Laboratory Produced Gemstones

Often wondered what cz or cubic zirconia is?  Thought they only applied to diamonds?  In fact, any natural gemstone can be “created” in a laboratory.  Cubic zirconia are usually clear coloured but can be coloured to represent amethysts, topaz, emeralds, rubies, garnets and many others.  They are a very good likeness to the “real thing” but are more economical to produce than the real gemstone.

 

Here’s what Wikapedia says about cubic zirconias:

 

Cubic zirconia (or CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors. It should not be confused with zircon, which is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4). It is sometimes erroneously called "cubic zirconium".

Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most gemologically and economically important competitor for diamonds since 1976. It is sometimes marketed under the brand name "Diamonique".

To read about the history and manufacture of cubic zirconia try Wikapedia’s interpretation:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_zirconia

Cubic zirconia we have on the Baby Jewels site include amethysts, garnets and diamonds.  To an untrained eye, they would be hard to tell apart.  The colouring is just as beautiful and the cubic zirconia can be cut to the same shapes the natural gemstones are cut.  We also currently stock genuine gemstones such as garnets, turquoise, lapis, amethysts and peridot. 

 

Cubic zirconia are used in the manufacture of both adult jewellery and baby and children’s jewellery:  bracelets, earrings, brooches, pendants, necklaces.  They provide the beauty of genuine gemstones but are more affordable.

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