In the past, people believed if their diamond could scratch glass, then it was real. While this may be a damaging truth to genuine gems, many fake diamonds do as well. Over the years, the craftsmanship of a diamond simulant (notably cubic zirconia (CZ) selections) has been constructed to fool a variety of interested parties, including jewelers who use the naked eye as their guide towards authenticity. Today, there is a multitude of techniques that help individuals purchase genuine diamonds and not fall victim to extremely convincing fakes.
An important part of detecting a real diamond is to recognize the characteristics that make cubic zirconia both similar and different from genuine diamonds. For starters, CZ possesses a hardness of 8.3 on the Mohs scale compared to the diamond's hardness of 10. While CZ can come in colored or colorless versions like real diamonds, they are optically flawless, whereas a diamond always contains some sort of flaw or defect in their composition.
While trained gemologists are seasoned in the ways of detecting a simulated diamond, the untrained eye may also catch on to glaring inconsistencies. For example, the color of a CZ may display a gray tone when exposed to prolonged amounts of sunlight. In many cases, individuals prefer to run specific tests on their diamond to make sure it is real. They wish to verify authenticity by checking qualities, such as the weight, thermal conductivity, light dispersion, visual optics, refractive index, and level of fluorescence.
An array of diamond tests exists with some better suited for unmounted diamonds than ones placed in a setting. Below is a run-through of some of the most commonly used methods of diamond detection:
Some individuals have been able to detect cubic zirconia by marking their stone with a grease pencil or felt-tipped pen. Since natural diamonds attract grease and a CZ does not, a simulant will repel grease. The transparency of a stone is also helpful. If you are able to turn over your gem and read through it after placing it over newsprint, chances are you do not possess a real diamond. It is important to know that this test is not 100% reliable, as some real diamonds are cut shallow and will fail this test.
The facet edges of a stone also establish authenticity. A cubic zirconia often showcases chipping or slightly rounded edges. When the edges of a stone are not sharp, you may suspect that your gem is not a real diamond.
With the "fog test," one may create fog on their gem in the same manner they would a mirror. If the stone stays fogged for 2 to 4 seconds, you may have a CZ on your hands because a real diamond instantly disperses heat before you can indicate fog. The disadvantage with this test is that accumulated dirt and oil on a stone will affect reliability.
Some people use the "U.V. test" to weed out diamond impostors and prove the worth of their gem. A high percentage of diamonds produce the color blue when placed under a black light (ultra violet light). This is often a good test since 99% of all diamond simulants do not. Seeing a medium to strong blue color is a good indication that you possess a diamond. On the downside, it also proves the worth of your gem. Diamonds with blue fluorescence are sometimes 20% less in value than those that do not. Therefore, not seeing blue fluorescence doesn't necessarily mean the stone is a cubic zirconia, but instead, may indicate a diamond with higher value.
Carat or gram scales come in handy to authenticate a diamond by analyzing its weight. Cubic zirconia weighs about 1.7 times more than diamonds under the same dimension and shape conditions.
With the "loop test," visual characteristics of a diamond are analyzed through a magnifying lens to establish its true identity. One should look for the cuts of the diamond (facets), check the girdle (frosty and faceted means diamond, waxy and glossy means it is a fake), spot small cracks and pinpoints (characteristics of a diamond), and locate setting stamps. Stamps that show "10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750, 900, 950, PT, Plat" increase the chances of possessing a real diamond because CZ is not often set in real gold or platinum.
Overall, it is important to know that not all the tests and techniques used to differentiate a CZ from a real diamond are 100% reliable and conclusive. Often times, a diamond that passes an assortment of tests with flying colors can be trusted as a natural diamond.
With all of the merchants available to shoppers, it can be frustrating when trying to find the best cubic zirconia earrings. Every business has something different to offer consumers, and often customers can be left confused at best. There are many places that offer promises, but they are not able to deliver. Customers buy their products and then they are disappointed. There are certain things that customers should always make sure of when ordering jewelry in order to avoid disappointment.
Quality is very important when it comes to picking out cubic zirconia earrings. Different retailers offer differing degrees of quality. Just because a consumer is ordering jewelry at a discounted price does not mean they should not care about the quality of the item. Things can be at low prices and still be of a great quality. It is important for consumers to do their research when it comes to the quality of the product. If they order something that is low quality, it will probably break rather quickly.
Price is another important factor when it comes to ordering cubic zirconia earrings. Just as quality is important, price is as well. If a customer overpays for a piece of jewelry, they are not going to be happy. It can be discouraging when ordering something, only to find it somewhere else for less. That is why prices must be researched. Customers should not be afraid to take their time and compare prices. It will pay off in the long run.
When shopping, customers should also look for some sort of indication that the business is legitimate. For example, a business that is backed by the Better Business Bureau will engage in fair business practices. That is very important when it comes to parting with your hard earned cash. No one wants to get taken advantage of when shopping. That is why it is important to make sure the business being used is legitimate. By taking the precautions in the beginning, customers can protect their purchases.
Cubic zirconia earrings should have some sort of warranty or guarantee. A customer should never order a piece of jewelry that a company does not stand behind. That is a dangerous practice to engage in, and it is setting the customer up for disaster. Instead of taking a piece of jewelry just because it looks nice, customers need to be mindful of the company and what they offer. If a company does not stand behind their products, there is a good chance that the products are not any good.
There is a company that offers all of this and more. B In Style offers quality jewelry at a price everyone can afford. They are backed by the Better Business Bureau and have the Hacker Safe seal of approval. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their products. On top of that, they offer loyalty points on every piece of jewelry ordered. Those points go toward free jewelry. For more information, please visit them online at http://www.binstyle.com.
Traditionally, the left hand is reserved for an engagement or wedding ring set leaving our right hand available for a choice of beautiful right-hand ring designs. From cluster styles to solitaires and even multi-gem colorations, cubic zirconia is a beautiful choice for adorning your hand in elegance.
Incase you may be wondering exactly what a right-hand ring is, the definition is actually quite simple. A right-hand ring is any ring that does not belong in the category of an engagement or wedding ring. With that being said, it's important to note that certain types of band rings are acceptable as a right-hand ring, providing they have a distinct style that will not be mistaken for a wedding band. For instance, a multi-row cubic zirconia ring or one featuring a rainbow of gemstones, either simulated or genuine, will be the perfect ring for wearing on your right hand. Because of their low profile and comfort, many women enjoy wearing band rings because they are not always getting in the way of everyday activities.
If you prefer a more dramatic presence, you may want to consider the elegance of a cubic zirconia cocktail or cluster ring. This style, which was first made popular decades ago, is now back in fashion in a very big way. Whether you're looking for an understated design or you want a knuckle-to-knuckle style, there is almost certainly a cubic zirconia creation to fit your taste. If what you're after is something in between, you will find a variety of accent rings that remind you of a cluster, but offer a filigree inspiration.
One of the most important characteristics of a right-hand ring jewelry collection is versatility. As mentioned earlier, the left hand is traditionally reserved for a wedding set, which is to be worn every day. This means that, as women, we can use our right hands to showcase a variety of ring styles and enjoy the beauty found in the many designs of cubic zirconia. If you are like most, perhaps you have varying moods in terms of your jewelry. One day, you may find yourself feeling especially bold and you may reach for that stunning cocktail ring, while the next day may find you in a more subtle state of mind that would call for an understated ring that adds the perfect finishing touch to your wardrobe.
As a final thought to right-hand ring designs, your jewelry wardrobe is what you make of it. You can choose from a variety of styles, designs and price tags in order to find the perfect accessories for your jewelry collection. One of the best things about cubic zirconia is the affordable price tag, which means you can expand your collection to include designs for both everyday and special occasion pieces. Instead of owning one or two very expensive pieces of jewelry that you never truly feel comfortable wearing, you can create an entire jewelry wardrobe with cubic zirconia at a reasonable price. And when it comes to looking great, you won't have to worry because a smart shopper always looks fantastic. Intelligence is a beautiful thing.
When it comes to the rest of your life, money may not make you happy but a lack thereof can certainly cause a damper on your spirits. The affordability factor is just one of the many reasons why some couples are saying ‘I Do' to engagement and wedding rings designed in cubic zirconia and sterling silver.
The first step to purchasing a ring is to make sure that you know the receiver's ring size. The good news is that, even if you order the wrong size, sterling silver rings can be resized by most jewelers. If necessary, you can comfortably resize a sterling silver ring by one size either up or down. If the band is wide enough and the jeweler has experience in working with sterling silver, you may be able to go up or down by two sizes. It's important to note that wider bands may fit tighter and, depending on the width and gram weight, could result in the need to purchase one size larger than the wearer's normal size.
Before any vows are exchanged, an engagement has to occur and the selection of a suitable ring is on the mind of many hopeful grooms. For years, gold and diamonds have been the standard for an engagement ring. However, the problem has always been and still remains how to afford an expensive ring if you are on a budget. For many, the answer is sterling silver and the best diamond simulant in the world – cubic zirconia. Like gold, sterling silver is a precious metal and is designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. When it comes to cubic zirconia, only a trained gemologist can tell the difference between a simulant and a genuine diamond with the help of a jeweler's loop.
There are many benefits to purchasing a sterling silver engagement ring featuring cubic zirconia, including a wider band and larger gemstone combined with a smaller price tag. Sterling silver is more affordable than gold, which means you can purchase a wide band and still get a terrific price. If you prefer a thin band, the price would be even lower. In addition, you will get an impressive cubic zirconia presence for your money. The trick to purchasing cubic zirconia rings is to choose a size that is believable and will prove to be comfortable enough for everyday wear.
When it comes to purchasing sterling silver wedding rings featuring cubic zirconia, there is no shortage on available options. If you choose to purchase polished band rings, you can select either a thin or wide band, polished or textured, etc. Like gold, sterling silver bands can be engraved and are excellent substitutes for white gold or platinum. If you purchase a sterling silver engagement ring and wedding bands to match, you can easily get the look of white gold or platinum and diamonds at a very affordable price.
In addition to traditional wedding bands, sterling silver bridal sets are also manufactured to look just as beautiful as their gold and diamond competitors. Interlocking designs, solitaires and channel set stones are just a few of the many choices available to the happy couple. If you are saying ‘I Do,' consider saying it with sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Instead of spending a small fortune on rings to wear on your finger, think about saving the money for a down payment on a house to call your home.