As a general rule of thumb, gemstones can be classified into three categories; natural, synthetic and simulant.   Obviously, natural gems are mined and cut from minerals.  For example, diamonds come from the mineral carbon.  Organic materials such as pearls, coral and ivory are also considered natural gemstones.

Synthetic gemstones are manmade but for the most part are created to give the gem the same appearance and chemical properties of their natural counterparts.  Some examples of synthetic stones that are commercially produced are alexandrite, emerald, garnet, quartz, and many more.   There are even some synthetic stones produced which do not have a natural partner.

A simulant gem is one that is grown in a laboratory and may look a lot like a natural stone but it will have different chemical and physical properties.  Cubic zirconia is one example of a simulant gemstone, which was first grown in a lab in 1976, and is now commonly used as a fabulous diamond substitute in much of today’s jewelry designs.

The cubic zirconia more closely resembles a diamond than any other stone ever manufactured by man.  It is slightly less hard and reflects slightly less light but is impossible to distinguish from a diamond to the naked eye.  Cubic zirconia, like a diamond, is available in both high and low grades and its price will vary accordingly.

Cubic zirconia is manufactured using what is called a skull melting system.  This system is used due to the fact that cubic zirconia has a very high melting point.  The skull refers to the copper cup in which the powders to grow the crystals are melted.  The hollow walls of the cup are filled with water which keeps the powders next to the wall from melting while the powders in the center are heated and melted to the proper temperature.  As the cup of liquid cools, crystals form and cubic zirconia is created.

Once the crystals have been grown and harvested, it is the responsibility of the gem cutter to cut the stones to the appropriate size and shape. The specifications for cutting the stones are very exact and cutting are a very precise undertaking.  It is always the goal of the gem cutter to use as much as possible of the crystal to create the best quality gems.  Just as with cutting diamonds, the gem cutter will determine the best cut to maximize the refraction of light within the stone, thus giving the stone its clarity and thereby, its value.

As its production methods improve, cubic zirconia continues to remain a popular choice for jewelry designers and consumers alike.  No longer used solely in rings as it once was, cubic zirconia is now becoming an alternative choice among jewelry wholesalers everywhere in the design of earrings, tennis bracelets and other quality pieces.  Its reputation as a diamond substitute is being over shadowed by its popularity as a mainstream diamond alternative.

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Just because your budget doesn’t allow you to wear diamonds, doesn’t mean you can’t have classy jewelry.  Many jewelry wholesalers are now providing elegant cubic zirconia rings that look just like the real thing to the retail and online stores where you shop.

One of the reasons that cubic zirconias are hard to tell from diamonds is that they can be cut in the same styles, which in turn means they can be designed in the same types of settings.  When you are considering the design of your ring, it is important to choose a cut as well as a setting that suits you and your lifestyle.

A cubic zirconia is as equally well-suited to a striking solitaire as it is to a cluster setting with many stones.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you should cut costs on the setting because it isn’t a real diamond.  If anything, you should be sure that the setting is of above average quality and the design even more striking, so they can enhance the beauty of the cubic zirconia.  If you are considering a cubic zirconia engagement ring, one of these cuts is sure to be what you’re looking for.

Emerald
The Emerald cut is sometimes also referred to as a Radiant cut.  The emerald cut dates well back into jewelry making but it started to lose popularity in the early 1970s and it started being called the Radiant cut at this time.  It is a rectangular shape with just a few basic cuts into the stone.  As a result, it may not be the most sparkling of cuts but its shape alone gives it a very classy, elegant look.

Brilliant
The round brilliant cut is one of the most popular for solitaire rings.  The angles of the cut produce maximum refraction of light so hence the name brilliant.  Its round shape and polished edges give it a brilliance that is hard to beat.

Princess
The Princess cut is an interesting cut in that it is a really a combination of both step cuts and brilliant cuts which together produce a beautiful design with maximum sparkle.  The large square shape is considered the most traditional by some.

Marquis
A Marquis cut is a very elegant, long, slender stone that is pointed at both ends and appears somewhat rounded in the center.  Longer marquis cuts are best suited to long fingers, but a marquis can be cut shorter if need be.

Pear/Teardrop
The pear or teardrop shape provides both the sparkle and brilliance of a round cut and the longer design of the marquis cut.  It is a little less common so if you’re looking for something a little different, you may prefer this shape.

Other cuts such as heart and oval, as well as new cuts that are being designed all the time are options you have when choosing your cubic zirconia jewelry.

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