Cubic Zirconia: why it’s an excellent alternative to diamonds

The synthetic gemstone cubic zirconia is fast becoming one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, and with good reason: they offer many of the traits of diamond, yet are often just a tenth of the price of the real thing! 

You will find a great range of cubic zirconia jewellery at your local jewellery shop, so if you’re after sparkles on a budget, pop along to your local independent jeweller for a dazzling choice!

How similar are diamonds and cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, or CZ as it’s often known for short, has an interesting history, having been originally developed by the Russians for their space programme – it was used as an alternative to diamonds in the optics of their lasers, as the synthetic gemstone has a refractive index, hardness and dispersion which is extremely similar to diamond.  If you visit your local jeweller and compare a piece of diamond jewellery and a piece of CZ jewellery, you will struggle to tell the difference!

So just how easy is it to spot the difference between diamonds and CZ?

It’s not just the untrained eye which would struggle to spot the difference between the two types of stone; even trained gemmologists would find it difficult!  Of course, your local independent jeweller is likely to own a microscope or loupe to be able to aid them in telling the difference between the two stones, but for anyone using just the naked eye, it would be a 50/50 guess as to which stone is which.  One of the only ways to identify CZ is to look closely at the facet shapes of the stone, which cause a slight difference in the way in which they disperse light.  Would you be able to tell the difference?!

What colours of CZ are available, and how can it be used in jewellery?

Cubic Zirconia can be used in all types of jewellery, from necklaces, rings and earrings, to brooches and bracelets.  Just like diamond, it’s extremely hard wearing; indeed, diamond sits at the top of the Moh’s hardness scale, rated as 10, and CZ ranges from 8.5 to 9.0 on the scale, making it suitable for every type of jewellery. 

What’s more, whereas diamonds often have a slight brown or yellow tinge to them, CZ is normally made to be completely colourless, giving it an excellent, clear sparkle.  It can also be manufactured in a range of other colours, just like naturally occurring coloured diamonds, to make a variety of beautiful pieces.  And at a tenth of the price of diamond, what are you waiting for?!  Ask your local independent jeweller about their range of cubic zirconia jewellery today!

Make a statement on the catwalk of life: jewellery trends from London Fashion Week 2012

At this year’s London Fashion Week, jewellery was more prominent than ever, and that jewellery was all about making a statement.  It’s only right, therefore, that you’re kept ahead of the trends and on top of what is happening in the world of fashion jewellery, so that you can make a statement of your own.  What better way to do that?  Visit your local independent jeweller, of course!  Here are just a few of the trends seen on the catwalk at this year’s London Fashion Week:

Layering

One of the biggest trends seen on the runway at this year’s London Fashion Week was that of layering jewellery.  Creating a statement look by layering one necklace over another, or even multiple necklaces, was seen in many collections.  If you want to add to, rather than overpower, an outfit, visit your local jewellery shop and check out their collection of fine chains, which are perfect for layering.  Alternatively, if you like chunky jewellery, ask your local jeweller about teaming up strings of oversized beads or even large metallic collar-style necklaces.

Statement pendants

Following on from layering, another of this September’s catwalk trends for necklaces was the statement pendant.  Choose a design with large, geometric shapes and sharp angles; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, your local independent jeweller will be able to custom-make a piece to exactly suit your needs.  Why not include a statement stone or gem too, to give the piece extra wow-factor?

Rock chic

Looks inspired by the rock world make their appearance on the catwalk this September.  From knuckle joint rings, to outfits adorned with rock-motif brooches, rock chic was everywhere.  If you’re tempted by such a specialist look, then why not have a piece custom made?  Your local independent jeweller will be able to make any piece of jewellery using any motif or design your rocking heart desires!

Oversized cuffs and rings

Bracelets and rings went super-sized on this year’s catwalk to make a statement of their own.  For wrist wear, cuffs were extremely popular, and when it came to rings, it seemed to be a case of “the bigger the better”.  Your local jeweller will be able to recreate such a look with oversized gold, silver and even copper coloured hammered metal cuffs, and will stock a range of oversized cocktail rings, ready for you to take away in order to make your own catwalk appearance!

White Gold or Platinum: which metal is better for rings?

White gold or platinum?  Which is better when it comes to buying a ring?  If you’re in the market for a new ring, you may have asked yourself this question; if you’ve asked this question aloud, you may have been given mixed advice.  There is a difference between the two metals, and therefore it’s important that you make the right choice.  Here’s some advice on the subject from a local independent jeweller:

Which metal is harder wearing?

By the very nature of where they are worn, rings are subject to a lot of wear and tear.  It’s certainly true that platinum is a heavier metal than gold, and if you visit your local jewellery shop and ask to look at two rings of a similar size, one made of platinum and the other made of white gold, you will definitely be able to feel the difference in their weight, as the platinum ring will be much heavier. 

However, this doesn’t mean that platinum won’t scratch, and you do still need to take care of your ring, particularly if you’re employed in a hands-on occupation.  Having said that, it is still the more durable of the two metals, and as platinum is less malleable and less likely to break, platinum prongs are perfect for holding stones in place in a ring, including diamonds.

What is the colour difference?

Both white gold and platinum have a very shiny, white metal look to them.  The difference between the two metals is that white gold is coated in rhodium to give it its white appearance, whereas platinum is white in appearance from the outset.  The rhodium coating on a white gold ring does need to be replaced fairly regularly, but it is a simple procedure of re-dipping, which your local jeweller will easily be able to carry out for you.

I have a sensitivity to some metals.  Which of the two metals would be better for my skin?

Your local jeweller will advise that some people experience a sensitivity to white gold, and therefore platinum might be a better alternative for a ring.  Most white gold alloys use a nickel mix, and this is often the metal which causes the problem; platinum doesn’t tend to irritate the skin in such a way.

Give me the damage: what is the difference in price?

Although there are some advantages to platinum, it is harder to work with (as it’s less malleable) and is a purer metal.  This does, therefore, mean that it can cost anywhere between 2.5 to 5 times more than white gold.  Your local jeweller will be able to advise on the price difference, but if cost is important, it might be best to choose a white gold ring – and remember, gold evokes images of richness and luxury, so it shouldn’t be seen as platinum’s cheaper cousin! 

Whichever metal you choose, your local independent jeweller will always be able to advise which type of ring will be best suited to you – from colour and durability, through to price – so don’t be afraid to pop along to your local jewellery shop for advice.