| Although at one time cubic zirconia was
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| | Quality?
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| looked down upon as a "fake" diamond,
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| | Like diamonds, loose cubic zirconia
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| today the simulated stones are
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| | stones are rated according to quality.
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| appreciated for their own characteristics
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| | Cubic zirconia AAAAA are the best quality
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| and beauty. Still, many people do not
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| | simulated stones, while CZ AAA are next,
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| have a thorough understanding of these
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| | followed by the A-grade cubic zirconia.
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| synthetic gems. Here are answers to some
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| | Are Cubic Zirconia Stones Available in
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| common questions.
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| | the Same Cuts as Diamonds?
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| What is Cubic Zirconia?
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| | Cubic zirconia stones are cut so that
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| Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ
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| | they have the same facets and proportions
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| stones) are lab created gems. Cubic
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| | as diamonds. The most classic cut of both
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| zirconia is found in nature, but it is
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| | diamonds and CZ stones is the round
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| extremely rare and the chemical
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| | brilliant, with 58 facets and the ability
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| properties of natural cubic zirconia are
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| | to reflect light. Stones with a marquis
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| slightly different than those of
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| | cut are typically twice as long as they
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| synthetic gems. The simulated stones are
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| | are wide and have a point on each end. A
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| made from a powder that is heated to a
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| | pear shaped cut resembles a teardrop
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| very high temperature, and then cooled in
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| | combines the faceted brilliant cut of a
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| a controlled environment so that flawless
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| | round stone with the elongated look of a
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| crystals form.
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| | marquis stone. Similarly, the oval cut
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| How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different
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| | has the sparkle of a round brilliant, but
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| from Diamonds?
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| | is oval rather than round. The octagon
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| There are several differences, the most
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| | cut, also known as the emerald cut, has
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| notable of which is that diamonds are
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| | stepping stone facets that reflect light
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| found in nature whereas cubic zirconia
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| | more subtly. A square cut is sometimes
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| used for jewelry is man-made. Diamonds
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| | called a princess cut, and has pointed
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| rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness
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| | corners.
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| (the highest rating), whereas cubic
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| | How is Loose Cubic Zirconia Used?
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| zirconia is generally rated at 8.5 on the
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| | Jewelry makers buy loose cubic zirconia
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| hardness scale. CZ stones are denser and
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| | at wholesale prices, and use a variety of
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| thus heavier than diamonds. When it comes
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| | materials to transform the synthetic gems
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| to quality, however, these synthetic gems
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| | into beautiful accessories. CZ stones are
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| leap ahead of the pack. Whereas most
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| | used in engagement rings, wedding rings,
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| diamonds have what are called inclusions
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| | earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces,
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| (flaws), the best cubic zirconia stones
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| | solitaire rings, and even ankle
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| are flawless. Similarly, colorless
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| | bracelets. Colored cubic zirconia is also
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| diamonds are very rare, whereas the lab
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| | used in a variety of fashion jewelry,
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| created gems are perfectly colorless
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| | including earrings and as side stones in
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| (although color can be added during the
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| | rings. Settings are often made from
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| manufacturing process).
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| | 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, sterling
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| Are all Cubic Zirconia Stones the Same
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| | silver, or platinum.
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