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We’ve all heard about cubic zirconia; maybe you or a friend or family member even own a piece of jewelry containing the semi-yellowish, monoclinic mineral baddeleyite form of the cubic zirconia oxide. But do you really know about cubic zirconia and where it comes from?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) was found in 1892; however, CZ was rare and hard to find, so for a long time, it wasn’t sought after and was considered to have little economic importance. It was simply an oxide that existed naturally on our planet.

In 1899, two German mineralogists discovered a different, naturally occurring form of CZ: microscopic grains. This was the point at which cubic zirconia began wider spread, but there was still only a limited amount of cubic zirconia for the ever-expanding market.

Decades later, in the 1960s, studies began regarding how to grow cubic zirconia in controlled situations. The earliest studies were in France, where two scientists performed studies trying to achieve single-crystal growth of the mineral.

Later, a team of Soviet scientists perfected the technique of growing single-crystal CZ in a controlled situation. This incredible breakthrough was published in the early 1970s, and the widespread production of CZ reached 10,000 kilograms by 1980.

Currently, the market’s desire for cubic zirconia is as strong as ever. This could be attributed to the mineral’s 8.5 hardness, or to the fact that CZ is very inexpensive yet beautiful.

One type of CZ, cubic zirconia AAAAA, has a quality that could easily match - or surpass - that of high quality, expensive diamonds! Due to this phenomenon, many who are in the market for engagement rings or other diamond jewelry turn to cubic zirconia for an equally gorgeous but less expensive solution.

There are many different colors, shapes and sizes of cubic zirconia, so the consumer is always able to find exactly what fits their taste and style.

CZ comes in many different colors including amethyst (purple), garnet (red), pink, aqua, lavender, tanzanite (blue), champagne, white, citrine yellow, and more. The most popular CZ is the white, which could easily be compared to a high quality diamond.

The consumer also has the opportunity to choose one of many different cuts of their cubic zirconia including shapes such as heart, octagon, oval, round, square, trillion (triangle), pear, and more.

If you are in the market for some beautiful yet inexpensive gems, give the mineral cubic zirconia a try. Your jewelry will be gorgeous, durable, and coveted by all of your friends!

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Pehnec Gems is a trusted resource that offers consumers the chance to purchase high quality cubic zirconia gems-further information can be found on the Pehnec Gems website.

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Cubic Zirconia (commonly referred to as CZ) is a man-made synthetic gem that is created by scientists in labs. While CZ does occur in the natural environment, the ability to create the gem in labs means that the supply can easily meet the demand of the jewelry market.

If you are a jewelry maker or own a jewelry store, you most likely want to buy your cubic zirconia in loose form so that you can make whatever type of jewelry your customers tend to like. Most online wholesalers offer CZ and other synthetic gems in loose form in bulk so that you have the option to make many different pieces of jewelry.

If your customers are happier with gems of a different color, do not worry. There are two different shades of purple cubic zirconia gems: amethyst, lavender and violet. The amethyst CZ is a deeper shade than the lavender.

The lavender cubic zirconia is very light lavender, adding just a tint of color to an otherwise white gem. This light, pastel color is very sophisticated and classic. The violet cubic zirconia is a deep shade of blue-purple that many women find complimenting.

Many jewelry lovers fall for blue-colored gems, and there are plenty of CZ gems that come in blue shades. The aqua cubic zirconia is a light blue-green color and dates back to 1937, as it can be found in various natural places. This aqua CZ is perfect for summertime.

The tanzanite cubic zirconia is a deeper blue shade and, like its aqua counterpart, dates back to 1937. Lastly, the sapphire CZ is rich in color, comparable to royal blue. It is made from corundum, a material that is virtually indistinguishable from real gems.

If your customer prefers shades of yellow, there are two different shades available: champagne and citrine yellow. Champagne cubic zirconia has become very popular in the market, as has the champagne diamond. Its tinge of yellow/brown is subtle yet very classy. The citrine yellow CZ is a brighter yellow and is perfect for those who want to make a statement.

If you are in the market for cubic zirconia gems, try one of the colors listed above, or one of the other colors which include: emerald, garnet, padparadschah, peridot, and pink. There is a color and shade to match every customer’s preference! Purchasing loose CZ gems through a wholesale dealer is economically sound and smart.

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Pehnec Gems is a trusted resource that offers consumers the chance to purchase loose cubic zirconia gems-further information can be found on the Pehnec Gems website.

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In the world of jewelry stores and boutiques, perhaps no other name stands out as much than that of Tiffany & Company. Known for their high quality and expensive jewels, this retailer is known throughout the world as being a high-class establishment. One of the specialties of this company is diamonds.

From reasonably sized diamond items to breathtakingly large diamonds, this jeweler has whatever a girl may desire when it comes to diamond rings or diamond jewelry in general. The question many people might ask in reference to this jewelry establishment is whether or not their diamonds are better than most retailers and the answer to this often-asked question will be discussed below.

Is It the Name or the Diamond Which Exudes Quality?

Since many tend to equate the name Tiffany & Company with high quality diamonds and jewelry, they may not look further into the quality of the individual diamonds. It may simply be assumed by some that since it is a piece of jewelry from Tiffany & Company, it must be top of the line. There is a lot of truth to this commonly held belief but it is important to inquire as to whether it is the name or diamond itself which exudes quality.

Tiffany & Company diamonds are truly top-notch gems and one who buys a diamond ring from this retailer can rest assured that they are getting what they pay for. Although gemstones of this type acquired at different, perhaps lower-priced retailers may be similar in quality, individuals who do buy their jewelry from Tiffany & Company are paying for a lot more than simply the gem itself.

Those who visit this jeweler to peruse their rows and rows of diamonds and buy a piece of jewelry at this boutique are obtaining not only the jewel itself but also the reputable name, beautiful packaging and promise that the product purchased is exactly what they believe it to be. A diamond ring purchased at Tiffany & Company is not only aesthetically pleasing and high quality in nature but the name surrounding the purchase itself speaks a thousand words.

Why Tiffany & Company Has Such a Good Reputation

There are a few reasons why Tiffany & Company diamonds are seen as being a step above the rest. First, this company has been around for many years and during that time has established an excellent reputation amongst jewelers. Also, the store itself offers excellent customer service which is another highly desirable trait for individuals purchasing various types of jewelry, especially diamond rings.

Lastly, the overall quality of the gemstones and jewelry pieces sold at Tiffany & Company truly are top of the line items and this company deserves the recognition it receives in the jewelry community. This is not to say that other retailers and specialty jewelry boutiques do not deserve recognition, it simply means that this company has strived and worked extremely hard to present a good image and uphold their integrity when it comes to jewelry sales.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

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Diamonds are gemstones which may undergo various treatment processes and procedures before one purchases them. One type of treatment which diamonds may undergo is that of laser treatment or laser drilling. Laser treated diamonds, also known as enhanced diamonds, have been the subject of certain procedures in order to correct flaws or specific imperfections within the stone. It is important to know a little bit about this type of treated diamonds to determine if this type of stone is right for you.

What Is the Laser Treatment Process?

The process for laser treating is one which goes by a few different names, such as laser drilling and laser enhancement. The procedure for treating diamonds in this manner is to drill a small hole into the stone with a laser in order to remove inclusions within the diamond. The purpose behind doing so is to improve the overall clarity of the diamond and make it appear that much more brilliant all the while taking away any aspects of the diamond which may make it appear undesirable.

Does Laser Treatment Harm Diamonds or Decrease Their Value?

Although some may find drilled diamonds to be more desirable than those which have gone untreated, others may wonder if this procedure will harm the diamonds or decrease their value. It is important for consumers to note that diamonds which have undergone this type of process do not become weaker as a result thereof. Therefore, it can be stated that laser treatment to rid diamonds of inclusions does not harm the diamond per se. As for decreasing the value of the diamond, laser treated diamonds should often be less in price than what a non-treated one would be. With that said, it is important for the consumer to ask if their diamond has been treated prior to purchasing it and therefore spend an amount which coincides with what a laser treated diamond would be worth.

How to Determine If the Diamond You Are Looking to Purchase Has Been Laser Treated

If individuals are familiar with the laser treatment process, they will ultimately wish to know whether their diamond has undergone this type of process prior to purchasing it. This will help them determine if they wish to purchase a diamond of this type and if so, that they pay a price which is standard for this type treatment.

The best way to determine if a diamond has been laser treated to remove inclusions from it is to ask. Since the Federal Trade Commission does not require jewelers to inform consumers that particular diamonds have undergone laser enhancements, the only way to really know the truth is to ask the individual who sells you the diamond.

Laser Treated Diamonds: To Buy or Not to Buy

In the end, prospective purchasers must determine whether or not they wish to buy a diamond which has undergone this form of treatment. The pros of doing so are that the diamond may be more brilliant and not cost as much as a diamond which was naturally brilliant and perfect to begin with.

As for the cons, a diamond which has undergone laser treatment can be seen by some as being an imperfect diamond regardless of the fact that the blemish is now corrected. Since many individuals buy diamonds for engagement purposes or other special occasions, considering purchasing laser treated diamonds is not even an option for them. In the end, it is ultimately up to the consumer to determine if laser treated diamonds are right for them.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

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Jewelry is a wonderful accessory which can be purchased in a wide array of metals and styles. One particular metal which has gained in popularity quite greatly in the past ten years or so is that of platinum.

Platinum is used to make all different types of jewelry items such as rings, watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The increase in popularity can be seen for a number of different reasons and one will discover after learning about them that it is no wonder that more and more men and women are choosing platinum as their jewelry composition of choice.

Aesthetic Values

Platinum jewelry has a natural shine and brilliance to it. The white tone of the platinum metal makes the jewelry stand out in and of itself however pair a few gemstones with the platinum and the effect is even more radiant. The pure aesthetic value of platinum jewelry is one reason why jeweler purchasers flock to the platinum jewelry counters to set their eyes upon this metal.

Rare and Precious Metal

Platinum is also seen these days as the most rarest and precious of metals that one can buy in the way of jewelry. The sheer reputation surrounding platinum makes it a highly coveted item. Although the price which goes along with platinum jewelry may be more expensive than perhaps gold jewelry, the reason for such a price relates to the rareness thereof. This attribute makes it much more attractive to jewelry buyers.

Strength and Durability

Another reason why platinum jewelry has drawn in the mass jewelry buying public pertains to the strength and durability of the product. This metal is known for its lasting qualities and for this reason many individuals choose to have their engagement rings and other keepsake gemstones set in platinum. The strength and durability of this metal is also due to its sheer weight which although more than gold products, it does not have a heavy feel to it. If one is looking to purchase a piece of jewelry which will stand the test of time then platinum is the way to go.

Plentiful Jewelry Options

With the growing demand for pieces of this type of jewelry, one will also find that there are plentiful amounts of platinum jewelry items available to purchase. Jewelry stores are adding more and more pieces of platinum jewelry to their floor displays as the owners know exactly what the public is looking for these days which is platinum.

All jewelry buyers have to do with regard to finding a piece of platinum jewelry which they like is to go into almost any store or visit online websites and they will find a selection like no other. As the desire for platinum jewelry grows, so do the many options which one will find on their jewelry shopping trips.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

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If you have to wear an identification badge with your lovely picture on it for everyone to see, you might be looking for a way to attract the attention off of your picture and on to something else. You might consider looking for some beaded lanyard patterns that can be used to create the perfect lanyard for this purpose.

No one likes having to wear their picture around their neck for everyone to see. It seems that larger companies these days require the use of these badges for a variety of purposes. They open the doors they allow you to punch your time clock and they let everyone know who you are as you wander through the building. Dressing up the badge a bit with a beaded lanyard is one way to make this practice a bit more palatable.

You can go online and find a great many beaded lanyard patterns available to give you the look you’re going for. In fact, if you are really creative and have a lot of time on your hands you can create an entire wardrobe of lanyards. You can select a wide variety of beads to make them in different colors and different patterns to perfectly coordinate with your clothing.

If you work around machinery you will want to be sure that your lanyard has the safe breakaway feature so that you don’t get it caught in a machine and be choked by your lanyard. You should be able to find a pattern that will accommodate this kind of clasp.

There is a wide selection of beads that you can choose from when you decide on a beaded lanyard. They can be made of crystals, gems, or metallic beads can be used. Beads are widely available online and in many craft and retail stores. You should be able to find the colors and textures that you will like.

You can get as creative as you want with your beaded lanyard. Search for a pattern online that you will like and is easy for you to do. It is a fun and enjoyable way to relax and enjoy a creative hobby. You might even find that you enjoy bead work once you begin working with beaded lanyard patterns.

Once you have your beaded lanyard completed you will have a great way to wear that id badge in style. Check out a variety of beads and styles and make yourself a number of these fun ways to dress up a very practical item. If you find that you are not very creative you can still find a beaded lanyard online and not have to deal with creating one yourself from beaded lanyard patterns.

Joshua Drew is a lanyard and jewelry enthusiasts. While he isn’t thinking of the next big hit, he can be seen at his local college taking English courses.
Find more information on his website at Beaded Lanyard Patterns

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