Cubic Zirconia - Affordable Quality Word Count: 345 Summary: Cubic zirconia is a natural mineral that looks like a diamond and is often used as a cheaper alternative for diamond jewelry. Due to the fact that it is so often used as a substitute for diamonds, it is often thought of as cheap costume jewelry fit only for the unsophisticated. In truth, it is anything but. Cubic zirconia is quite frankly beautiful. Although it is not as valuable as a diamond, it is still a distinctly high-quality jewel. Most cubic zirconia pieces are cut and... Keywords: jewelry, cubic zirconia Article Body: Cubic zirconia is a natural mineral that looks like a diamond and is often used as a cheaper alternative for diamond jewelry. Due to the fact that it is so often used as a substitute for diamonds, it is often thought of as cheap costume jewelry fit only for the unsophisticated. In truth, it is anything but. Cubic zirconia is quite frankly beautiful. Although it is not as valuable as a diamond, it is still a distinctly high-quality jewel. Most cubic zirconia pieces are cut and measured just exactly like an equivalent diamond would be. Cubic zirconia is used in pendants, rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, and many other types of jewelry. Since the purpose of wearing jewelry (for all but the most “sophisticated”) is to look like a million dollars, cubic zirconia should be considered by the majority who cannot afford a diamond so easily. Almost Diamonds, for example, is an online jewelry shop that offers a great variety of cubic zirconia jewelry that includes designer-inspired necklaces and rings. Cubic zirconia is often combined with sterling silver to make affordable and beautiful wedding sets. Sterling silver is itself a cost-efficient alternative to gold – it can last for decades with proper care. A sterling silver ring has the advantage of being adjustable up or down up to two sized so that the new bride can be assured of being able to wear her wedding ring many years later. The most popular cuts for cubic zirconia wedding sets include round, pear, emerald, and marquise, among others. The cubic zirconia / Sterling silver combination provides a lot of sparkle for an important occasion such as a wedding. As well, the sterling silver / cubic zirconia combination is often used in “good luck” symbol jewelry such as elephant, turtle, and butterfly pendants and pins. Cubic zirconia can be colored to make it more closely resemble more expensive gemstones. This feature is particularly useful if you want to buy a birthstone as a birthday gift. Cubic zirconia is a beautiful and extraordinarily versatile mineral with a myriad of uses for personal adornment. </font></pre> </body></html>