Although we all want only the best for our future spouse, diamond engagement rings can be very expensive. When you are just starting your life together, there are so many things you will need to buy. A diamond ring can cost a month’s salary or more leaving you with little extra. Cubic zirconia engagement rings are a great alternative. You get the best of both worlds as these rings are both beautiful and affordable. Most will never know the difference unless they are a professional gemologist. With a cubic zirconia ring, you can still get high quality materials in a wide variety of styles and settings. One word of warning though; be sure to tell your partner the ring is cubic zirconia as she will be able to tell the difference.
Cubic zirconia is a rare mineral that was discovered by German mineralogists in 1937. The similarity of this gem to diamonds was immediately noticed, yet because they were difficult to find they were not very popular. It wasn’t until the late 1970s, when Russian scientists figured out how to reproduce this jewel in the lab, that cubic zirconia became a very popular gemstone. Now you will find that many choose cubic zirconia engagement rings for a variety of reasons, first and foremost being the affordable price.
By purchasing a cubic zirconia engagement ring, you can save money for your wedding and honeymoon. This is a great option for anyone on a tight budget and your engagement is the second most important event in your life, coming right behind your wedding. The ring is a symbol of your love and commitment and the gemstone is not as important as your future spouse knowing you are thinking of her. An important thing to remember is not to purchase a very large stone as this will be an immediate tip off that the gem is a cubic zirconia to anyone who knows your financial situation.
Just because you are saving money does not mean you can skimp on quality. You will still need to learn the four Cs. The first is color. When you are replacing a diamond, no color is best. You can achieve color though if that is what you desire as this is done with heat treatment. Cut is the second C and refers to the shape of the diamond. Inexpensive cubic zirconia engagement rings come in the same shapes as traditional diamond ones so you can choose between princess, round, emerald and brilliant cuts. The third C is clarity and this rating tells you how many inclusions are present in the gem. Clearer gems will sparkle and give your jewel more brilliance and fire. Last, but not least, is the carat weight. Be advised that cubic zirconia weighs twice as much as a diamond so take that into consideration when purchasing.
Cubic zirconia engagement rings can be a great way to honor your loved one. By taking into consideration the above tips, you can get the perfect ring for the woman of your dreams and it won’t break the bank. You won’t have to sacrifice beauty by going this route either. Because it is less expensive, cubic zirconia just may become the diamond of the future.