Cubic Zirconia for Him and Her

Cubic zirconia rings are affordable whereas diamonds are expensive. Couples are choosing cheap CZ engagement rings because they have a tight budget and still want to give each other something that sparkles. Since demand creates a need for better and better products, the faux gemstones that imitate diamonds, namely cubic zirconia, not only have improved greatly, but the jewelers who craft the CZ jewelry are starting to realize the need for high quality settings in gold, sterling silver and even titanium. There are now complete CZ bridal sets set in yellow and white gold and titanium that look so much like the diamond designs, it's almost impossible to tell them apart without a trained eye or a jeweler's loop. And it's not just womens cubic zirconia wedding and engagement rings that have become so popular, but also mens cubic zirconia rings have taken the market by storm. Let's take a closer look at what's available.

CZ For HER

Starting with cubic zirconia engagement rings, there are gorgeous designs that start under $100 set in sterling silver. In gold, most creations are $150 to over $200 for bridal sets or single rings that look believable. However, even celebrity replicas are now available in almost every color, including pink and yellow diamond designs that mimic what the rich and famous brides have received in real gemstone masterpieces. How much do these replicas cost? That's what so fun. From $30 to just over $100 a bride to be can have something that looks like a 3 or 4 carat diamond or ruby or emerald.

CZ For Him and Her

There are also great wedding bands and mens CZ rings available in titanium through Titanium Era and The Titanium Workshop that are masterful. Why? Because some of the gemstones, in this case CZs, are crafted in tension settings that are unique, with the stone floating between the titanium, making the brilliance even better due to the way light passes through the stone. And when it comes to mens rings, mens titanium steel jewelry is the metal of choice. It used to be that only stark and industrial designs were available, but now, even soft sculpted and etched Celtic motifs are available, accented with cubic zirconia or plain. There are matching sets for Him and Her and all at prices that are really astonishing. Rings around $150 to $300, complete sets under $500. Lots of great quality items that NEVER tarnish, are totally hypoallergenic, NEVER scratch, are lighter than steel as twice as strong, gorgeously set with gemstones or CZs and offered for sale online with distribution that's worldwide. What more can you ask in affordable jewelry.

The Flashing Style of Men's Cubic Zirconia Rings

Men usually don't like wearing jewelries. They prefer to limit themselves in wearing watches and rings. More often than not, they opt for men's cubic zirconia rings as a manly decision. You'll find cubic zirconia rings in hundreds of exciting styles to fit every occasion and dress style. The stones are synthetic but generally rival the diamond in brilliance, quality and color. Obviously the size of the stone is also variable, just like in a genuine diamond. Because the cost of the men's cubic zirconia rings is generally lower than that of diamond rings, it reveal a whole world of style to those who love the flash and sparkle of men's rings.

Quality
Just as diamonds come in various grades, so man made cubic zirconia stones are produced in various grades. When you look for men's cz rings, you have a wide variety in the quality, not just of the stones themselves, but in the type of settings and in the metal used for the composition of the rings. As with diamonds, you should always opt for the highest quality stones that you can afford. The looks of the ring will be affected by low-cost or shoddy workmanship in the creation of the jewelry.

A Substitute to Diamonds
Cubic Zirconia stones are on occasion referred to as imitation diamonds or 'fake diamonds. Essentially though, they are a man made stone that is utilised in lots of the quality jewelry products worn by people since 1976 when the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide was produced in commercially practical quantities. The crystals can be cut, faceted and polished in much the same way as diamonds and therefore fits in a variety of settings and designs. Used in men's cz rings, the stones offer a quality alternative for diamonds at a lower price.

Designs
Lots of men's cubic zirconia rings feature bolder settings with more flash and sparkle than the more sedate rings. The metal used in the rings may be heavier and be designed in a more masculine size range. This is because the addition of various metal oxides during manufacture can affect the color of the rings. For example, cerium gives a red, yellow or orange color to the stone. Chromium results in a green coloration. Neodymium, erbium and titanium result in colors of purple, pink and golden brown, respectively. In contrast, cubic zirconia without such additions will result in a virtually flawless or clear stone, whereas truly colorless diamonds are rare indeed.

Composition
As compared to diamonds, cubic zirconia stones are somewhat heavier in weight, but not quite as hard as diamonds. Diamonds are a 10 on the hardness scale, cubic zirconia stones rank at 8.5 to 9. Men's cubic zirconia rings will show significantly more dispersion or 'flash' than an identical diamond ring. The fire seen from a cz stone can be recognized even by those who are untrained in identifying precious stones. For all the above reasons, an executive decision to purchase cubic zirconia makes sense. You get a high quality ring with more fire and thus a more eye catching overall appearance. At the same time, the stones are virtually flawless in all other aspects.