subject: Diamond Of The Era [print this page] Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic man made replica of diamonds. It is very similar to diamonds in look and feel such that common people cannot even distinguish between the two. Only a highly skilled, trained or experienced gemstone handler can tell the difference. Although it looks like a diamond but is very inexpensive and that is why it is becoming the gemstone of choice to various people. Cubic zirconia is clear as a crystal and is colourless but it can be made with a variety of colours like pink, etc. This artificial stone was first made with zirconium oxide but this compound is a rare earth compound and is found in very little quantities and hence was not commercially exploited. Later on a more suitable way was found to make CZ with yttrium oxide by melting it with zirconium oxide at high temperatures and to grow zirconia crystals. Cubic zirconia, due to its diamond resembling property, has become widely popular and is used to make a variety of jewellery items such as bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, etc. Cubic zirconia is brighter than a crystal together with being harder than most gems, hence making it very durable for use in jewellery. CZ has become so popular that most people buy expensive diamond jewellery together with its CZ imitation so that on special occasions the original can be used and for regular outings the low cost cousin can be used.
Today all the latest jewellery is being made with cubic zirconia as they are in demand. They can be found combined together with any other gemstone embedded in either yellow or white gold. Most famous designer labels have their own CZ range of jewellery. They even cover this type of jewellery with special coatings to make them feel more original. But one question on every ones mind is that how can CZ jewellery be cleaned. It is very simple to clean CZ jewellery. It can be wiped with a cotton cloth or can be cleaned with a cleaning solution purchased from the market or made at home with soap and warm water. It can be steam cleaned in a kettle or an ultrasonic cleaner can be used. Also some care has to be taken in storing CZ jewellery by keeping it in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag and never store it in a wooden box as chemicals in the wood can eat the jewellery away.
Most people have a confusion that although cubic zirconia weighs less than diamonds then why the term carat is used with CZ. The answer is simple; if someone says CZ is of 5 carat then it means that it is equal in size to 5 carat diamond. Cubic zirconia jewellery has started to become a star among other jewellery and has almost replaced diamond as the favourite gem in wedding jewellery. And the best thing about CZ is that no one will ever know whether you are wearing an original or a replica.
