Diamond or Cubic Zirconia: Knowing the difference can save you money!

So what is the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia? Why is cubic zirconia (CZ) quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for diamond? Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamond.

Most people, even trained gemologists, cannot tell the difference between diamond and CZ, with the naked eye. Moreover, to the untrained eye, CZ looks identical to a good quality diamond. However, under closer inspection, CZ appears to have slightly less brilliance (or sparkle) than a diamond, and more fire, or flashes of color.

CZs were originally developed by the Russians, for their space program. They were developed as an alternative to diamonds that were used in the optics of their lasers. CZs have a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close to a diamond it's uncanny.

History of Watches

Watches evolved from portable spring driven clocks, which first appeared in the 15th century. Portable timepieces were made possible by the invention of the mainspring. Although some sources erroneously credit Nürnberg clockmaker Peter Henlein (or Henle or Hele) with inventing the mainspring around 1511, many references to 'clocks without weights' and two surviving examples show that spring powered clocks appeared in the 15th century. Henlein is also often credited with constructing the first pocket-watches, mostly because of a passage by Johann Cochläus in 1511

Peter Hele, still a young man, fashions works which even the most learned mathematicians admire. He shapes many-wheeled clocks out of small bits of iron, which run and chime the hours without weights for forty hours, whether carried at the breast or in a handbag and because he was popularized in a 19th century novel. However, many German clockmakers were creating miniature timepieces during this period, and there is no evidence Henlein was the first. Also, watches weren't widely worn in pockets until the 17th century.

Luxury Watches : An important accessory of your wardrobe

Although the primary purpose of watches whether it be simple or luxury is to tell the time but more and more of today’s styles offer wonderful, additional benefits. There are watches that have magnetic compass displaying your position on earth using GPS technology, some serve as two-way radios and some even has small computers. While there are many watches that have increased their capabilities, to go above and beyond the latest technology to offer something more and they are the timekeepers that are built to last a lifetime. These premier watches are known as luxury watches that are not only functional but at the same time are also a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.