Cheap Engagement Rings

Probably the most popular type of cheap engagement rings are those made with cubic zirconia stones. In a nutshell, cubic zirconia is a man-made stone, and is considered a great substitute for diamonds. They are far cheaper, and very easy to customize. Read on to find out the more.

Terms Related to Cubic Zirconia

• A-AAAAA – indicates the quality of a cubic zirconia stone. AAAAA is the highest quality available for cubic zirconia, and the most common. Cubic zirconia is quite cheap, so you should generally consider getting AAAAA grade.

• CZ – abreviation for cubic zirconia

• Moh’s Hardness Scale – measures the scratch resistance of different minerals and stones. The highest possible score is 10, which is held by a diamond. Cubic zirconia scores 8.5, and as a reference, gold only scores a 2.5.

What is Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zirconia is created in a lab from zirconium dioxide. It is a somewhat complicated process including high heat, but this process has been perfected since its introduction in 1976. The result is a very hard and perfectly clear stone that can be cut to look nearly identical to a diamond.

Types of Cubic Ziconia Engagement Rings

Cubic Zirconia stones can be created in any way a jeweler wants. These stones are easily customized, so you can get a cz stones however you want. Generally, they are cut similar to diamonds, as they are sold as a substitute for the rare and expensive diamonds. Here are some of the most common:

Round brilliant cut cubic zirconia

This stone is cut in the shape of a cone. The visible part is a circle, and the back or bottom of the stone forms a point. It is the classic cut for diamonds, and is therefore the most common cut for cubic zirconia. It is a beautiful cut that really sparkles.

Princess cut cubic zirconia

Instead of a cone, this one is cut in the shape of a pyramid. It is the second most common, and is the cut that makes the best use of “space” (it looks the largest).

Emerald Cut Cubic Zirconia

This cut is in the shape of a rectangle, and looks elegant and sophisticated. It does a great job of showing of a stones clarity, although this is something that is more important with a diamond (CZs are naturally clear).

Oval Cut Cubic Zirconia

This is similar to the round cut, but instead of a circle, it is the shape of an oval. Also shows of the the brilliance of the stone.

Marquis cut cubic zirconia

An elegant shape that shows off the stone’s brilliance. It is similar to an oval cut, but is more narrow in the center, and is pointed on both ends.

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamonds

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between Cubic Zirconia and diamonds. You have to be an expert, or have to know exactly what to look for. Here is an overview of the difference between the two.

Color: Cubic Zirconia is perfectly colorless. A perfectly colorless diamond is extremely rare, and ultra expensive.
Hardness: Cubic Zirconia scores an 8.5 on Moh’s hardness scale, whereas diamonds score a perfect 10. Diamonds are impossible to scratch, and cubic zironia, although very hard, can be scratched. Also, it is important to know that even though CZ is difficult to scratch, it can shatter quite easily, meaning proper care is important.
Weight: Diamonds are much lighter than cubic zirconia. If you have one diamond and one cubic zirconia that are equal in size, you will find that the cubic zirconia is 1.7 times heavier.
Refraction: Diamonds have a higher refractive index, meaning they are more “sparkly” than cubic zirconia.
Dispersion of light: this is greater on a CZ stones, meaning you will see more colors on a cubic zirconia than on a diamond.
Flaws: Although difficult to see with the naked eye, CZ is much easier to cut than diamonds, and nearly all dia

Uses for cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is used for all different types of jewelry. The most common are cubic zirconia engagement rings, because people often can’t afford a diamond engagement ring, or certainly not one as big as they’d like.

Other popular uses include cubic zirconia bracelets, earrings, broaches, deluxe watches, and necklaces. Again, because cubic zirconia is cheap and easily cuztomized, it is perfect for making beautiful pieces of jewelry.