You may be looking at some of the CZ aka Cubic Zirconia jewellery on my website. Whilst I am relatively new to the world of jewellery because of the decision to start creating Memorial Jewellery through the process of making the resin stones that are then set in outsourced jewellery, I am having and enjoying learning about the different types of metals and jewellery from the industry.
CZ set jewellery is a bit of a contentious one because I'm learning all about the different way these little stones can be set and as a result the risk of losing any stones can result from the way they are set and how they are treated when being worn.
My suppliers can only advise of the risks and not take responsibility for replacing any lost stones which is why there are statements regarding different styles being suitable for "occassional or special wear" only. The reason for these losses can be because of how often it is worn which increases the risk of any stones becoming dislodged and/or lost and the other reason can be what you do when wearing it and whether they get hit or knocked. These can be repaired and replaced by you taking them to a jeweller at your expense. I cannot take responsibility for any losses on these and you need to advise the jeweller that the main stone is made from resin. If you don't tell the jeweller the main stone is made from high quality resin, any cleaning or process they undertake may damage the resin stone.
Loss or dislodgement of these CZ stones is the last thing I want for my clients especially as the jewellery contains such special inclusions. Therefore I've been doing some research on this and will share what I have learnt which I ask you read before choosing a Pave Set piece of jewellery or any jewellery containing CZ stones that I can order for you from my suppliers.
CZ set jewellery is a bit of a contentious one because I'm learning all about the different way these little stones can be set and as a result the risk of losing any stones can result from the way they are set and how they are treated when being worn.
My suppliers can only advise of the risks and not take responsibility for replacing any lost stones which is why there are statements regarding different styles being suitable for "occassional or special wear" only. The reason for these losses can be because of how often it is worn which increases the risk of any stones becoming dislodged and/or lost and the other reason can be what you do when wearing it and whether they get hit or knocked. These can be repaired and replaced by you taking them to a jeweller at your expense. I cannot take responsibility for any losses on these and you need to advise the jeweller that the main stone is made from resin. If you don't tell the jeweller the main stone is made from high quality resin, any cleaning or process they undertake may damage the resin stone.
Loss or dislodgement of these CZ stones is the last thing I want for my clients especially as the jewellery contains such special inclusions. Therefore I've been doing some research on this and will share what I have learnt which I ask you read before choosing a Pave Set piece of jewellery or any jewellery containing CZ stones that I can order for you from my suppliers.
Some CZ pave settings on my website have not been listed as occassional wear by my supplier but the loss of stones is still possible with all of the CZ range. Five settings have been specifically noted as suitable for special occassion or occassional wear, but please remember these can be repaired and/or replaced by you taking them to a jeweller at your expense. I cannot take responsibility for any losses on these and you need to advise the jeweller that the main stone is made from resin or damage of the resin stone may happen.
PAVE SETTINGS
What does Pave Setting mean? A "pave setting" resembles a street paved with diamonds or CZ stones.
What is the difference between Pave Set and Halo?
The PAVE set stones perfectly enhance the central stone without dominating it.The CLASSIC HALO features a row of pave stones which embrace the central stone, running the full circumference and hugging close to it.
The DROP HALO is all about the profile view. Rather than wrapping around the main stone, the pave stones are set in the side or just below the central stone.
HOW SECURE ARE PAVE SET CZ STONES?
Pavé Cubic Zirconia stones are set close together with tiny beads or similar securing them. Pavé stones can become loose if the tiny beads are met with force or pressure. If you choose a pavé setting or halo setting, take it off when you exercise or take part in strenuous activities.
HOW HARD ARE CUBIC ZIRCONIA STONES?
To understand how hard & resistant to damage Cubic Zirconia stones are, I have referenced below the MOH's Scale of Hardness. CUBIC ZIRCONIAS on the scale of 1 -10 with 10 being the hardest mineral that is Diamond. Cubic Zirconias are listed as 8.5. So only anything on the mineral scale equal or above that can scratch or damage them.
To prevent scratches & damages, there is some info below the MOHscale on how to avoid damage as much as possible and how different things affect the stones (& metals).
MOH'S SCALE of HARDNESS
1.0 Talc
1.5 Lead
2.0 Gypsum
2.5 Silver, 24K pure Gold, Zinc, Aluminium
3.0 Copper, Brass, Bronze
3-4.0 14K Yellow Gold
4.0 Flurite, Nickel
4.5 Platinum, Palladium, Variscite, Steel
5.0 Iron, Turquoise
5.5 Opal
2.5 Silver, 24K pure Gold, Zinc, Aluminium
3.0 Copper, Brass, Bronze
3-4.0 14K Yellow Gold
4.0 Flurite, Nickel
4.5 Platinum, Palladium, Variscite, Steel
5.0 Iron, Turquoise
5.5 Opal
6.0 Titanium
6.5 Garnet, Peridot, Tanzanite, Stainless Steel
7.0 Glass, Quartz
7.5 Emerald, Beryl, Morganite, Aquamarine, Tungsten
8.0 Topaz, hardened Steel, Sandpaper
6.5 Garnet, Peridot, Tanzanite, Stainless Steel
7.0 Glass, Quartz
7.5 Emerald, Beryl, Morganite, Aquamarine, Tungsten
8.0 Topaz, hardened Steel, Sandpaper
THE RELEVANT ONES ARE FROM HERE
8.5 CUBIC ZIRCONIA
9.0 Emery Cloth/Emery Board, Corundum, Ruby, Sapphire, scratch proof glass on watches, Tungsten Carbide
9.25 Moissanite
9.5 Diamond coated drill pieces and files
10. Diamond
JEWELLERY BOXES & STORAGE
It is recommended when you put your individual CZ jewellery pieces in your jewellery box, you separate them from other Cubic Zirconia, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Jewellery to protect it from damage. Regardless of the precious metal or stone type, NEVER jumble your precious metal jewellery pieces in a drawer or jewellery case where they can easily scratch each other.
It is recommended when you put your individual CZ jewellery pieces in your jewellery box, you separate them from other Cubic Zirconia, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Jewellery to protect it from damage. Regardless of the precious metal or stone type, NEVER jumble your precious metal jewellery pieces in a drawer or jewellery case where they can easily scratch each other.
Other factors that can damage precious metals and CZ or resin stones. This can include Sterling Silver, Solid Silver, Gold Filled, Solid Gold.
ITS IMPORTANT TO AVOID:
1. Water - Some water is perfectly fine and can cause no problems in your jewellery after years of exposure. Repeated exposure over time to water can ruin gold, sterling silver and both real and artificial gemstones including Cubic Zirconias. It really depends on what is in the water. So the recommendation is to avoid getting your jewellery wet regularly - except when cleaning for brief periods.
2. Hard Knocks, Work & Sport - try not to wear your CZ jewellery when it could be struck by anything. Eventhough they are hard, they still have thin edges and points that can fracture if they are hit hard enough plus your precious metal likely won't come out without being affected also. Examples include contact sports, sports with fast moving hard objects e.g. softball, hockey etc, plus if youre sweating alot thats another reason to not be wearing nice jewellery. Any employment that could create "hard knock" environments e.g. line works, food preppers, health professionals, welders, construction, gardeners etc etc - anyone really that works with their hands should avoid wearing rings in these environments.
3. Harsh Chemicals/Ammonia/Bleach/Household Cleaners -These cause a chemical reaction that disintegrates the alloys in the jewellery over time. Remove your rings when disinfecting your house.
4. Chlorine - Whether from cleaning bleach or in the swimming pool, chlorine can degrade gold jewellery to the point of disintegration. So keep your gold jewellery out of the pool and hot tub. **One hour in a pool or hottub can be the equivalent of a year or more of normal wear and tear on sterling silver, gold or palladium precious metal jewellery. Platinum will be okay with chlorine but Cubic Zirconia stones can crack or discolor with too much exposure to chlorine, so take off your platinum jewellery also.
5. Salt Water - Exposure to salt can erode soldered joints on gold and platinum jewellery, such as the connection between the prongs and the band of your ring. It is recommended to remove any precious metal jewellery prior to swimming in a salt water pool or the ocean. Cold water will also cause your fingers to shrink and you could lose that special ring at the beach. Recommended to always remove any precious metal jewellery prior to swimming.
6. Cosmetics - Hairspray, perfumes, sunblock, bug spray and certain lotions can contain chemicals that can often damage jewellery, especially white gold and platinum. Necklace links and ring prongs are especially proned to getting gunked up with these things. Even gentle bar soaps can leave a residue on your jewellery, blocking the light from entering your CZ and diminishing their brilliance. Don't wear your jewellery when applying these substances to your hands or bodies. Putting jewellery on after applying these materials will limit exposure to jewellery and any potential damage.
7. Sweat - Any jewellery can become less beautiful because of a build up of sweat combined with dust. You're more likely to lose a ring or earrings at the gym or on the playing field than with almost any other activity. So just take it off when you're playing sports, working outdoors or working out.
8. Gardening - Dirt and small rocks are abrasive to jewellery. If not cleaning immediately they can become permanently damaged. Organic material like leaves, grass and twigs can gunk up the hard to reach spots like between multi pronged accent settings and underneath a centre stone. Beware of very scratchy gardening gloves also - don't assume that the rings will be safe under gloves.
3. Harsh Chemicals/Ammonia/Bleach/Household Cleaners -These cause a chemical reaction that disintegrates the alloys in the jewellery over time. Remove your rings when disinfecting your house.
4. Chlorine - Whether from cleaning bleach or in the swimming pool, chlorine can degrade gold jewellery to the point of disintegration. So keep your gold jewellery out of the pool and hot tub. **One hour in a pool or hottub can be the equivalent of a year or more of normal wear and tear on sterling silver, gold or palladium precious metal jewellery. Platinum will be okay with chlorine but Cubic Zirconia stones can crack or discolor with too much exposure to chlorine, so take off your platinum jewellery also.
5. Salt Water - Exposure to salt can erode soldered joints on gold and platinum jewellery, such as the connection between the prongs and the band of your ring. It is recommended to remove any precious metal jewellery prior to swimming in a salt water pool or the ocean. Cold water will also cause your fingers to shrink and you could lose that special ring at the beach. Recommended to always remove any precious metal jewellery prior to swimming.
6. Cosmetics - Hairspray, perfumes, sunblock, bug spray and certain lotions can contain chemicals that can often damage jewellery, especially white gold and platinum. Necklace links and ring prongs are especially proned to getting gunked up with these things. Even gentle bar soaps can leave a residue on your jewellery, blocking the light from entering your CZ and diminishing their brilliance. Don't wear your jewellery when applying these substances to your hands or bodies. Putting jewellery on after applying these materials will limit exposure to jewellery and any potential damage.
7. Sweat - Any jewellery can become less beautiful because of a build up of sweat combined with dust. You're more likely to lose a ring or earrings at the gym or on the playing field than with almost any other activity. So just take it off when you're playing sports, working outdoors or working out.
8. Gardening - Dirt and small rocks are abrasive to jewellery. If not cleaning immediately they can become permanently damaged. Organic material like leaves, grass and twigs can gunk up the hard to reach spots like between multi pronged accent settings and underneath a centre stone. Beware of very scratchy gardening gloves also - don't assume that the rings will be safe under gloves.
