Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie,
I love the look of diamonds but often times they are out of my budget. Are there any economical options?
Faith in Little Rock

Cubic zirconia is a wonderfully affordable option when diamonds are out of our budgets. Cubic zirconia was first discovered by German scientists in 1937 but was finally made very economical through laboratory advances in the 1970’s. Cubic zirconia is formed through a complicated process from zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide where these chemicals are combined together at almost 5000 degrees Fahrenheit. Then they are carefully cooled to create flawless crystals. Because of their clarity and brilliance, cubic zirconia stones are often compared to diamonds. Cubic zirconia is extremely durable, and can come in almost every color of the rainbow. Cubic zirconia is so optically close to diamond that only a trained eye can easily differentiate the two – some differences are observable only under the microscope or loupe.

For just $40 you can add a ton of sparkle to a special occasion with this cubic ziconia and sterling silver ring. This classic three-stone design looks fabulous on a band of elegant sterling silver.

In this exquisite butterfly brooch, a delicate butterfly motif is beautifully crafted from sterling silver and studded with dazzling cubic zirconia. This piece, if made from diamonds and white gold, would be priced at hundreds of dollars. It’s an economical way to add drama to any outfit.

This cubic zirconia sterling silver tennis bracelet is an economical alternative to the timeless diamond tennis bracelet. At just $45, you may find yourself wearing this bracelet more than you expect. The graceful setting provides fluidity of movement and will look amazing with any ensemble.