may also appear naturally within the mineral called baddeleyite. In most of the cubic zirconia jewellery, the gemstones are lab-created.
As mentioned above cubic zirconia is often regarded as an inexpensive alternative to diamonds, although it is very different in its aesthetic qualities and physical structure because it is lab-grown, whereas when it comes to diamonds they are naturally occurring gemstones.
How is Cubic Zirconia made?
Cubic Zirconia or CZ is made by melting the zirconium oxide powder with different stabilizers like magnesium and calcium at 4,982ºF. After being exposed to heat, the zirconium oxide powder turns into crystals, they are then removed from the heat and stabilized. The crystals are then cut and polished. Although each lab has its own specific method for the making of cubic zircons.
Cubic Zircons are also found in various shapes just like diamonds, such as baguette-cut, oval cut, or cushion cut.
Cubic Zirconia vs Diamonds
As the hardest naturally occurring mineral in the world, diamond weighs 10 on the Mohs scale whilst CZ ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Whilst diamonds are very durable in nature and can be worn every day, CZ being a synthetic material offers little durability.
It can be worn in jewellery, but will not have the longevity and durability of diamond. It also does not possess the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond. If not taken care of, CZ jewelry might end up getting scratched and appear cloudy over time.
Miorah’s take on Cubic Zirconia Jewellery
The Indian fashion jewelry has undergone a drastic change over the past few years. It has become one of the rapidly growing markets in the world. Not only in India, but it has also gained popularity all over the world.
Fashion jewelry is very much appreciated by today’s generation. With a plethora of options and affordability, the business segment of fashion jewelry grows every day. No doubt this has enhanced and increased the demand for CZ jewelry.
Miorah offers a delectable selection of CZ jewelry that is hard to miss. With exquisite designs and an unlimited number of options Miorah’s range of CZ jewelry is the best. Be it necklaces, rings, earrings, etc our designs will definitely win your hearts. Our CZ jewelry also comes in rose gold and silver-plated designs. They are also featured with a combination of other semi-precious stones like ruby and emerald CZ for a more elegant and colourful look.
Miorah’s CZ jewelry collection is crafted with nickel-free brass and high-quality CZ stones, that are made to last and cherish. There are many characteristics that make our CZ jewelry famous like:
- We have hundreds of designs to cater to the current trends and demands of contemporary women.
- With soaring prices of gold and diamonds, Miorah’s CZ jewelry is a much cheaper alternative.
- Because of its affordability, one can easily wear them without the risk of losing them.
- Be it any occasion, formal or casual, our range of CZ jewelry have never-ending options, from ornate choker sets to daily wear studs Miorah’s CZ collection umbrellas everything.
How to take care of your CZ jewellery?
While it looks like diamonds, CZ differs in the properties. Thus it also needs extra care and more frequent cleaning. Here are some steps you should follow while cleaning your CZ jewellery:
- Always use a soft brush while cleaning to clean your jewelry. You can also use a soft cloth to do the same.
- Don’t use a hard chemical to clean the jewelry pieces.
- Do not scrub hard the surface of the stones as it might give them scratches.
- Soap scum can also build up inside of fine pieces, thus always rinse with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
- Clean your CZ jewelry every two or three months to keep them looking their best.
- Since CZ jewelry is generally embellished in less expensive metals like brass, be careful while cleaning them as it might end up tarnishing.
- Mostly the jewelry pieces come with a 14kt or 18kt gold plating or silver plating, cleaning them with hard chemicals can ruin their polish.
- Clean them with mild soaps and water just like the stones.
- Always store your jewelry in different jewelry pouches to avoid scratches.
- Always take off your jewelry while doing activities like laundry, applying perfumes or lotions, going into swimming pools and doing exercises as sweat can dull the jewels.
