If you’re new here, then welcome! I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love. If you’ve shopped with me before, you’ve probably noticed the words “cubic zirconia” describing many of my handmade pieces. Well, what actually is cubic zirconia anyway? Cubic zirconia is a gemstone made of the crystal form of zirconium dioxide. It is widely known as an inexpensive and comparable alternative to diamonds. By using cubic zirconia, A Single Strand is able to create stunning and affordable bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
One important thing to remember is that unlike diamonds which are usually found in nature, cubic zirconia is exclusively manmade in a lab. Because of this, it lacks the natural imperfections that you’ll see in many diamonds. Cubic zirconia is also incredibly durable. It rates as an 8.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness and does not rust. It’s slightly more dense than diamonds and can cut or scratch glass just like a diamond can. Cubic zirconia pieces can easily last 5 years or more if taken care of properly.
Unlike diamonds, cubic zirconia jewelry can get cloudy over time due to scratches, dirt, and exposure to oxygen. However, you can easily clean your cubic zirconia jewelry with soapy water and a soft washcloth. This will leave your beautiful pieces looking like new!
To recap, here are some of the top pros and cons to cubic zirconia:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Lack imperfections
Cons:
- Can get cloudy over time
- Need to be cleaned and taken care of
- Not as prestigious as diamonds
Still wondering just how similar cubic zirconia is to diamonds? Take a look at these two rings.
One of them is cubic zirconia and sells for $18.99. The other is made of diamonds and is almost $9000! Can you figure out which one is really a diamond?? If you can’t, cubic zirconia is the gemstone for you. Why waste thousands of dollars on diamond jewelry when you can fill an entire collection with beautiful handmade cubic zirconia pieces? To me, the choice is clear.
One of my favorite cubic zirconia pieces is the Quatrefoil with Cubic Zirconia Earrings. This piece screams elegance, with the beautiful blue gemstone complimented with the gold and silver accents. If you’re looking for a piece to start your Single Strand collection, this is the place to start!
You’ll need lots of different bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to complete your beautiful collection. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to buy expensive diamond jewelry all the time! That’s where cubic zirconia jewelry comes in. Our handcrafted zirconia pieces have all the beauty of a diamond at a fraction of the price. Whether you need a pair of earrings for an upcoming wedding, a bracelet to gift to your sister, or a colorful necklace for your next trip to the beach, A Single Strand has you covered with stunning cubic zirconia pieces for any occasion.