Cubic zirconia - decorative stone - a collection of knowledge about cubic zirconia

cubic zirconia it is an ornamental stone popular in jewelry, which is common alternative to diamonds. It is becoming more and more popular, but its magnificence does not subside. Rock crystal jewelry is a huge trend on all fronts of fashion, including jewelry, so it's worth taking a closer look at the popular cubic zirconia. Paying more attention to jewelry, handbags or clothes, it's not hard to see that rhinestones are everywhere! But can we tell them apart from diamonds?

Rhinestones they soothingly shine and attract attention. They are great for adding sparkle to any type of accessory. They look like diamondsbut it is not. What are rhinestones and what are they?

What are rhinestones?

In short, rhinestones - imitation of a diamond, widely used in jewelry and clothing decoration. This is a high gloss artificial stone., made of glass, paste or quartz with precious stones. Therefore, it is easy to guess that rhinestones are a very general concept - and one cannot be limited to one sentence when describing their formation.

From high quality Swarovski crystal to ordinary glass stones or inexpensive plastic ones such as acrylic or resin material, they can all be called cubic zirconia. However, the finest, most durable and first-class rhinestones are used in jewelry, which for the average user - at first glance - is very difficult to distinguish from a real diamond / diamond.

History of cubic zirconia

Initially, the original rhinestones were small shiny quartz stones found in the Rhine, in Austria in the XNUMXth century. The name comes from the discovery of crystals collected from this river. Rhinestones were mass-produced until the XNUMXth century, when a machine for cutting and polishing crystals was developed. Today, rhinestones have become very affordable and are widely used by designers of every class.

Where do modern rhinestones come from?

Sometimes rhinestones are named after the place where they were made. The Swarovski stone comes from Austria.that's why we call it "". When talking about Preciosa, these products are called "". it's the same Egyptian rhinestones, Chinese and Taiwanese rhinestones. The rule is that cubic zirconia is named after its place of origin.

The most popular materials from which rhinestones are made

There are many different types of cubic zirconia. What is the difference between them? Most importantly, of course, the type of material used. Here are the most popular ones:

• glass cubic zirconia

Glass rhinestones they are obviously made of glass and machine shaped. The glass itself is transparent. Manufacturers put a layer of metal coating on the back of the stones so that the light can reflect and make the rhinestones sparkle like a diamond.

• Crystal Zirconia

When lead oxide is added to glass, a crystal forms. Lead enhances brilliance and helps reflect colors better than clear glass. The higher the lead content, the better the quality of the crystal. Glass must contain at least four percent lead to classify it as crystal. Crystal rhinestonessuch as Swarovski and Preciosa Crystal are more expensive than glass rhinestones and certainly the most beautiful.

• Plastic cubic zirconia

Plastic rhinestones most often associated with cheap fakes. They are mass produced and cheap. Such rhinestones are light, but do not break. If you need a large amount of inexpensive rhinestone, plastic rhinestones may be suitable. Plastic stones are of two types: acrylic and resin.

• Acrylic rhinestones manufactured by injection molding. Acrylic is transparent, easy to form, lightweight and unbreakable. They can be easily mass-produced in various shapes, sizes and colors.
• Synthetic resin rhinestones are made by pouring the material into a silicone mold. In this way, manufacturers can produce stone with intricate patterns and surfaces.

Types of zircon shapes

Another distinguishing feature of the various types of cubic zirconia is the shape. In theory, the material can be freely shaped, but rhinestones usually come in a few of the most popular options.

cubic zirconia cabochon

Cabochon rhinestones are usually semi-circular or oval in shape.

Cubic Zirconia Checkerboard

Zircons of this type are checkered cut stones.

Cubic Zirconia Shanton

Chanton rhinestones are both flat and pointed. Each brand has its own distinctive cutting technique and patents.

Rivoli cubic zirconia

Both the front and back of the rhinestone are pointed. The symmetrical design is very special.

What kind of rhinestones are used in jewelry?

Decorative cubic zirconia it is very popular in the production of jewelry, because, for example, cubic zirkonia rings are definitely more attractive in price than diamond rings. Rhinestones are used to make beautiful wedding rings, pendants with cubic zirconias and, of course, spectacular engagement rings. Take a look, you are sure to find something for yourself!