A Five step guide to choosing CZ Engagement Rings
Photo: Cubic Zirconia engagement rings are perfect for a surprise proposal. Don’t risk proposing with a diamond ring she may hate!
Why cubic zirconia engagement rings?
Cubic Zirconia engagement rings offer many benefits. They are perfect for a surprise proposal and make an exceptionally good substitute for diamond.
Furthermore, cubic zirconia engagement rings don’t cost the earth and give you some breathing space after the proposal is accepted to shop for the forever ring together – so she gets a ring which perfectly suits her tastes.
Cubic Zirconia engagement rings also make great travel companions. There’s no need for costly insurance or to worry about heartbreaking loss or theft.
But before you start shopping it’s important you understand that not all Cubic Zirconia engagement rings are of the same standard. Many products don’t even look real because they use low grade CZ or worse still crystal / glass.
After receiving an engagement ring 62% of fiancés posted a picture of it to social networks. Therefore, your Cubic Zirconia engagement ring not only needs to WOW her but will it reflect on you.
The ring will become the object of very public display to family, future in-laws, friends and work colleagues. For this reason you absolutely DON’T want a $29 ring from Amazon.com.
Shopping for Cubic Zirconia engagement rings is very similar to shopping for a diamond ring in that you must educate yourself on ring styles and stone quality.
Follow these five guidelines to WOW her.
How to buy Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings – Our five-step guide
How to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings? Use our five-step guide to choose cz engagement ring.
1. Choose high quality H & A cut Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (also known as CZ) is a synthetic crystalline substance used as an alternative to diamonds. The man-made material is colorless, hard and flawless. CZ’s popularity stems from its similarity to diamonds in brilliance and crystal clarity while still being affordable.
Historically cubic zirconia began being produced in the 1970’s due to its diamond-like qualities, low cost, and overall durability. Today CZ has become one of the most popular stones used in jewelry to create attractive yet inexpensive pieces.
It’s a common misconception that all Cubic Zirconia (CZ) stones are the same. Just like Diamonds, there are a number of Quality Levels. Further, there is a range of price points for these beautiful diamond look-alikes.
Like diamond, cubic zirconia stones are graded according to carat, color, clarity and cut. A grading scale from A to AAAAAA is used. Grade A is the lowest and grade AAAAAA (or 6A) is the highest. While 6A is the best grade among machine-cut CZ, even higher grading is possible via hand-cut stones.
Hand-cut Cubic Zirconia quality is dependent on the technique and the experience of the professional cutting the stone. A hand-cut CZ, cut with improper technique will not have the brilliance of a diamond. This is why it’s so important, when shopping for hand-cut CZ to purchase from a reputable jeweler or supplier.
Not all suppliers declare the CZ grade – so look for more details in product descriptions. Sometimes product knowledge or FAQ sections of websites have more details. If you are visiting a jeweler be sure to ask for details.
If cut properly, a hand-cut cubic zirconia will have the same luminosity of fine diamond. Such stones can be indistinguishable to a jeweler, even with a loupe.
PHOTO: How to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings? Step one is to look for cubic zirconia engagement rings which use high grade CZ. We recommend grade 5A or 6A CZ because these look the most realistic. Seen above is a Luxuria® 2 carat round cut diamond simulant ring set
Most cubic zirconia stones are white in color, the equivalent of a perfect D color diamond. Colored CZ is also available though these can have some color irregularities. Clarity refers to the cloudiness (or lack thereof) of a stone, as well as its flaws. CZ is rarely, if ever, cloudy or flawed. However, it is not uncommon for some low end fake Cubic Zirconia engagement rings to use inferior crystal or glass in place of CZ.
Indeed, its perfection that’s the most common giveaway that cubic zirconia is not a real diamond.
Diamonds have flaws since they are naturally occurring gemstones. Cubic Zirconia’s are faceted in the same manner as Diamonds. There’s a variety of cuts that are used for different shapes. The skill of the stone cutter is paramount to the final appearance of the stone. Each stone has its own personality. It’s the stone cutter’s job to evaluate the gem as part of the cutting process. He will cut the facets to bring out the best features of each stone.
The cut of a stone determines how it refracts light. A well-cut, high-quality stone will be cut in a way to provide as much white light (“ice”) as possible. Conversely, the more colored-light (“fire”) a stone refracts, the lower the quality of the stone.
Illustration: For the most realistic diamond simulant look for high quality cubic zirconia which features the Hearts and Arrows (H&A) pattern. The IGS of which Luxuria® is a professional member notes that stones with high symmetry, almost always have excellent light performance.
Luxuria® Cubic Zirconia engagement rings which have the LUX hallmark surpass industry standards for AAAAA. Furthermore Luxuria rings are near colorless (D color) and internally flawless. LUX hallmark rings with round stones feature an ideal “Hearts and Arrows” ( H & A ) cut for maximum fire. Don’t settle for less.
2. Match to her finger shape
When considering how to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings you should be aware that stone shape matters most. Selecting the perfect cz ring for her hand comes down to matching stone shapes to hands. The shape and size of her fingers plays a significant role in determining which diamond simulant shape is best suited for her.
Even before the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), you must know what shape your future fiancee loves. Shape indicates the actual geometry of the stone, as opposed to cut, which relates to the angles of the facets in the stone.
Unless she’s got the perfect long, slender fingers, certain ring styles may not be especially flattering on her.
Below are some tips for different hand types:
Short fingers: To help short fingers appear longer, look for elongated shapes, like oval, pear, emerald, or marquise. Another option is a more traditional shape like round so not to emphasize the shortness of her finger. Importantly, stay away from thick bands and large round or square simulant diamonds.
Chubby fingers: These fingers are perfect for a bold statement ring. A thicker band will also minimize the appearance of wider fingers. Stay away from thin bands and narrow simulant diamonds, such as the marquise cut. Shape wise, consider radiant and emerald cuts as these best fill up the width of her finger.
Long Fingers: With long fingers, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of diamond shapes. However, elongated cuts such as emeralds, ovals and marquise are often the most suitable. This is because these shapes accentuate the length of her fingers. For long fingers a two band set is also a great idea.
Small hands: Proportion is key when it comes to selecting a diamond shape for petite hands. A simpler design with a smaller diamond will look large on small hands. Stay away from statement rings, wide bands and over-sized central CZ stones. Shape wise, round and princess cut solitaires are great choices as they maximize shine while balancing out the width and length of her finger.
A little detective work may also be useful. Look at the rings she currently wears. Also, check out her jewelry box as it provides clues on shapes she feels comfortable with.
PHOTO: Guide to choose cz engagement ring. Step 2 is perhaps the most important, selecting the perfect cz ring for her hand. You must match the cubic zirconia engagement ring to her hand. For smaller hands like seen above, proportion is key. If you are unsure, it’s hard to go wrong with the perennial favourite – a round cut solitaire. Seen above is the Luxuria® VIVA 2 carat solitaire 14k gold vermeil ring
3. Select the right band material
Cubic Zirconia engagement rings may be temporary or placeholder rings – and thus be highly affordable, but care nonetheless needs to be exercised when choosing the metal used for the band and setting.
Avoid silver or gold plated cubic zirconia engagement rings for two reasons.
First, the plating that covers the jewelry is thin and will inevitably wear away often reducing the rings cosmetic appeal.
Second, the plating can hide a base metal which in the case of low cost cubic zirconia engagement rings is often not identified. If your bride is allergic to nickel and the lower layer is made of an alloy that contains the metal, as soon as the plating wears away, her skin will be exposed to the allergen which can cause a rash.
Nickel is popular among lower-priced jewelry because it’s durable, has a high polish, and is cheap to produce.
According to Dr. Matthew Zirwas, a dermatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, nickel accounts for most metal allergies.
When nickel dissolves in water it creates salt, a sign that the metal is eroding. In areas that collect a lot of sweat and moisture, this eroding process spreads the metal out, rubbing and irritating the concentrated area. This is bad news for sensitive skin. Binding jewelry like rings can easily trap moisture from washing your hands or natural sweat.
PHOTO: CZ engagement ring buying guide. Step 3, choose the ring band material carefully. Some cheap engagement rings can cause skin irritations because they contain nickel. Make sure your engagement ring does not cause this. If choosing silver, make sure nickel free silver is used. Reputable jewelers will tell you. Seen above is an example of ring dermatitis. [Image Credit: Alaina Brookes]
Symptoms of allergic reactions include itching, redness, tenderness, swelling, and warmth to the exposed area. Blisters and dry patches of skin resembling a burn may also appear where the metal has come into contact with the skin, so choose carefully. Be sure to ask how the piece is made and what its material contents are.
In addition to avoiding plated Cubic Zirconia engagement rings you should also give a wide berth to hollow silver rings. Common hollow-form jewelry comes in pretty much any metal, so that won’t be a very good indicator. While the most popular hollow jewelry pieces are hoop earrings and rope chains be aware that hollow silver rings are also marketed on Amazon. Overtime such thin-walled hollow jewelry dents a lot! Hollow pieces just don’t last as long.
Further hollow silver will not maintain their looks as a solid version of the same item. Avoid!
For Cubic Zirconia engagement rings we recommend NICKEL FREE 925 sterling silver. Right now, silver-looking engagement rings are the most popular. Silver is a popular choice for rings because it polishes to a beautiful mirror finish and has one of the whitest and most reflective surfaces of metals. Another reason why silver is a favorite choice for jewelry is that it costs less than other precious metals. Silver is more abundant in nature and is easy to shape.
Since fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing rings, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, such as copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. This alloy preserves the elasticity and beauty of the precious metal.
4. Opt for Rhodium plating
Step four in our cz engagement ring buying guide is to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings which have rhodium plating. Since rings are prone to more wear and tear than any other jewelry they will lose luster over time from scratches. Rhodium plating is a type of metal plating that helps prevent an object from being scratched or tarnished.
Rhodium plating also improves the object’s color quality. A member of the platinum group, rhodium is the one of the most expensive metals in the world. Rhodium is a shiny, white metal that is highly reflective and durable and often used as a hardening agent for platinum.
In jewelry, rhodium is plated on other metals to increase luster and eliminate tarnishing.
Chemically, silver does not react with oxygen or water at ordinary temperatures, meaning it does not tarnish easily. However, the other metal in the alloy (usually copper) may react with oxygen in the air.
The key benefit of rhodium plating is that rhodium is hypoallergenic. Rhodium plating is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin who want to wear white gold or silver jewelry without experiencing an allergic reaction. Rhodoum acts as a guard between the metal and the skin to keep it safe. If you have a nickel, gold, or other allergy rhodium is the perfect choice to protect your skin from irritation.
All Luxuria® Cubic Zirconia engagement rings are rhodium plated to help prevent scratches. The plating improves colour quality and protects the wearer from possible metal allergies.
VIDEO: Are cubic zirconia rings good? In this video we share the benefits of choosing Luxuria brand cubic zirconia engagement rings and how they solve many problems couples experience when they’re thinking about popping the question.
5. Pick Cubic Zirconia engagement rings with quality packaging
Our guide on how to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings would be incomplete without discussing one frequently overlooked element – packaging.
According to the Dotcom’s 2015 eCommerce Packaging Study, Unwrapping the Customer Experience, nearly 40% of consumers feel that premium packaging is important for luxury goods.
The message is simple – don’t under estimate the importance of ring packaging.
The box is the first thing that your future wife will see when you hand over the ring. It will tell of the quality and craftsmanship of the ring within.
Unfortunately, all to often the box subtracts from the overall Wow factor.
The problem is that many cubic zirconia engagement rings come with a horrid cheap box or no box at all. Sometimes the ring is supplied with a no frills drawstring pouch.
When popping the BIG question, you only get one chance to get it right. High quality Cubic Zirconia engagement rings when ensconced in premium packaging will completely wow her and make the proposal memorable. Don’t settle for less!
PHOTO: How to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings? Step 5 is don’t underestimate the importance of ring packaging! Too many CZ engagement rings come with horrid ring boxes or cheap no-frills draw string pouches. IF the ring is for a surprise proposal, you need to up your game. The box is the first thing that your future wife will see when you hand over the ring. It adds to the wow factor. Seen above is the Luxuria LUMIERE 2 carat artificial solitaire ring in a premium leatherette box which is supplied with the ring.
What about colored gemstone engagement rings?
While cubic zirconia engagement rings make a great choice for proposal or placeholder rings, other options also exist. For example, colored gemstone engagement rings are a rising trend. There’s something incredibly unique and special about colored engagement rings that sets them apart from other jewelry pieces.
The appeal of colored gemstone engagement rings is often the color they introduce. Colored gemstones make a bold statement and sometimes the appeal is their linkage to birthstones.
While diamond remains the ultimate stone for proposing why not combine diamond simulant with a natural coloured gemstone? Alternatively, a lab created colored gemstone such as emerald, sapphire or ruby could be combined with cubic zirconia for under US$100.
Colored gemstone engagement rings put a twist on traditional styles. Today’s bride isn’t tied to the norm. Therefore, a gemstone birthstone engagement ring might better express her personality.
PHOTO: No cz engagement ring buying guide would be complete without acknowledging that cubic zirconia can be combined with colored gemstones, either natural or lab created to produce a unique and cost effective engagement ring. Seen above is Luxuria® ASTORIA a synthetic emerald ring which combines lab created emerald gemstone with white diamond simulant (CZ).
Cubic zirconia engagement rings buying guide – Summary
Why cubic zirconia engagement rings? As discussed in this article on how to buy cubic zirconia engagement rings, CZ engagement rings offer many benefits. They are great to make a surprise proposal with i.e. as a temporary or placeholder engagement ring. They are also great as travel rings – so you can avoid the loss, theft or damage of your real diamond ring.
But before you start shopping it’s important you understand that not all Cubic Zirconia engagement rings are of the same standard. Shopping for Cubic Zirconia engagement rings is very similar to shopping for a diamond ring in that you must educate yourself on ring styles and stone quality.
In this guide to choosing cz engagement rings we have outlined five important steps.
First, choose high quality cubic zirconia. Look for grade 5A or 6A stones.
Second, selecting the perfect cz ring for her hand. This comes down to matching the shape of the main stone to her finger shape.
Third, select the right band material. We recommend a precious metal like silver or gold. Avoid cheap plated rings.
Fourth, opt for rhodium plating. Rhodium plating protects the ring and is hypoallergenic and therefore an excellent option for people with sensitive skin.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of ring packaging, especially if it’s a proposal ring!
Buying an engagement ring can seem like an overwhelming task. We hope this cubic zirconia engagement rings buying guide has helped. To keep it simple follow the above five guidelines and remember, the best engagement ring is the one that makes her say, “Wow!” SHOP NOW.
Would you like to learn more?
Click Who Proposes With Silver Engagement Rings to read why sterling silver and cubic zirconia engagement rings have become so popular and why?
With cubic zirconia engagement rings, do you know How to Match the Shape of the rings Stone to Her Finger? If not click the link the link!
Find out why Fake Diamond rings are so popular in 2024?
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