ABOUT CUBIC ZIRCONIA

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 became popular with jewelry designers.

Gemologists agree that Cubic Zirconia is the finest diamond simulant 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.

Almost all the cubic zirconia rough in the market, today, is chemically comprised of zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide. Individually, both of these materials are opaque, white ores, but when they're melted together under appropriate conditions, they combine to form an amazingly brilliant, clear crystal.

Producing fine cubic zirconia is an art in itself. The extremely high temperature required to melt the ores (almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit) is too hot for any conventional crucible, or melting vessel, to withstand. Therefore, to produce cubic zirconia, a "skull crucible" system is used, where the melting zirconia powder actually creates the sides of its own container during its manufacture.

Cooling this extremely hot molten ore is the most crucial step in the entire process. A carefully programmed cooling procedure is needed to form the flawless crystals that become cubic zirconia gemstones.

Like diamonds, the best cubic zirconia are colorless (or white) and don't lose their brilliance. Given proper cleaning, the cubic zirconia will retain its beauty for years.

If you do happen to chip or scratch it, it's only a few dollars to replace the stone with a new one.

To fill the need for colors, manufacturers also produce a variety of colored cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia are cut in the same way diamonds are. The size of the gemstone is usually indicated by its weight in carats, a carat being one-fifth (1/5) of a gram. The stone can also be measured in millimeter diameter size.

Because the cubic zirconia stone is so dense and solid, it outweighs a diamond of the same millimeter size, weighing 1.7 times more than a diamond of the same millimeter diameter. When we talk about carat weight to describe a CZ, we use the diamond equivalent weight or the diameter of the stone in milimeters.

The best cleaning agent for cubic zirconia is liquid dishwashing detergent. But, other cleaners can be used, preferably those without ammonia. Natural skin oils, soap,
and dirt cause a film that dulls the beauty and luster of the cubic zirconia, just as it dulls real diamonds.

A cubic zirconia is as hard as a good sapphire coming in at 8.5 on the MOHS hardness scale.

When you shop at CubicJewelry.com, you can enjoy Cubic Zirconia Jewelry set in 14 karat gold and be confident that the quality of your gems will be as beautiful as those costing thousands of dollars more.

All CubicJewelry.com jewelry is set with Top Grade Zirconia in 14kt Gold mountings.. Our items are not plated, dipped or coated with gold. These are the same settings that are used for diamonds, and are set by professional gem setters.

An CubicJewelry.com Cubic Zirconia is GUARANTEED to stay bright - like a diamond - forever. It is impossible to tell the difference between a diamond and a well-cut cubic zirconia without a tester, a scale or the high magnification of an electron microscope.

CubicJewelry.com jewelry is so authentic it has all the fire and depth of brilliance of the finest natural gem stones.

They're not imitation diamonds - they're genuine cubic zirconia!

Our CZ's are already converted to diamond equivalency.

Therefore, one of our 1 Ct. CZ's would be equivalent to a 1 Ct. diamond.

Once you compare the quality of our stones, the weight and body of the gold and the price. You will never buy CZ jewelry anywhere else.

Our jewelry is so spectacular, it will look like you have been shopping at a world class jewelry store. Visit our store to compare our prices, quality and workmanship. You'll never want to shop anywhere else.

If you're looking for something different, we specialize in designing pieces exclusively for our customers. Send, or bring us pictures or drawings and we'll design jewelry exclusively for you.

Caring for your CZ Jewelry

1. Cubic Zirconia that is set in Karat-gold or Platinum 950 can be worn every day.
2. While almost as hard as diamond, CZ is more brittle. So take precautions, such as removing CZ jewelry when doing heavy work. (Even a diamond can chip if hit a certain way.)
3. Remove your CZ jewelry before showering or cleaning, because soap can leave a sparkle-dimming film. Similarly, remove jewelry when applying makeup and face/body powder, as they can dull its shine.
4. Avoid touching your cubic zirconia stones; the natural oils on your fingers can leave a film that dulls the brilliance.
5. Have your jewelry checked by a jeweler regularly. Your jeweler will check for loose settings and professionally clean the jewelry as well.

Cleaning your CZ jewelry
The more you clean your CZ jewelry, the more spectacular it will look. All jewelry loses its beauty if soap, hand cream, dirt, and body oils collect and solidify on it.

Our Colored Stones
Besides cubic zirconia jewelry, you will find a number of pieces featuring both cz's and simulated emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethyst and blue topaz as well as the exciting new simulated tanzanite