History of Cubic Zirconia (CZ):
Cubic form of Zirconium oxide was first discovered by two German mineralogists in 1937. In 1970's scientists learned how to make this mineral in a laboratory. It wasn't until the 1980's when Cubic Zirconia became popular with jewellers. This is when many companies began mass production of Cubic Zirconia and many researches started developing and testing multiple colours and qualities of mass producing Cubic Zirconia worldwide.
Cubic Zirconia is an incredible hard material similar that of a real diamond and with the introduction of colour, it has great potential as a gem to fulfil elegant fashion demand at a fraction of the cost. The composition of this man made product is typically a combination of Zirconium Oxide and Yttrium Oxide both of which are opaque by nature. But when melted together under intense heat reaching almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit and then cooled under cont.
Cubic Zirconia is undoubtedly the best diamond simulate available today. Cubic Zirconia has successfully established itself as the high quality and affordable diamond substitute in today's fashionable jewellery market. The untrained and naked eye cannot distinguish the difference between a real diamond and Cubic Zirconia. Even gemologists cannot tell the difference unless various testing and examination is done.
Different cuts in Cubic Zirconia available today for mass production:
Asscher Cut:
This brilliant cut goes back to the mid 1800's when the Royal Asscher Diamond Company was founded by Joseph Asscher.
Marquise Cut:
This elongated shape was inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, Frace's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it.
Oval Cut:
The oval cut is elliptical in shape and is a variation of the round cut. The oval shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the finger and hand.
Pear Cut:
The pear cut is a tear drop shape and is a variation of the round cut. This cut is well suited for pendants and earrings.
Emerald Cut:
The emerald cut is rectangular in shape with corners. It is a step cut with facets being broad with flat planes resembling the steps of stairs.
Round Cut:
The round cut is the most popular of all shapes, perhaps because their circular proportions reflect more light back to the observer than any other shape
Princess Cut:
The princess cut is a square shape with sharp edges. It has numerous spark-link facets, and is flattering to a long fingers and hands.
Triangle Cut:
The triangle cut is a wedge shape with fiery brilliance. It can be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners, or a more rounded triangular shape.
Cushion Cut:
This calm and soothing cut is one of the most historically popular. From 1830 to the turn of the century, this was how diamonds were cut. The facets allow the eye to travel into the stone.
Heart Cut:
The heart shape is a variation of the round cut diamond. This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top.
Radiant Cut:
This square or rectangle shaped cut has clipped corners like the emerald cut. It has the elegance of the emerald cut with the sparkle of a round cut.