Question:

I have some lovely 5mm CZs that I would like to use. Which would be better to use to set these, 4mm snapsets or 6mm snapsets? Many thanks.

-Elaine in DeWitt, Virginia

Answer:

In my opinion, it is easier to put a smaller stone into a larger snapset. If you were to use a smaller snapset, the prongs would be spread too far to firmly hold the stone.

When using any snapset, be sure to really anchor the stone into the setting by wrapping a wire around the set stone, within the design, immediately under the girdle. I have even used an 8mm round snapset to set an 8x6mm pear-shaped stone successfully.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

What are CZs, and how are they different from crystals? Where do I find them? How are they different from lab stones?

-Merry in Smithers, B.C.

Answer:

As I believe you are inquiring about the difference between different cut stone definitions, here is my answer.

Both lab-grown and lab-created stones are those that have been made by man by using the same composition and structure as a natural, earth-grown stone, that can also be labeled “synthetic.” They are most often more vivid in color and rarely have inclusions, as only purified material is used in the process. They are “real” stones, but not from the earth; a stone labeled “simulated” usually means it is of a glass composition. You can find natural gemstones here.

If a cut stone is just called “crystal” it is usually glass. However natural, clear quartz is termed “Rock Crystal” as the piece has more than likely been faceted from a chunk of quartz crystal (as this material rarely forms clear in bulk/matrix). You can find samples of simulated stones here.

A Swarovski stone is made of Full Lead Crystal, meaning that the lead oxide content in the glass mixture is a minimum of 32%. The addition of the lead oxide gives this special glass a nice weight as well as extra refractive qualities, making lead crystal sparkle.

Cubic Zirconia, also called “CZ,” is a manmade material that was developed in 1977 to simulate a diamond. Composed of zirconium dioxide, CZs have a hardness of 8, a very high refractive index (giving it the ability to sparkle & shine) and an incredibly high melting point (which is why my PMC friends love this material!). Wire-Sculpture has one of the most amazing selections of loose Cubic Zirconia stones you will find! Follow this link to shop by size or color.

For future reference, the FTC has easily-understood guidelines that can help you when purchasing stones.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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I’m so excited to tell you we have just received a huge shipment of high quality Cubic Zirconia stones! These stunning faceted gemstones are cut in a variety of shapes, including round, marquise, oval, and rectangle – check ‘em out on our Cubic Zirconia page!

With this shipment, we quite possibly have the largest quantity of CZs on the internet, and not only that – we have the widest selection, too! We have hundreds of new gems in stock, and in dozens of combinations – huge CZs, tiny CZs, and a whole rainbow of colors!

When I saw the shipment of cubic zirconia gemstones come into our warehouse today, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Box after box of glittering gems! I find cubic zirconia pretty irresistible – they sparkle, they’re versatile, and of course, they’re easy on the wallet!

So what can you make with CZs? Cubic zirconia gemstones aren’t just about diamonds anymore. Our cubic zirconia gems come in a sparkling rainbow of colors, perfect for matching birthstones and favorite colors.

One of the first projects I did with colored cubic zirconium stones was make a family bracelet for my wife.

My grandmother always wore a family ring with all her children and grandchildren on it, and it was a powerful sign of her love for us. I wanted to give my wife a gift with the same meaning, so I grabbed some argentium wire and set to work.

She loves her bracelet of peridot, ruby, and sapphire CZ gems, and wears it whenever we have family gatherings and special occasions.

I bet you can think of some thoughtful ways to use cubic zirconia gems that your friends and clients will love!

Til next time,
Brandon Hutchins

Update: the Cubic Zirconia stones are in! Click here to shop our CZ selection.