No other stone excites women more than this one. It has been a favourite adornment for wedding and engagement rings around the globe. It is not always this way because during the middle ages, only men wore this as jewelry to emphasize their masculinity.

Marked in history, this culture was made into a law. King Louis IX prohibits all women to wear diamonds, and that includes his queen. This is a fact that is now unimaginable because today women are the dominant wearers of this stone.

The characteristic this stone possess has also captured the religious and the mystics. Believing this stone have some magical prowess, they use it on their bodies to prevent sickness or dispel spirits. Ancient Greeks even believed they could defy death by putting this stone on their shields.

Religion of old like in Tibet, takes this stone as part of symbol for worship. Even today, some of the Hindu statues have diamond eyes. Golden statues studded with diamonds were found in the temple treasures that were unearthed recently in India amounting to about 22 billion dollars.

It was in the 15th century that the tradition of diamond engagement ring was birthed. The first of this ring was given to only child and a duchess, heiress to the vast Burgundian domains in France and the Low Countries, Mary of Burgundy. Her hands were asked by Archduke Maximilian 1 of Austria who later became the Holy Roman Emperor.

Thanks to advance technology, every lover can have the chance to express their passion and commitment without being impoverished. Cubic zirconia possesses similar diamond qualities that every girl can love. The thousands of years and the skillful hands packed in a tiny treasure to speak with sparkles the true love to the one that posses it.

Jessica Wozniack is a contributing writer for Style, Bazaar, Good Housekeeping and Martha Stewart Weddings. She is an expert in diamond alternatives such as lab diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia and other synthetic varieties of diamonds. Before buying an engagement or wedding ring, be sure to check out her blog for the top deals and tips in the jewelry industry.

We are all familiar with the engagement ring. The male makes a commitment of matrimony and demonstrates it by way of the giving of an engagement ring to the woman he plans to get married to.

We all know June is one of the preferred months for weddings, and it has been noted that engagement rings are a popular Xmas surprise. At what time did the engagement ring giving begin?

In the Roman Kingdom period, engagement rings have been found. The term given to these types of rings is a betrothal ring. A guy gives a woman one of these types of rings to commit themselves to a marriage ceremony in the future.

Iron era was the metal that was preferred in these kinds of engagement rings, not gold and in this time frame there was no jewels in the rings.

In the 1600s it had become very fashionable to engrave the inside of the engagement ring. The traditions have lasted up to present times where the engraving of initials or the date of the engagement is often placed on the inside of the engagement ring.

It has become extremely popular in recent times to put diamonds, cubic zirconias or gemstones in the engagement ring. The charm of the gemstone or cubic zirconia rivals the magnificence of a diamond, but the cost is approximately 75% lower than the price of a diamond.

In recent times yet another tradition which has evolved is placing the bride’s birthstone within the engagement ring together with the cubic zirconias or the diamonds.

One of the important steps in the marriage routine is the presenting of the engagement ring. Price is a major factor for most people and this is the reason why they’ll decide on a very basic engagement ring. If at this time you are unable to find the money for a more sophisticated engagement ring, you can still buy one of these later in your married life. If the cost is the issue for newly engaged couples and they do not want to hold out for their perfect engagement ring then choosing a cubic zirconia above a diamond could be their solution.

Wise couples will certainly look at saving dollars on the engagement ring for a far better use either in their new life or the honeymoon. This saved money may be used for several things in their new life together.

There’s really no reason for putting up with a smallish stone and get a diamond when you can certainly have the lavish engagement ring of your choice for less money.

If you would like to include the birthstone of the bride-to-be, it can be done with the man-made gemstones on the market. You will not sacrifice the brilliance and splendor of the engagement ring for the cost. Diamonds and cubic zirconias look identical to the untrained eye. Unless you tell anyone that it is a cubic zirconia, people are not going to find out .

You might be so proud of the ring plus the money you saved, you may really feel like shouting it off of a rooftop.

Right now you may very well be single, however, you may wish to take a good look at a cubic zirconia engagement ring for when someone does come into your life and you make that commitment. Make sure you examine both stones and see whether you are able to know the difference between them. Make it a point to look into the quality of a cubic zirconia engagement ring when comparing to a diamond ring.

Engagement rings are available from a number of internet sites and they’ll usually supply both diamond and cubic zirconia. Choosing between a diamond engagement ring and a cubic zirconia ring can at times be merely a difference in the cost as they can look exactly the same. Cubic zirconia can be colored so you don’t have to put up with a white gemstone. To find a similar color in the diamond is going to be hard simply because they are uncommon as well as costly.Start looking right now for that ideal engagement ring so when the time comes you won’t be dissatisfied.

Makeityourring Diamond Engagement Rings supply all relevant information concerning diamond engagement rings on their website. Such as finding the diamond ring with no flaws to identifying fake diamonds.. Check here for free reprint license: Cubic Zirconia/Diamond Engagement Rings.

Buying an engagement ring is a special moment in a couple’s life. They want it to express the love they feel for each other and look good at the same time. Buying a diamond does not have to have to put a couple in debt forever–and doing some research can significantly help in the process. Lab created diamond simulants have the same qualities as real ones and are more affordable. With the technology that is available today, diamond simulants are a smart choice for any couple contemplating marriage. They look like the real thing and are cut just the same as real diamonds.

Now the next question that comes into this topic is why are the diamond stores investing in “diamond testing” machines? Is it to really distinguish the difference between natural and lab created diamonds? It’s mainly because the man made gemstones are incredibly realistic. Yet now the question is: If these man made stones are so visually close to real diamonds (especially paired with a beautiful gold or platinum setting), what is the main purpose of having to have a diamond for so much more money?

Lab created diamond simulants are developed out of a high tech polycrystalline gemstone elements. They are then professionally laser cut exactly the same as all diamonds. Light vividly passes through the stone creating a rich and luminous sparkle–the same as with diamonds. The European luxury company Swarovski was the very first to develop this technology and their beautiful stones have given them the finest reputation in the jewelry fashion industry. Swarovski has developed a great deal of the jewelry you see on television and in the movies, and on the red carpet. These striking gemstones garner all the attention they deserve and capture the romance of diamonds worldwide.

With all the controversy over mined diamonds and the treatment of the mineworkers (many of which have come from multi-generational De Beers “slaves”), it makes sense to have such a quality alternative gem. There is no violence connected with these stones and the cost is affordable. Lab created diamonds is a perfect solution to the moral dilemma involved.

Since so many women want the idea and look of a high end Verragio ring but simply can’t afford to pay the thousands upon thousands more, the next best thing is a diamond simulant engagement ring. You won’t have the high price guilt on your conscience from having your fiance buy something he can’t afford. And only you and your jeweler will ever be able to tell.

Christina Evansen is a wedding editor and her articles on synthetic diamonds have been featured in on magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Lucky and InStyle. She is a frequent contributor to MSNBC’s fashion guide on wedding and finance. Take a look at her blog to get the best guides and tips on how to save big on engagement rings.

High quality man made diamonds are a bargain at less than $100 per carat, and they do not increase in price steps as carat weight increases. For example, a one-carat diamond alternative costs about $100. A one-carat mined diamond that sells for $3100 would go for $45,000 in a three-carat size, all things being equal, which with mined diamonds is never the case. Perplexing comparative evaluations, exponential price growth, consumer confusion, and the reality of diamond industry antics is why the mined diamond business is awash in dirty tricks. Here are descriptions of the most sneaky and pervasive mined diamond scams:

The BLUE-WHITE SCAM: Many jewelers will say, “This is a blue-white diamond.” In fact, this is one of the oldest tricks in the book. He will likely say that it is a higher quality diamond when in reality, it is of lower quality. The term “blue-white” is in reference to the fluorescence that is found in daylight and it has wavelengths which are ultraviolet. When you have this blue fluorescence, it in fact causes the “colorless” stone to appear more “greasy” or cloudy in natural daylight and therefore lessens its financial worth.

THE LIGHT MAKES WHITE SCAM: Bright lights make every mined diamond look better. Of course, every jeweler wants to show his or her diamonds in the best light, but there are some lighting tricks you should avoid. Stores will find specific light bulbs to go with certain lower quality diamonds. Some bulbs have a strong blue component, which makes yellow stones look whiter. Special bulbs are often used with strong ultraviolet wavelengths, which make most diamonds fluorescent “blue”. This, in fact, has a whitening effect for stones in the lower color ranges.

THE GRADE BUMPING SCAM: Unfortunately, many jewelry stores overstate the grades of their diamonds. According to the FTC, a jewelry store is required to be accurate within one color grade and one clarity grade on their diamonds. To skirt these rules, jewelers raise the color and clarity up a notch. Regrettably, this usually means a lot of cash if you are looking at a 1 carat diamond. For example, you go into a store and find a diamond that is said to be a 1.00 carat F color/VS1 clarity for $6,750. Nevertheless, if you were to send it to get certified by a lab like the Gemological Institute of America, it will be returned as only a G color/VS2 clarity diamond, worth a mere $5,250. Your loss of $1500 is the jewelry store’s gain.

THE FRACTION SCAM: The tag says 3/4 carat, and the FTC allows jewelers to round off diamond weights. So a diamond labeled as 3/4 carat in weight actually weighs anywhere between .69 and .81 carat. This means a significant amount of money, since diamond prices leap at certain popular sizes. In this example, you might be buying a .69 carat round G/VS2 worth about $2,600… but paying for what you thought was a 0.75 carat worth $3,500. You lose $900.

THE LASER DRILLING SCAM: Jewelry stores can obtain cheaper and flawed diamonds and in order to fix this, they will drill tiny holes to take out the dark impurities. A third of all diamonds are treated in this manner. Jewelry stores and jewelers employ lasers to drill little chambers in order to get in there and burn out the trouble spots and make the diamond look better. Unfortunately this creates a problem: the diamond will them become less hard and prone to cracking if hit. Yet despite this, diamonds which are laser-drilled should be sold for much less but often are not.

THE HIDING THE FLAWS SCAM: All jewelers cover up defects in diamonds under or around the prongs if they are able. Oftentimes, a cheap diamond will look fairly nice and more pricey if one were to just view it in the setting. Yet the concern is that with these defects being hidden right by the prongs, it makes the diamond weaker at each of the points.

THE FRACTURE FILLING SCAM: Advanced techniques that enable defects to appear hidden. A state of the art development has been created which liquefies lead mixed with crystal into the top layer of the diamond where there are cracks within the fissures. This tactic will go overlooked by unknowing customers. Diamonds which are fracture-filled theoretically would sell for much less but in fact they are sold for the same or higher prices than unfilled diamonds since they can do it to larger diamonds to unknowing customers.

THE CHEMICAL COLOR COATINGS SCAM: A little paint goes a long way. This very deceptive practice involves a little point of blue or purple paint on the lowest tip of the diamond, called the culet. This is small enough that you might not detect it, but the location spreads the color throughout the stone. This counters the yellow tint in lower color grades, making a diamond look like a more expensive, colorless grade.

Under precise laboratory circumstances, diamond simulants or diamond alternatives are created. Because they are made this way, they are absolutely perfect when viewed with a microscope. Only by looking at diamond simulants this way are jewelers able to really tell the difference–and this is because real diamonds have so many flaws and inclusions. With synthetics and simulants being so flawlessly beautiful and impossible to determine whether they are real or not by simply looking at them, they are an obvious alternative. Those who think they love diamonds therefore must consider alternatives in high regard and as a beautiful option. Even better, you will never have to worry about expensive insurance and can invest the money saved elsewhere!

Author Julia McKinnen has been lecturing on the diamond deceptions in the United States for the past decade. Her fascinating insights into the diamond industry and diamond simulants are available on her blog and new web site.

categories: diamond alternatives,diamond simulant,synthetic diamonds,man made diamonds,lab diamonds,cubic zirconia,swarovski,engagement ring,wedding ring,engagement ring,anniversary ring,diamonds

Cubic zirconia jewelry is very popular because it has all the qualities of a real diamond and yet costs less than half the price of comparable diamond jewelry. There are reservations about using it for fear of being caught wearing a cheap imitation. This social stigma is absolutely uncalled for since cubic zirconia is a semiprecious gemstone itself. That it is affordable should not deter people from wearing it.

Cubic zirconia has almost all the qualities of a diamond, albeit in lesser quantities. For example, the brilliance of a CZ is slightly less than that of a diamond, the clarity is slightly less than that of a diamond, the durability is moderately less than that of a diamond, and finally, the hardness is moderately less than that of the real gemstone. There is a market for real diamond jewelry and there is a bona fide thriving market for imitation diamond jewelry. So there’s nothing “fake” about imitation diamond jewelry. In the imitation diamond jewelry market, cubic zirconia is the most valued gemstone, beating other diamond wannabes hollow.

A diamond is a diamond, no two ways about it. A diamond enjoys a unique intrinsic reputation and nothing can take its place. That said, if you are not primarily interested in its intrinsic worth but are interested in wearing brilliantly beautiful jewelry, then CZ is the logical choice. All the show of a diamond at less than half the price is a jewelry buyer’s dream bargain. The actual price can go far below the half price level, depending on the quality of the stone, its size, cut and setting.

Many people are chary of wearing cubic zirconia jewelry for fear of being “caught out” by the gemstone cognoscenti. No need to worry! Gemstone experts themselves are often victims of gemstone frauds, because they could not tell a CZ from the genuine gemstone! And that after meticulous technical scrutiny, under controlled conditions. Somebody coming up to you at that real big embassy party and saying: “Madame, that is fake jewelry you’re wearing!”, that’s just not going to happen! Yes, the opposite can take place with some catty ladies purposely mistaking your genuine diamonds for those “fake diamonds, what are they called, dahling?” So, judge for yourself, is this gemstone really bad for your public image?

An interesting aside to this story is that this gemstone has no flaws, whereas genuine diamond has its share of natural defects, ranging from the noticeable to the negligible.

The cubic zirconia is noteworthy for its close visual similarity with diamond. What is less known is that the similarity doesn’t end there. It has all the qualities that are sought after in a diamond – brilliance, clarity, durability, and hardness. The fact that It has all these qualities at an affordable price, makes it ideal for general wear, where the intrinsic value of the gemstone is not important.

With CZ jewelry you can afford to look elegantly glamorous for any occasion, from the annual office social to celebrity shows. You can get very fine stones set in a brooch to larger sized singletons for rings and pendants. Cubic zirconia will suit any outfit you choose to wear.

You can get any jewelry item made with cubic zirconia, ranging from stunning ear studs to classic chokers. You can craft it the same way as a diamond, giving you the same cut and shape of a diamond. You don’t have to compromise on style and aesthetics when you use it. So the next time you go shopping for jewelry take a look at the CZ jewelry section, and get ready for the envious looks you’ll attract at the next show!

You can purchase cubic zirconia jewelry for less than you might think. Visit www.CostumeJewelryGuide.com to learn more about all your jewelry options. You’ll find information on every thing from the always popular beaded jewelry to Celtic jewelry, which is quickly increasing in popularity.

categories: cubic zirconia,jewelry,fashion,accessories