(Newswire.net — July 1, 2014) Boise, ID — You’ve probably seen cubic zirconia dozens of times without realizing it. To the untrained eye, a cubic zirconia stone is effectively indistinguishable from a diamond. It’s also much more affordable. This is why so many people are using cubic zirconia for earrings, pendants, and even engagement rings.
Wink Jones has made it his mission to inform consumers about cubic zirconia. His is a wisdom born of experience. Mr. Jones has been dealing in gems since the ‘70s. He also runs Wink CZ, a store that specializes in fine cubic zirconia jewelry.
Mr. Jones points out that cubic zirconia presents consumers with an extremely attractive and durable alternative to diamonds. Well-made and maintained CZ gems will usually last at least five years, and can even go for as long as ten. The longevity of any given stone depends on how hard the jewelry is worn.
CZ is typically placed in gold or platinum jewelry. Gold jewelry can last for 20 or even 30 years. Platinum jewelry can last for even longer periods of time.
Another benefit is that a well-made CZ stone will be as flawless and as radiant as a diamond. In terms of aesthetics, there is very little difference between the two. This is not to say that they are the same. Cubic zirconia, for instance, ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. A diamond, on the other hand, ranks at 10. This means that it’s easier to scratch cubic zirconia.
Weight is an important quality for gemstones. A diamond’s value, for instance, is partially determined by its weight. As such, diamond cutters sometimes take shortcuts in order to avoid removing too much of the material. Doing so often results in diamonds that lack sparkle and fire.
It might seem that this is less likely to happen with CZ jewelry because the substance has less intrinsic value. However, many companies cut their CZs for weight retention rather than beauty. Wink points out that those who care about aesthetics would be best served by finding a CZ jeweler with similar inclinations.
These are all things that potential jewelry buyers should keep in mind. Mr. Jones hopes that, by knowing the pros and cons of each gem, consumers can better decide which is right for them. He has devoted a portion of his website to educating visitors about cubic zirconia. These videos and documents explain how CZ is made, how it’s set in jewelry, and much more. They offer a useful resource to anyone who wishes to learn more about the subject.