If you are attracted to the exceptional designs available in cubic zirconia jewelry, and are even more enticed by their affordability, then you will want to take a minute to read about what makes a cubic zirconia so special. The low price of cubic zirconia rings is in no way a reflection of poor quality, it is simply the result of how they have come into being.

What is a Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, also simply called CZ, is a brilliant manmade diamond lookalike, which is masterfully crafted using the cubic crystalline structure of zirconium dioxide. Although it is a synthetic material, it is extremely hard, not quite as hard a real diamond (but almost), and harder than most natural gemstones. It is very difficult to detect the difference between a genuine diamond and a cubic zirconia without viewing under a lens and knowing what to look for.

Will Everyone Know it’s Not a Diamond?

To the untrained eye it is very difficult to distinguish the difference between a cubic zirconia ring and a diamond ring. One way the experts know is that most diamonds have slight imperfections while cubic zirconia are flawless. This flawless perfection, as well as their low price, has made them one of the preferred gemstones for engagement rings, wedding rings and earrings since the mid 1970’s when they began to be mass produced.

CZ rings set with gold ring bands and cubic zirconia silver rings or white gold bands, as well as the popular titanium rings with cubic zirconia gems, can be as dazzling a creation as their expensive diamond designer ring counterparts. The traditional engagement ring (and wedding rings sets) is often one of the most costly parts of getting married, but with cubic zirconia rings, engagement rings and wedding rings can be, not only affordable, but as sparkling and dazzling as diamonds. And it’s doubtful anyone except an expert jeweler will be able to tell them apart.

Are Cubic Zirconia Rings New? Are there vintage Rings or Antique Engagement Rings in Cubic Zirconia?

Although the process to have a cubic zirconia ring does not require the millenniums of compressing coal as it does for a diamond, it has been a long process for scientists to arrive at such magnificent imitations. The discovery of natural cubic zirconia dates back to the late 1800’s, but growing them as single crystals began in the 1960’s in France and was perfected in Moscow in the early 70’s. There are stunning cubic zirconia engagement rings from the 60’s and 70’s which are now considered vintage jewelry or classic antique engagement rings and can be found online or at secondhand jewelry shops specializing in vintage wedding rings.

In 1980 cubic zirconia stones took the jewelry industry by storm and became a significant rival to the diamond trade. Since then, cubic zirconia rings, earring, engagement rings and wedding rings have evolved to include designer rings, silver rings, gold rings and wedding ring sets as stunning and magnificent as celebrity jewelry creations previously only seen in magazines and diamond ads.

Read More at: Zirconia Rings – Not just About Price.

Remember: Cubic zirconia engagement rings or wedding rings are just as sentimentally valuable and irreplaceable as rings with genuine stones.

Caring for them is simple if you just remember a few things.

• Try to avoid spraying your cubic zirconia rings with hairspray, perfume or anointing them with oils and body lotions. This will make them dull faster than precious stones. If you do get personal care products on your rings you will have to clean them periodically.

I clean my wedding rings with an old toothbrush (with soft bristles) and some liquid detergent. If you really want them to sparkle use a little toothpaste. Polish with the toothbrush and toothpaste and almost no water for about 10 minutes. This will not only clean the zirconia but will polish the silver, platinum, gold, titanium or any other metal into which your stones are set. Rinse the toothpaste with lots of water and polish with a soft cloth. I guarantee your rings, earrings and jewelry will sparkle.

• Avoid bleach, ammonia and chlorinated swimming pools. Bleach tarnishes metal, especially silver rings, turning it instantly black. If you do get bleach on your rings, use the above toothpaste jewelry cleaning method and lots of elbow grease and they will shine again. I thought I had forever ruined my wedding ring when it turned totally black in bleach, but it was restored to its original luster using this method.

If the stains on the cubic zirconia ring or earrings or jewelry are especially nasty, soak them in hot water with detergent overnight and scrub as above. High pressure steam cleaning can also help with the stubborn stains. Good quality cubic zirconia rings will not be damaged too quickly by cleaning, but the cheap “A” quality will.

The best quality cubic zirconia are AAAAA (5A) and are less likely to become dull and scratched. Al zirconia rings will eventually lose their brilliance, but the main concern with rings is the precious metal settings because the stones can be replaced.

The good thing about a cubic zirconia rings is that should you accidently lose a stone, or should it become scratched or dull or old looking, the replacement is easier and less expensive than a natural gemstone, in fact if it’s your engagement ring or wedding ring, you can replace the stones every few anniversaries and keep it looking like new.

• You can take your cubic zirconia jewelry to a jeweler for repairs, or for cleaning, in the same way you would all your gemstones or precious metal rings.

How often should I clean my cubic zirconia rings?

Normally I clean my rings and silver jewelry once a month when I wear them daily. If I accidentally stick my hands in bleach or ammonia or forget to take my rings (or earrings) off when I swim in a chlorinated pool, I clean them immediately after. If you clean the cubic zirconia like any other ring and wear them daily they WILL get dull.

If you have invested in a good setting, gold, platinum, titanium or other such precious metal, replacing the cubic zirconia is better than trying to polish them or going around with a ring that looks fake.