Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings Strongly Resemble Diamonds
For couples who want the look of diamonds without the associated cost, cubic zirconia engagement rings can often fool true diamond lovers with its clarity and color. Since 1976, this synthetic diamond has found a market in the jewelry industry and with mass production capabilities, is less expensive than diamonds and many other gemstones, including moissanite, another faux diamond product.
The chief differences between cubic zirconia engagement rings and diamond rings would be difficult to spot with the naked eye, including the dispersement of light. The lack of color, rarely found in even the most perfect diamonds, is a natural occurrence in cubic zirconia and the hardness of diamonds, rated 10 on the Mohs’ hardness scale, is between 8.5 and 9 for cubic zirconia. With a specific gravity about 1.7 times the weight of real diamonds, cubic zirconia engagement rings are considered heavyweights in jewelry circles.
Many sellers of cubic zirconia engagement rings send their stones to gemologists to have the cut and clarity examined to insure only the best artificial gems are included in their pieces. However, when examined under a loupe, the facet cuts will appear different than those found on diamonds.
Examination Finds Lack Of Flaws
Unlike natural diamonds, examining cubic zirconia engagement rings under a loupe or microscope will reveal a lack of flaws, something exceptionally rare with a real diamond. The natural process of high pressure and high heat needed to produce diamonds does not incur flaws during the manufacturing process of cubic zirconia. While some may be infused with color to give the impression of other precious gems, true cubic zirconia will be clear.
For many, the ability to sport cubic zirconia engagement rings may be the closest they will come to owning a real diamond. For others, it may be a temporary stop before being able to afford the real thing. Whichever way they view their cubic zirconia engagement rings, the setting is equally important to their appearance. Over time, some may replace the cubic zirconia with a real diamond, using the original setting to create a more valuable piece of jewelry.
Although many cubic zirconia engagement rings are set in a gold band, the use of platinum and white gold, as well as silver, can make the ring seem much brighter and the stone more sparkling when viewed under normal conditions. There is no shame in owning cubic zirconia engagement rings and many more people are opting for them over other forms of cultured diamonds for their durability.
