When do you CZ?

[Clinn236]

I think that a lot of times the diamonds that are used to accent other gem stones in earrings or a pendant aren't that good of a quality. White sapphire or topaz will work just as well and for less cost.

I think I agree with this. As I said in the OP, I really couldn't tell the difference between the halos on the earrings I was comparing. When I got the sapphires home I stuck them in and had a pair of diamond studs that my parents gave me years ago in my second piercing and it was pretty clear that the sapphires were more sparkly than the larger but not awesome-quality diamonds. I have several other pieces that were gifts (pendants, mostly) with smaller diamonds that seem to sparkle a lot only in very bright sunlight.

It really made me think about whether investing in diamonds is worth it in some cases as I begin to move into a stage of my life where I can buy my own jewelry. I do like the durability of diamonds, but moissanite is another good option for super-durable pieces.

 

[Minty Tea]

Other than that, I suppose cz might be a good idea if you are trying a new style and are not sure if it will work for you.

This. In the past, I have purchased a couple of cz earrings to try out a style. They were the halo style with a clear centre stone and a yellow stone. DH needed the visual hint! After wearing them for a few weeks, we both agreed that the halo style wasn't for me nor yellow centre stone.

Do prevent lost of an earring, look for the screw back earrings. Of course always have insurance for peace of mind.

 

[Minty Tea]

It really made me think about whether investing in diamonds is worth it in some cases as I begin to move into a stage of my life where I can buy my own jewelry. I do like the durability of diamonds, but moissanite is another good option for super-durable pieces.

If you love diamonds then buy them. Don't settle for moissanite. Wait until you have enough funds to buy what you love. I love diamonds but I really don't think of them as a monetary investment vehicle for resale/profit. In my mind, they have sentimental value which is priceless. My children know that they will inherit these pieces, as I have inherit some from my grandmother and mom. They will most likely keep only the big stones and restyle them to their taste. Which I'm fine with.

 

[foxgal]

Another reason I consider CZ or lab-created gems is to avoid conflict diamonds. Unless you are buying from somewhere with authentication, you can't be sure that diamonds weren't extracted by child labour. And mining is brutal on the environment. For these reasons, I actually prefer lab-created gems when they are as durable and sparkly as mined items.

 

[kbell]

I have CZ stud earrings as well as diamond. I am another who loses/misplaces them a lot... I don't see the need to spend a lot on items I'm likely to lose or jewelry for a one off occasion like matching bridesmaid jewelry. I have a white sapphire ring I'll wear in place of my real diamond engagement ring when traveling. That way if it's lost/stolen it's no big loss. CZ or other like substitutes can be fun & care free!

 

[nexiv]

To CZ or not is all about the image you want to portray to the world. If you wear CZ, your image is that you wear fake stuff and try to pass it as real. That is the only reason why someone would buy CZ. If you are ok with that image, then go for it.

For me, I don't do fake anything. If I cannot afford a specific piece I want, I would never go fake with CZ. Just my two cents.

That is a really unfair comment to make and in all honesty, comes across rather snobbish.

For starters, some people may never have a chance of owning a piece of jewellery in a style they love, such as solitaire stud earrings. So if they buy CZ ones, they're portraying a negative image of themselves to the world? How about they're just enjoying some jewellery and screw what the world thinks anyway.

And to suggest by default that they'd pass them off as a more expensive stone is also totally unfair. What image do you think you portray by judging someone by the jewellery they wear and saying the things you do?

I don't currently own any CZ apart from an eternity ring, because I've been lucky enough for the opportunity to go higher in value. Not everyone can.
When my disabled friend was a single mum, she had nothing at the end of each month to even save for something inexpensive. It's sad how people can think about something for only two seconds and come to such uninformed conclusions and opinions.

 

[Pinkdiamondlove]

I bought a pair of cz earrings recently for travel. We were going to Atlantis with DS2 last spring and I knew I would be expected to spend my days on the water slides. It's one of the few places I've ever been to as an adult where I knew it would be a bad idea to bring my good things. Since then I haven't worn them, but I know many women prefer to wear inexpensive jewelry for travel. Other than that, I suppose cz might be a good idea if you are trying a new style and are not sure if it will work for you.

I have done this too but in my case if I am leaving the country I don't bring diamond jewelry just because I read most of the world doesn't wear diamond engagement rings also because I don't want to lose it in the water. I would be devastated to lose it. I wear a high quality CZ in silver in the airport and plane in the US (I miss the sparkle) And the minute land I only wear a plain tungsten band I think it is worth a whole 2 dollars. Both are durable and have served me well.

I think I would buy CZ for something trendy. But I would suggest as others have to do pearls if you don't want to wear something that makes you feel off. It's really about you when I wear the CZ engagement ring (like if I am going to the water park etc) no notices the difference I have even been complimented on it. Lol.

 

[OutWest]

Amen to all of this:

That is a really unfair comment to make and in all honesty, comes across rather snobbish.

For starters, some people may never have a chance of owning a piece of jewellery in a style they love, such as solitaire stud earrings. So if they buy CZ ones, they're portraying a negative image of themselves to the world? How about they're just enjoying some jewellery and screw what the world thinks anyway.

And to suggest by default that they'd pass them off as a more expensive stone is also totally unfair. What image do you think you portray by judging someone by the jewellery they wear and saying the things you do?

I don't currently own any CZ apart from an eternity ring, because I've been lucky enough for the opportunity to go higher in value. Not everyone can.
When my disabled friend was a single mum, she had nothing at the end of each month to even save for something inexpensive. It's sad how people can think about something for only two seconds and come to such uninformed conclusions and opinions.

 

[BigPurseSue]

Some have mentioned that they don't worry about losing a diamond earring because they have insurance. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies will cover jewelry that has been lost or misplaced. They'll only reimburse for jewelry that has been stolen. That's the case with my homeowner's policy. It's important to check your policy.

 

[Summerfriend]

I like CZ or Swarovski crystals for "fun" jewelry - costume jewelry; pieces bought for a specific outfit; flashier pieces.

I like real diamonds for everyday staples (studs, engagement ring, right-hand diamond band).

 

[dooneybaby]

To CZ or not is all about the image you want to portray to the world. If you wear CZ, your image is that you wear fake stuff and try to pass it as real. That is the only reason why someone would buy CZ. If you are ok with that image, then go for it.

For me, I don't do fake anything. If I cannot afford a specific piece I want, I would never go fake with CZ. Just my two cents.

I can't say that I feel the same way. If someone wants to wear CZ, more power to them. I've just never bought any. It's never been on my radar. If I want diamond earrings for something special like my birthday, then I get them.

 

[Pinkdiamondlove]

Some have mentioned that they don't worry about losing a diamond earring because they have insurance. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies will cover jewelry that has been lost or misplaced. They'll only reimburse for jewelry that has been stolen. That's the case with my homeowner's policy. It's important to check your policy.

Hello,

Have you looked into dedicated Jewelry Insurance? I have a policy with Jewelers Mutual that covers all kinds of things. The cost is based on how much you insure and what you want your deductible to be.

 

[Pmrbfay]

Great thread. Very thought-provoking. Appreciate all the different view points.

 

[BigPurseSue]

Hello,

Have you looked into dedicated Jewelry Insurance? I have a policy with Jewelers Mutual that covers all kinds of things. The cost is based on how much you insure and what you want your deductible to be.

I've thought about it but I don't have any individual pieces of jewelry that are worth so much it would be worth an annual premium. My homeowner's policy carries a little jewelry coverage in case of theft and that's good enough.

While I was traveling years ago someone stole my $40 CZ studs--and left behind the pearl jewelry which was worth considerably more. So now I always travel with CZ.

 

[L etoile]

Weight of earrings is also a factor for us women of a certain age. I can't wear really heavy earrings. I usually do pearl or diamond studs, but I have a pair of crystal dangly earrings for "fun" stuff because diamond in the same style are too heavy! Just say NO to saggy lobes!