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Monday, February 10, 2014

Purchasing A High Quality Cubic Zirconia Ring

By Jayne Rutledge


Diamonds are expensive and although everyone loves them, not everyone can afford them. A high quality cubic zirconia ring is the most sought alternative on the market. However, not all the stones in these rings are alike and while some have a brilliance and clarity very like diamonds, others look fake even to the untrained eye. It is important to understand how they are graded before making a purchase.

Just as with diamonds, these stones are graded according to carat, color, clarity and cut. A store may list a carat weight although these stones are measured in millimeters. They call it a diamond equivalent to help you understand how the heavier stone would compare to a diamond of the same visual size. The more white light the stone reflects the better. A good stone may not be quite as hard as a diamond but is harder than many other natural gemstones and is not damaged by daily wear. An inferior stone, on the other hand, is not as hard and can get scratched quite easily. It may also have small bubbles that implode and cause it to discolor over time.

Unlike diamonds, these stones are synthetic and are grown in laboratories. Crystals that are not perfectly clear are simply not used. Their perfect clarity makes them different from diamonds as a real diamond is very rarely colorless.

A well cut stone refracts more white light and has even facets. A lower quality stone will reflect more colored light. Diamonds reflect only white light and if you want your stone to look as much like a diamond as possible, you must select one that refracts the most white light.

Department stores often sell fairly inexpensive items. Higher grade items are sold in jewelry stores and customization of rings is offered. Many wholesalers sell their products at online stores today. This gives individuals the opportunity to search through a vast range of items at affordable prices.

Buying online also gives you the opportunity to compare a wide range of products, looking at different cuts and settings and examining prices. There are numerous different cuts available and settings vary considerably too with platinum, sterling silver and gold all being used. Prices vary depending on the factors like the grading of the stone, the cut and the setting used. Special offers are often available too.

Jewelry is very personal and is chosen to accentuate the style and taste of the individual. If you are buying online, reading the terms and conditions on the website is important. This is particularly important if you are selecting a piece for someone else as you need to know whether an item can be exchanged or returned.

A high quality cubic zirconia ring is a great alternative for those who cannot afford a diamond. They may not have the same investment value but a well-cut, high-quality stone will refract much white light, having a very pleasing appearance. The ones being made today resemble diamonds so closely that even jewelers need to use a loupe to tell the difference.




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