Crystals, Rhinestones & Cubic Zirconia - Oh My!

Value is a big benefit when it comes to fashion and adding to your jewelry choices. At West Coast Cow Girl, we pride ourselves on being able to offer stunning jewelry at a great cost to fit any budget. While many of our items are hand-crafted, all of them are of high quality. When it comes to diamonds in jewelry, we are not shy about how we can save you money.

Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend, but the rarity of these gemstone beauties keeps them out of reach for many a fashion forward wardrobe. Luckily, there are alternatives around. From synthetic, or man-made stones, to natural alternatives, you can have glittering jewels without the high cost. The most common diamond substitutes are crystals, rhinestones, and cubic zirconia.

Crystals are the most abundant stones on earth. These natural beauties shine with a
flair uniquely their own, making for a great alternative to diamonds. Clear crystals are often mistaken for diamonds, as they look very similar. Their natural shapes and hardness are distinctly different, however. This doesn’t stop crystals from adding extra bling to jewelry.

One type of crystal which has been used in western style jewelry for generations now is a rhinestone. These were originally crystals found near the Rhine River in Europe. These crystals often shine like a diamond, enough to fool many an eye. Today, however, most rhinestones are actually man-made pieces of leaded or crystal glass.

Another man-made diamond alternative is the Cubic Zirconia. This synthetic stone so closely resembles a diamond that, since the 1970s, cubic zirconia has been the largest competitor when it comes to the question, Diamond or no? for fashion jewelry. These stones are a low-cost alternative, and even come in different colors.

There is no need to spend a fortune on jewelry. With crystals or synthetic stones, you can enjoy the look of a diamond without digging deep into your wallet. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including pieces with crystals, rhinestones, and cubic zirconia. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone, or ready to treat yourself to something new, products are added regularly, so be sure to check back often.