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Cubic Zirconia (commonly referred to as CZ) is a man-made synthetic gem that is created by scientists in labs. While CZ does occur in the natural environment, the ability to create the gem in labs means that the supply can easily meet the demand of the jewelry market.

If you are a jewelry maker or own a jewelry store, you most likely want to buy your cubic zirconia in loose form so that you can make whatever type of jewelry your customers tend to like. Most online wholesalers offer CZ and other synthetic gems in loose form in bulk so that you have the option to make many different pieces of jewelry.

If your customers are happier with gems of a different color, do not worry. There are two different shades of purple cubic zirconia gems: amethyst, lavender and violet. The amethyst CZ is a deeper shade than the lavender.

The lavender cubic zirconia is very light lavender, adding just a tint of color to an otherwise white gem. This light, pastel color is very sophisticated and classic. The violet cubic zirconia is a deep shade of blue-purple that many women find complimenting.

Many jewelry lovers fall for blue-colored gems, and there are plenty of CZ gems that come in blue shades. The aqua cubic zirconia is a light blue-green color and dates back to 1937, as it can be found in various natural places. This aqua CZ is perfect for summertime.

The tanzanite cubic zirconia is a deeper blue shade and, like its aqua counterpart, dates back to 1937. Lastly, the sapphire CZ is rich in color, comparable to royal blue. It is made from corundum, a material that is virtually indistinguishable from real gems.

If your customer prefers shades of yellow, there are two different shades available: champagne and citrine yellow. Champagne cubic zirconia has become very popular in the market, as has the champagne diamond. Its tinge of yellow/brown is subtle yet very classy. The citrine yellow CZ is a brighter yellow and is perfect for those who want to make a statement.

If you are in the market for cubic zirconia gems, try one of the colors listed above, or one of the other colors which include: emerald, garnet, padparadschah, peridot, and pink. There is a color and shade to match every customer’s preference! Purchasing loose CZ gems through a wholesale dealer is economically sound and smart.

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Pehnec Gems is a trusted resource that offers consumers the chance to purchase loose cubic zirconia gems. Have a look at the Pehnec Gems website for further information (http://www.pehnec.com/).

Cubic zirconia (commonly referred to as CZ) is a naturally occurring oxide that had a very limited amount of resources. Since 1980, CZ has been man-made, allowing for an ever-expanding market that desired the gem. CZ is such a high quality gem that is easily comparable to the quality and beauty of a diamond!

Gems that are created in labs, such as CZ, are also called synthetic gemstones. These gems have a chemical structure that is natural, but they can be produced by the human hand in labs. This means that these gems are available anytime, and they are normally offered at an inexpensive price.

There are also things called simulated or fake gems. These gems do not have the same chemical structure as their naturally occurring counterparts to. Simulated gems can be made of various natural and/or man-made materials. An example of a simulated gem is simulated alexandrite. Many find simulated gems attractive because they are much less expensive than the naturally occurring gems.

There are many different online wholesalers that give consumers such as yourself the opportunity to purchase synthetic gemstones or simulated gems. Many of these wholesalers sell their gems in bulk, loose form. This means that the gems are not placed in jewelry, and they come in high volume.

This is the perfect way for jewelry stores, jewelry makers, or other businesses to purchase cubic zirconia, as the consumer is given the opportunity to choose what type of setting or jewelry he or she would like to accompany the CZ.

The more high quality online cubic zirconia wholesalers will offer some sort of guarantee with their products. Do not trust online wholesalers who don’t offer a 100% guarantee on all of their products. Buying gems online is a tricky business, and you want to make sure that you’re dealing with a wholesaler who backs up their products.

Some cubic zirconia wholesalers even go as far as to offer their customers closeout prices for bulk volumes of their high quality synthetic gems. You can get the many different shapes and colors of CZ in a 500 piece lot for under $50 from the best wholesalers online!

If you are a jewelry maker or a jewelry business owner, make sure that you don’t miss out on the great opportunities offered by various synthetic gem wholesalers online. After you do your research, you will undoubtedly be able to find a wholesaler that offers high quality CZ and other gems in bulk and at a low cost.

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Pehnec Gems is a trusted resource that offers consumers the chance to purchase wholesale cubic zirconia gems. Have a look at the Pehnec Gems website for further information (http://www.pehnec.com/).

We’ve all heard about cubic zirconia; maybe you or a friend or family member even own a piece of jewelry containing the semi-yellowish, monoclinic mineral baddeleyite form of the cubic zirconia oxide. But do you really know about cubic zirconia and where it comes from?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) was found in 1892; however, CZ was rare and hard to find, so for a long time, it wasn’t sought after and was considered to have little economic importance. It was simply an oxide that existed naturally on our planet.

In 1899, two German mineralogists discovered a different, naturally occurring form of CZ: microscopic grains. This was the point at which cubic zirconia began wider spread, but there was still only a limited amount of cubic zirconia for the ever-expanding market.

Decades later, in the 1960s, studies began regarding how to grow cubic zirconia in controlled situations. The earliest studies were in France, where two scientists performed studies trying to achieve single-crystal growth of the mineral.

Later, a team of Soviet scientists perfected the technique of growing single-crystal CZ in a controlled situation. This incredible breakthrough was published in the early 1970s, and the widespread production of CZ reached 10,000 kilograms by 1980.

Currently, the market’s desire for cubic zirconia is as strong as ever. This could be attributed to the mineral’s 8.5 hardness, or to the fact that CZ is very inexpensive yet beautiful.

One type of CZ, cubic zirconia AAAAA, has a quality that could easily match – or surpass – that of high quality, expensive diamonds! Due to this phenomenon, many who are in the market for engagement rings or other diamond jewelry turn to cubic zirconia for an equally gorgeous but less expensive solution.

There are many different colors, shapes and sizes of cubic zirconia, so the consumer is always able to find exactly what fits their taste and style.

CZ comes in many different colors including amethyst (purple), garnet (red), pink, aqua, lavender, tanzanite (blue), champagne, white, citrine yellow, and more. The most popular CZ is the white, which could easily be compared to a high quality diamond.

The consumer also has the opportunity to choose one of many different cuts of their cubic zirconia including shapes such as heart, octagon, oval, round, square, trillion (triangle), pear, and more.

If you are in the market for some beautiful yet inexpensive gems, give the mineral cubic zirconia a try. Your jewelry will be gorgeous, durable, and coveted by all of your friends!

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Pehnec Gems is a trusted resource that offers consumers the chance to purchase high quality cubic zirconia gems. Have a look at the Pehnec Gems website for further information (http://www.pehnec.com/).

Luxury watches today are as functional as they are stylish and beautiful. They are valued as collectibles, status symbols, and art. Some luxury watch brands like Rolex are household names but some of the most luxurious are all but unknown to the average person. And there are dozens of fine luxury watchmakers, in Switzerland, France and elsewhere, all of whom make watches worth the investment.

A luxury watch is a work of art and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Some luxury watches have 800 or more components and are still hand-assembled. At the low end, luxury watches sell for about $1,000. Many luxury watches have a price tag of 30 times that amount or more, a few sell for close to a million dollars.

Collecting Luxury Watches

A beginning collector drawn to luxury watches may be overwhelmed by the variety of choices from the simply elegant to the stunningly beautiful and multi-faceted functions available in fine timepieces made by dozens of reputable makers.

A sound bit of advice to anyone interested in adding a luxury watch to one’s collection is to study the watches and the companies before buying one on impulse. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a luxury watch, especially if it is being purchased, in part, as an investment.

The reputation of the brand is important. Rather than relying solely on a salesperson, talk to people who own luxury watches, study information available about the watchmakers and their watches, and find out what dealers and collectors are saying about watches on Internet forum sites.

Luxury Watches with Added Value

Many watch connoisseurs place high value on the number of complications a watch has. Complications are mechanical functions other than basic time telling like perpetual calendars, second time zone, or lunar phases. Generally speaking the more complications a watch has, the more valuable it is.

Other watch enthusiasts are interested in the beauty or style of the device. These watch buyers look for sleek elegant designs and ornamentation like diamonds or other gemstones.

Other details to consider when purchasing a luxury watch that can increase its value over time are its rareness, whether it is a limited or special edition, its warranty, and, in the case of previously owned watches, if its provenance can be traced.

Subtle Differences Between Luxury Watch Brands

With those basic tips in mind, here are a few things to know about some luxury watch brands. Rolex and Cartier are the two best-known brands and both make fine watches in a wide range of prices. The best-known brands are not always the most desired by collectors. In terms of status and overall quality, there are several luxury watches valuable to connoisseurs and aficionados.

Luxury Watches for Yachtsman, Contact Sports, and Other Special Interests

Two of the top Swiss-made watches are Patek Philippe and Bregeut. Both companies make exquisite watches with multiple complications and jewels. Patek Philippe holds the record in number of complications. In 1989, they created a pocket watch in honor of their 150th anniversary with 33 complications including a celestial chart with 2,800 stars. Other luxury watchmakers with solid reputations include Piaget and Bulgari of Italy.

Some watches are designed for special interest markets. Breitling is favored by pilots for their aeronautic designs. Glycine’s Airman 7 watches can display up to four time zones, perfect for travelers. Corum’s Admirals’ Cup Tide 44 measures the force of the tide and currents based on the moon’s phase making it perfect for yachtsmen. And for those who play contact sports, Jaeger’s Reverso watches are made so that the face can be flipped over.

http://www.HighEndCrazy.com is the ulimate destination for those looking for eBay alternatives. The site features free online auctions, classifieds, stores and more. Free for life, www.HighEndCrazy.com is the fun way to buy and sell.

They may deny it, but women tend to dress to impress other women; this includes accessories. Jewelry can make or break an outfit so you should choose it carefully. Titanium has taken the jewelry market by storm. Women who want to stand out will want to capitalize on what titanium has to offer in ring selection.

For the woman on the go, titanium rings are the way to go. If you play or work hard, I’m sure you want to make sure you’re ring stays in top condition. Whether it is your engagement ring, wedding ring, or just an every day ring, women’s titanium rings are tough. Gone are the days of having to remove your ring before you workout. Keep your ring on and watch how it continues to shine when your workout is complete. While these rings aren’t completely scratch resistant, they are virtually tough as nails.

Worried styles of women’s titanium rings won’t fit into your wardrobe? Well, stop worrying. There is an abundance of styles of rings available for women, but if there is a chance that you can’t find what you want, just about any jeweler can help your construct whatever you have in mind. When customizing women’s titanium rings, make sure that your use a reputable jeweler. It’s recommended that you work with someone who has a reputation for providing quality customized titanium rings. Titanium is a very tough metal and special equipment is required to customize it.

Don’t want to settle for a titanium ring with a natural radiant silver color? One of the biggest trends in women’s titanium rings is the ability to choose from a variety of colors or have them customized. The colorization process is very technical and produces quality finishes. Titanium refracts light when it is heated the colors that a jeweler is able to produce depends on the amount of time the metal is heated. The color added to titanium rings usually functions as accents. Blue is the one of the common colors. Of course you will want to try something different. Be one of the first to try women’s titanium rings in gold, purple, turquoise, and fuchsia.

Just as with fashions, there are now big names in jewelry. Designer women’s titanium rings are spectacular and feature inlays of precious gems and metals. These styles are more expensive, but still more reasonable than other types of rings of similar quality. Imagine meeting with your girlfriends wearing a stunning titanium ring with a gold inlay and offset diamond. Your girlfriends will wonder how you found such an outstanding ring. You will soon see your friends wearing titanium rings, but rest assured that you were the one to start the trend.

Totally Titanium is an online resource for finding the perfect women’s titanium ring. Tim Rowe is a freelance writer for Totally Titanium (http://www.totallytitanium.com/).

Sapphire history in very interesting. The word sapphire is derived from the Latin word ” sapphirus”, meaning blue. The history of sapphire dates back to the seventh century B.C. The oldest sapphire mines are in Sri Lanka. Indeed Marco Polo described sapphires in his thirteenth century book detailing his visit to the island of Serendib (Sri Lanka). In medieval times, blue sapphire was much sought after by European royalty. In ancient times it was believed to ward off harm and envy as well as to make stupid men wise and ill tempered men good tempered! One of the most famous sapphire deposits in located in Kashmir. This deposit dates from the 1800’s and produced magnificent sapphires of a very intense pure blue color that is intensified by the presence of very fine silky inclusions.

Sapphires are mined all over the world, but the largest sapphire source in the world is Australia. In 1987 about 75% of the world’s supply came from there. Thailand is the next largest producer of gem quality sapphires. In the 1990’s a huge deposit of fine quality blue sapphire and fancy sapphires was discovered on the island nation of Madagascar. This deposit is still being mined and numerous other deposits have been discovered all over the island. The most valuable gems come from Sri Lanka, Burma and Kashmir, although the Kashmir production is almost non existent. Sri Lanka has been mining for sapphires since before the time of Buddha. Another major source of sapphires is the Yogo Gulch deposit in Montana. Other important high quality sources recently discovered are Burma and Tanzania.

In evaluating a sapphire, the most important considerations for the evaluation and valuation of a sapphire, both blue and fancy color is color, size, quality of the cutting and clarity. Sapphire gemstones, along with Ruby gemstones also are valued by the source of origin. A Burma or Kashmir sapphire gemstone will have a higher value than a Sri Lankan sapphire of equal quality. Source can be determined by gemological tests so this has become an important criterion in valuation of very fine, larger gem sapphires. The treatment of sapphires also plays an important factor. Natural, untreated sapphire gemstones will have a higher valuation than a similar quality heat treated sapphire as they are much rarer. Color is of course the most important consideration when buying a loose sapphire. If the sapphire appears dark in low light conditions or appears lifeless and dull, its value will be greatly diminished.

If you’re thinking of buying a blue sapphire or any other gemstone, find a reputable gemstone dealer in your area or online. Make sure that they have the knowledge and trained eye for color experience to know what if a sapphire worthy of your money. When buying a loose sapphire gemstone, only buy from someone who offers an unconditional 100% guarantee for any gemstone they sell. In the case of online gemstone dealers only purchase from someone who offers a trusted certificate with the gemstone, offers free shipping and in the case the stone must be returned, covers all shipping, insurance and return costs which can be very costly.

Marc Sarosi is the creator of http://www.AfricaGems.com, one of the most highly regarded websites selling fine gemstones. Marc is a well known and highly regarded expert in gemstones and has been in business for 24 years. Marc lived, mined and bought gemstones from all over Africa for many years.

American Indian jewelry is a great example of Native life and culture. This exquisite style of jewelry is usually crafted by hand, giving it a unique quality unlike cheap fabricated jewelry. These days, Indian Tribes often make a living by selling their beautiful hand crafts, jewelry, and other intriguing works of art as a means of survival. Buying Indian jewelry gives you the opportunity to help them support their culture and continue living their traditions.

As with all Native American art work, each piece of jewelry comes from a Tribe of intriguing historical legend and unique traditions. For example, Native American jewelry made by the Tigua Indians, a Puebloan tribe, is truly remarkable due to the fact that around the 1930s, their Tribe was thought by some to be extinct. It wasn’t until they reunited and began to articulate themselves as a people, reclaiming the land that had been taken from them, that they were at last identified in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. The signing of the law by the president made Ysleta Del Sur, their new land near El Paso, Texas, into a reservation where they still live today.

Like many Indian Tribes, the Tigua Indians make jewelry and hand crafts for a living. Their jewelry is similar to the jewelry created by the Navajo Tribe of the southwestern part of the United States, and is recognized for its great design and intricate detail. By incorporating natural elements, beads and glass, along with beautiful pieces of sterling silver, they make beautiful works of art that exemplify the best of American Indian culture and hand made Native American jewelry. Investing in a piece of Tigua jewelry provides you a true appreciation of their talented art work and a look into the Tigua way of life. Traditional craftsmanship is what makes these pieces unique, and a great buy for those who love Native culture and jewelry.

When purchasing American Indian jewelry, it is important to look around and not be deceived by cheap substitutes. Purchasing genuine items, hand crafted by Native Americans, will ensure the quality of your jewelry, and give you the assurance of knowing that your piece is the real thing. As you shop for American Indian jewelry, you will realize that it can be very expensive, as is most jewelry made by hand. Fortunately, with a little work, you can locate great pieces at low costs if you know where to look. Shopping online is one of the greatest ways to come across terrific deals as well as a great variety of jewelry available.

Authentic American Indian jewelry makes a great gift idea for jewelry collectors and for those who are fascinated by American Indian culture. From a wide range of bolo ties, bracelets, necklaces, watches, rings, and more, you won’t have trouble deciding on the perfect gift for young or old. Whether buying for yourself, a friend or loved one, remember that buying true pieces of Native jewelry is not only a great choice in fine jewelry, but also an investment in the American Indian culture. You will enjoy helping keep their customs alive while owning elegant pieces of American Indian jewelry.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose American Indian jewelry. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com