Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide and often used as an affordable diamond simulant due to its similar appearance and cost-efficiency.
At first glance, CZ may appear similar to diamonds; however, trained jewelers and gemologists can easily spot differences between the two materials based on factors like excessive fire (a rainbow effect), flawless appearance, light refraction patterns, etc.
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Zirconia beads come in an array of vibrant hues and their micro-faceting gives them the appearance of precious gemstones. Use these versatile beads in jewelry designs ranging from simple bracelets to lavish necklaces and earrings.
Gems produced with precision using state-of-the-art technologies like cold-cutting and abrasion to achieve flawless surfaces and brilliant sparkle in every bead. If desired, gold plating may also add an air of luxury and elegance.
CZ, in contrast to natural diamonds, is artificially grown using two substances fused at extremely high temperatures. Due to its isometric crystal structure and extreme durability, CZ offers one of the most realistic and long-lasting imitations of diamond simulants; only rivaled by recently developed moissanite simulant products.
Manufacturers have taken to coating finished CZs with thin films of diamond-like carbon (DLC) or amorphous diamond to give them more of a diamond-like appearance, similar to real diamonds. The coating helps tame excess fire while improving refractive index, closer aligning the CZ to real diamond.
At Bead Shop UK we stock an extensive collection of white Cubic Zirconia beads and their counterpart coloured ones – ideal for use when combined with freshwater pearls and golden metal disc beads to craft modern and fashionable bracelet designs. Additionally, our Soft Flex Beading Wire comes in handy as they add depth to the piece while adding vibrant pops of colour into it!
Durability and Hardness
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is an affordable synthetic alternative to diamonds in terms of visual likeness, durability and cost. Not to be confused with zircon, CZ material combines hard quartz hardness with the brilliance and sparkle of diamond lustre in various color options.
CZ crystal is an elegant form of cubic zirconium dioxide with numerous attributes that make it a superior alternative to natural gemstones. As a crystalline mineral with a Mohs hardness rating of 9.3, CZ can be customized through infusing different elements for different color effects – rare earth oxides like yttrium, erbium, thulium and gadolinium are typically responsible for giving cubic zirconia its characteristic green or yellow hue, while calcium magnesium and sodium add even further hues.
CZ is also extremely durable, being capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -40degC to 1,300degC without suffering thermal shock or cracking. Furthermore, a protective coating may be applied directly onto its surface for increased hardness and scratch resistance.
China currently leads global cubic zirconia production. Numerous industrial clusters boast competitive advantages in raw material processing, precision cutting, jewelry assembly and assembly assembly. Wuzhou City in Guangxi province serves as the main production hub with established infrastructure and expertise across all stages of value creation; suppliers here excel at customer retention/responsiveness with average response times of =2h as well as quality control/export logistics capabilities for B2B buyers.
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CZ jewelry offers an elegant and cost-effective alternative to natural gemstones. With elegant designs and durable materials that last a lifetime, this thoughtful present will be treasured for years. Additionally, unlike its natural gemstone counterparts, it does not come with as many social and environmental issues associated with them – such as slave labor practices, pollution, war or conflict-torn countries in which materials may come from. Furthermore, CZ’s complex supply chains often include multiple countries which makes tracking exactly where your favorite pieces come from more difficult.
Ethical sourcing should always be top of mind when purchasing jewellery, particularly cubic zirconia beads wholesale. When searching for reliable manufacturers with Fairmined or RJC certifications and transparent practices such as traceability documentation and factory inspection reports. Some ethical brands even provide carbon neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging!
Ethical jewelry companies must also prioritize worker welfare. In order to ensure their workers are treated fairly, these businesses must offer decent wages, benefits and working conditions – such as Raven + Lily employing over 500 artisans worldwide and paying them living wages; providing flexible working hours and maternity leave policies as well as supporting sustainable artisan communities through its policies; crafting their jewelry from recycled gold and silver means it not only looks beautiful but is environmentally responsible as well.
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Cubic zirconia beads wholesale can be an economical choice for jewellery makers on a tight budget, acting as an affordable alternative to natural diamonds while still having the look and feel of genuine gemstones. You can combine these beads with other beads and materials such as freshwater pearls or golden metal discs for an exciting and eye-catching design!
Cubic zirconia beads come in an assortment of shapes and colours to meet every need, with something suitable for everyone in our range of zirconia beads including faceted rondelle beads, druk beads and flat round beads that come in an array of hues. We also provide an earring finding selection featuring ear cuffs decorated with white or colored cubic zirconia stones – something every wearer will find appealing!
Shop our range of cubic zirconia earring findings to find exactly what you need for your jewelry design project. These zirconia clasps feature hearts, stars and lightning shapes – ideal for your next jewellery piece!