Ask Angie and others: CZ stud recommendations? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie and others: CZ stud recommendations?

Kristin L

Veteran

Hi everyone. I have started looking around for a semi-nice pair of cubic zirconia studs (I can't afford the real things yet) and I was wondering if anyone had recommendations of brands that were good or brands to avoid. I'd like to get a pair that will last for a few years, so if it costs a little more than the $5 special at the teeny bopper store in the mall, I'm ok with that. I'm looking for something between 1/4 and /2 carat total weight. If I'm not mistaken, at that size, they're not in your face bling, but I think they would add a little bit of pizzazz (and polish) to my outfits. What do y'all think?

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from cheryl

Sarah A

Veteran

TJ Maxx is where I would look. I think their stuff is set in sterling silver or actual gold (10K or 14K). You might also consider white topaz or white sapphire stones as an alternative to CZ. Sapphire is a harder stone than topaz but for earrings i would not be as concerned about wear as for something like a ring.

Sona

Veteran

these are fantastic and very classy looking. read the rave reviews. I have the round ones.

http://www.qvc.com/Judith-Ripk.....4.html?ups

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd also check out the Rack - but Sona, Queen Earring has spoken.

How lovely, Kristen :). Thumbs up!

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks ladies!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I added to my comment!

Kristin L

Veteran

I see. Thanks Angie! I think we must have been looking at the same time.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

HAHAHAHA!!!!

Anonymous

Also check the sales racks at Macy's. Super affordable.

bj1111

Veteran

Kristin...i would go by scale of your face coupled with whether you want people to assume they were real. As a guide, i would use your engagement ring, if you have one, as a guide. Something not much larger than the largest stone if you want "plausible deniability". Or you could go for broke and get something fun and faux.

Most of the price will be due to the underlying metal setting. Not the size of the stone.

Elly

Veteran

Mine are from a teen chain mall store-- the piercing studs, but you can buy them without the piercing. I love the stainless steel-- been wearing them for 11 years and shower and swim with them in (locking backs) and I'm just now considering replacing them because the backs are starting to fail.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but I would recommend moissanite...

"Moissanite was introduced to the jewelry market in 1998. It is regarded as an excellent fine jewel, with some optical properties exceeding those of diamond. Its ethical production makes it a popular alternative to diamonds. On the Mohs scale it is a 9.5, with a diamond being a 10. Moissanite is stronger than sapphire or ruby. ...

Because of its hardness, it can be used in high-pressure experiments, as a replacement for diamond (see diamond anvil cell).[5] Since large diamonds are usually too expensive to be used as anvils, synthetic moissanite is more often used in large-volume experiments. Synthetic moissanite is also interesting for electronic and thermal applications because its thermal conductivity is similar to that of diamonds."

from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moissanite

I found these ($150-ish):

http://www.moissanite.com/shop.....aire-four-

And this blurb on moissanite too (from Charles & Colvard):

http://www.charlesandcolvard.c.....te-gemston

If you went this route, you'd likely never have to replace your 'diamond' earrings - moissanite is extremely durable and 'as good as' diamond earrings.

In terms of a nice pair of CZ earrings - it looks like you have some great advice from other YLF'ers. I know it sounds silly, but I would recommend making sure that any 'faux' diamond earrings you get are set in silver, white gold, yellow gold or even platinum. This will make them last for years and years. I don't know about you, but 'base' metals seem to irritate my skin, and the jewelry just doesn't seem to last as long. I know it sounds strange that you'd consider CZ in a real gold or silver setting, but trust me - it'll be worth it. You'd be able to wear them for years and never even think about bothering to get real diamonds. Just a thought - faux stones, but *good quality* settings, real silver/gold/platinum etc.

Looking forward to hearing what you find!

Smart, and stylish idea - to have a classic pair of "diamond" earrings on hand.

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of the info and advice.

@SarahA - I don't know how I forgot TJ Maxx. Where is my head at?

@Sona - Those earring are very pretty. And very shiny. I think I may have a magpie gene that's starting to come out. But, I think those are a bit bigger than what I'm looking for.

@Zapotee - Thanks! I will!

@bj1111 - I don't have an engagement ring yet. I usually prefer to wear smaller, more dainty jewelry pieces. I figured the metal would be the main thing behind cost, but I'm glad to hear someone else say it.

@Elly - I didn't know you could just buy piercing studs. That's a great idea.

@velvetychoclate - I'm not familiar with moissanite. Thanks for the info!

Thistle

Veteran

You already have some fab advice, but goodness, the ones Sona linked to are gorgeous! Don't think they'd pass for real on me though.

Kristin L

Veteran

About two months later and PPP worked out! I found a pair of Belk Silverworks studs that look great. They're sterling silver and were 70% off. And I found them the week before I left, so I was able to wear them every day during my conference.

I think these are them. I'm super happy with them and hopefully they'll last a while.

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/B.....00181E6700

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Sara L.

Veteran

Pretty! I'm glad your search was successful.

rachylou

Veteran

I love to say "zircon." I think my two pairs come from Nordstrom.

cheryl

Veteran

Yay for finding earrings you love. I have a similar pair and wear them all the time.