Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but in today’s economy your money will go farther if you buy cubic zirconia. A recent poll conducted by the National Retail Federation noted that 23% of gift recipients would have liked to have found a sparkly piece of jewelry under their Christmas tree this past year. That was probably not going to happen since the average holiday shopping budget was less than $700. Slight economic improvements may have put jewelry back on American gift lists, but 61.7% of U.S. shoppers said the economy had still forced them to spend less on holiday gifts than they used to. Do the math and I am sure there were a lot of disappointed people on Christmas morning.

Fortunately, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, your sweetie doesn’t need to be disappointed any longer. Financial considerations have enticed many shoppers to consider purchasing jewelry set with affordable laboratory-created gems instead of more expensive natural gemstones. The cost differential can be considerable. For example, a pair of ½ carat stud earrings in an 18K white gold setting will cost you $1,457 at Diamonds USA if set with a medium-quality white diamond (a great price), but only $528 at Ziamond when set with a high-quality white cubic zirconia. Of course, even without considering size, which has a considerable impact on price, diamond prices can vary widely based on the quality and clarity of the gem. Jewelers use what they call the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity and cut) to grade diamonds and determine their value. A flawless diamond generally commands prices thousands of dollars greater than one with several occlusions (flaws). Cubic zirconia prices can also cover a wide range. Cubic zirconia stud earrings similar to the ones mentioned above, for example, can be purchased for as little as $24.99 from fashion jewelry sites like Emitations, although the quality of the cubic zirconia will be significantly lower and the setting is likely to be silver-plated copper rather than white gold.

Forged in the intense heat of ancient volcanic eruptions and compacted 90 miles underground for billions of years before being brought to the surface by millennia of erosion, diamonds are found in minable quantities in only a few places on Earth, primarily in Africa. The expense of mining, processing and cutting diamonds, coupled with the rarity of finding jewelry-quality gemstones, has made diamonds the most prized and valuable gemstones on the planet, but placed them outside the price range of many consumers.

Jewelers had already been searching for an affordable diamond substitute for centuries when cubic zirconium was first synthesized in 1976. Today’s lab-created gems have come a long way from the obvious paste and glass fakeries of the past. High-quality cubic zirconia, the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide, are visually identical to natural diamonds and, while 1.6 times heavier, relatively close in other physical characteristics such as hardness and clarity. A considerable advantage is the ability to create optically-flawless CZ gems in the lab, something rarely found in nature. Cubic zirconia has proven to be such a successful diamond substitute that it is now created in a rainbow of colors as stand-ins for emeralds, topaz, amethysts and other precious gems, providing jewelry designers – and holiday shoppers – with a wealth of choices at very affordable prices.

While price has always been the most significant reason shoppers choose cubic zirconia jewelry over diamonds and natural gems, three significant events have catapulted cubic zirconia into the shopping spotlight and dramatically increased its appeal as a desirable alternative to diamonds:

• As environmental awareness grew, consumers began to view mining and the environmental damage it can cause with disfavor. Viewed as a “green” alternative, lab-created gems began to attract more shoppers.
• The 2006 release of the Academy Award-nominated Leonardo DiCaprio film Blood Diamond brought to the world’s attention the practice of financing military conflicts through the sale of diamonds mined in African war zones. The film sparked a Hollywood-led movement to boycott conflict diamonds, increasing consumer interest in cubic zirconia.
• The recent recession and continuing slow economy placed diamonds out of the price range of average consumers who have embraced cubic zirconia jewelry as an affordable alternative. Since the recession, cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings have become quite popular with practical young couples who would rather put the cost of a diamond toward the down payment on a home.
• A growing trend of practicality has allowed women to go out looking and feeling like a million dollars without the worry of losing expensive diamonds by wearing cubic zirconia instead, with only them any the wiser.

Rare, expensive and elegant, diamonds’ special cachet will always make them desirable; but the beauty and affordability of cubic zirconia jewelry has earned lab-created gems equal billing in jewelers’ display cases and pushed CZ jewelry to the top of Valentine’s Day shoppers’ gift lists.

Big, colorful, sparkling gems are the hot new trend for fall and winter. Popularized by the hit television series Mad Men, 1950s fashions and fashion accessories are back — and they’ve brought their flashy jewelry with them. Gem-studded rings, fanciful crystal brooches, and glittering necklaces provide the perfect attention-grabbing accessories for this season’s gray blazers and hourglass dresses. Fortunately, when you shop Eternal Sparkles on Coupon Cactus, you can afford to indulge yourself in beautiful jewelry that is loaded with glitz and glam. 

Eternal Sparkles creates gorgeous fashion jewelry using cubic zirconia, the world’s most beautiful artificial gem. With 20% off Eternal Sparkles coupons — exclusive for Coupon Cactus members only – you can afford a few splurges to sparkle up your fall wardrobe. The 6% cash back rebate Coupon Cactus members receive with each Eternal Sparkles purchase means you can afford to pick up something extra special for the holidays.

To the naked eye, cubic zirconia look just like diamonds and other precious gems that glitter. Created in the laboratory, they are cut and polished to duplicate the real thing. So successful is the process that it takes an experienced  jeweler to distinguish cubic zirconia gems from their natural counterparts. Today, many people, including quite a few socially- and eco-conscious Hollywood celebrities, prefer cubic zirconia to natural gems because their creation does not damage the environment or support brutal political regimes.

While that will certainly make you feel good about wearing cubic zirconia jewelry, it is stunning beauty and affordable price that entice shoppers to buy Eternal Sparkles jewelry.

Just mention diamonds to a little girl and you will see her eyes dance with delight. Mention diamonds to a woman and you will immediately see the love for these gorgeous gemstones. It should be no surprise really, they sparkle, they shine, their sheer beauty can draw you in from across the room. As the old saying goes…diamonds are a girl’s best friend! When you shop at Diamond.com on Coupon Cactus, you will find a beautiful selection of diamond jewelry for every type of occasion.

Stop by Diamond.com to see the vast collection of diamond engagement rings, pre-set rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, watches, and loose cut diamonds, cut in every shape and size imaginable. You can also choose from a variety of metal settings when you shop at Diamond.com. Look for lovely jewelry pieces set in platinum, stainless steel, sterling silver, titanium or gold. To make your gift even more special, each jewelry piece comes in a signature gift box too.

You can add pizzazz to your wardrobe when you shop at Diamond.com by adding magnificent black diamonds, pearls, sapphires, blue topaz, lemon quartz, rubies, tanzanite, emeralds, citrine, amethyst, peridot, aquamarine, garnet, or the always hard to find pink diamond gems. Diamond.com also has great bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts at the ready.

Don’t forget to stop by Coupon Cactus to pick up the Diamond.com coupon codes before you make your jewelry selections. Coupon Cactus members will receive 4% on everything except for loose diamonds, configured rings/diamonds, and watches which you will receive 1.60% cash back. If you are looking for a special gift to give, stop by Diamond.com to see the amazing selection of jewelry that is in stock.

If you’ve been craving a little bling to add some sparkle to your wardrobe, Eternal Sparkles has a deal you just can’t beat. Through August 31, 2010, Coupon Cactus shoppers can save an incredible 32% on any Eternal Sparkles order with an exclusive Eternal Sparkles coupon on Coupon Cactus. Order more than $50 and Eternal Sparkles will ship your order free with another Coupon Cactus coupon code. When you shop Eternal Sparkles on Coupon Cactus you not only enjoy significant savings on gorgeous, high-quality fashion jewelry, but the 6% cash back you receive as a Coupon Cactus member keeps more bling in your wallet!

You’ll love shopping on EternalSparkles.com where you’ll find the latest high-fashion jewelry at extremely affordable prices. Eternal Sparkles features diamond-bright cubic zirconia gems, glittering Austrian crystals, creamy white pearls, gleaming sterling silver and glowing gold-tone jewelry that are stunning and elegant. All manner of glittering adornments await shoppers at Eternal Sparkles, including uniquely crafted rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, earrings, brooches, toe rings and so much more. Eternal Sparkles’ very affordable prices make this an excellent site to shop for wedding jewelry, bridesmaid and groomsmen favors, and birthday or anniversary gifts.

Cubic zirconia gems are extremely popular right now for their affordability, stunning beauty and environmental friendliness. Many Hollywood celebrities have stopped wearing blood diamonds and other natural gems that profit murderous foreign warlords or destroy pristine environments in favor of equally beautiful CZ gems. When you wear high-quality CZ jewelry from Eternal Sparkles, only your jeweler will know if you’re wearing CZ or real diamonds.

Bling is in and IOG has it! You’ll find the newest, hottest styles in hip hop and street fashion jewelry and accessories at Iced Out Gear on Coupon Cactus. Ice up your summer look with an incredible Iced Out Gear coupon on Coupon Cactus worth 25% off any order. Don’t forget to check out the other great money-saving IOG coupons on Coupon Cactus; and remember, Coupon Cactus members receive 7% cash back on every IOC purchase.

Iced Out Gear is the place to find the trendiest new street jewelry and hip hop accessories. Make your mark on the street, on stage or on campus. Add some well-chosen bling to your wardrobe to create your personal fashion statement. IOG has the super cool cubic zirconia-covered dog tags and crosses that define you as a player. You c an even lets you create your own signature jewelry on Iced Out Gear. On IOG, Coupon Cactus shoppers will also find a huge selection of chains, bracelets, earrings, pendants, belt buckles, watches and watch accessories in sterling silver, gold plate, cubic zirconia and leather.

Iced Out Gear is the place to go if you’re looking for religious pendants, music-themed jewelry, sports pendants, star pendants, religious cross jewelry, skull and bone pendants and much more. Find unique and unusual special gifts, wallets and jean chains on IOG. Iced Out Gear’s selection of custom grillz will blow you away! Choose from gold-plated grillz, diamond-cut no-stone grillz, custom name grillz and many more. Iced Out Gear lets you define your individuality!

What looks like a diamond, sparkles like a diamond but costs hundreds of dollars less? Cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is the most successful diamond substitute in the world. These man-made gems are created in the laboratory to have the same physical properties of natural diamonds and other precious gems at a tiny fraction of the price. So precisely created are these beautiful gemstones that you need a jeweler’s loupe and professional eye to tell the difference. Attracted by their beauty and very affordable price, consumer demand for cubic zirconia jewelry has increased since the economy took a nose dive. Many smart couples are choosing cubic zirconia wedding and engagement rings from Eternal Sparkles and spending the savings on a fabulous honeymoon or downpayment on a home.

Maximize your savings with 40% off any jewelry order with a money-saving Eternal Sparkles coupon on Coupon Cactus. June brides and grooms can save on Eternal Sparkles’ collection of stylish wedding rings. Find the perfect keepsake gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Eternal Sparkles offers a beautiful collection of cubic zirconia necklaces, pendants, earrings, cufflinks, men’s jewelry and more. Choose from fashionable sterling silver or exquisite gold tone settings. At Eternal Sparkles you’ll find not only beautiful diamond-white cubic zirconia jewelry, but sparkling created gems in a rainbow of hues to match your wedding colors.

Eternal Sparkles is also a great place to shop for fashion jewelry and birthday and anniversary gifts. Sparkling jewelry set with cubic zirconia gems is the hot fashion trend this season. When you shop Eternal Sparkles you can look like a million without stressing your budget!

It’s no secret that women like jewelry and with Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift to give to your favorite Mom. Ice.com on Coupon Cactus makes your shopping choices easy with all of the great jewelry available every single day!

Stop by Ice.com to see their amazing selection of beautiful jewelry in stock. At Ice.com you will find rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and watches that are sure to delight everyone tastes. You will find incredible jewelry made with diamonds, pearls, and precious gemstones nicely placed in gold, silver, and platinum settings. You will also find dazzling engagement rings, bands and wedding themed gifts to fit most any budget.

You can save a bundle of money when you grab the Ice.com coupons that are available on Coupon Cactus before you do your shopping. Expiring on 4/30/10 you will find coupons for up to 62% off a variety of jeweled gifts for your mother or the mother of your children. Coupon Cactus also has a coupon for Free Shipping on Orders Over $150 and 50% Off Amethyst, Black and White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring. Coupon Cactus members will save even more money with the 4% Cash Back that they will receive when they do their shopping! Dazzle Mom for Mother’s Day, buy a great gift for an upcoming birthday or wedding, or buy one of these great pieces of jewelry just because. With the great prices available at Ice.com, everyone can afford a great piece of jewelry!

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and for many folks, the search is on for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. Jewelry is always the most popular gift to give for Valentine’s Day and the great news is that there’s no need to spend endless hours running from store to store in your local mall any longer. If you stop by Super Jeweler on Coupon Cactus, you will find many jewelry items, with amazingly low prices, that will make your shopping much easier.

At Super Jeweler you will find a wide selection of jewelry that is perfect for any occasion. Super Jeweler carries a large selection of low priced diamond jewelry available in wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and pendants. If you are looking for fine gemstone jewelry like emeralds, sapphires, rubies, amethyst or other birthstone jewelry pieces, you will find them all available at Super Jeweler as well.

Shopping at Super Jeweler is always easy because you can shop by price or jewelry type. Don’t forget to take advantage of the amazing prices on the “clearance jewelry” and the “One and Done Deals” while you are shopping on the Super Jeweler website too. These super low prices are going to keep you coming back for more!

Coupon Cactus has many different Super Jeweler coupon codes that will help you save a bundle this Valentine’s Day, so you definitely want to stop by before you do your shopping. Coupon Cactus currently has coupons for 10% Off Any Order, Free Shipping On All Orders, Free Blitz Cleaner With Any Order, the Super Jeweler Clearance Sale, and the Super Jeweler Valentine’s Day Sale (expires 2/14/10). Additionally, Coupon Cactus members will save even more with the 5.00% Cash Back they receive at Coupon Cactus. Stop by today to see what fabulous jewelry you can find at Super Jeweler today!

With 16 years of marriage under my belt, I have come to accept that my husband is not romantic. I have never received any jewelry as a gift, except my wedding and engagement rings. In fact, the sad truth is that if I do get a gift for my birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, it usually has a cord attached to it and belongs in the kitchen. I have told my four daughters year after year “Mommy wants diamonds…go tell Daddy.” To my chagrin, he never listens and my kitchen is loaded with appliances!

My husband was about to burst when he saw his package arrive in the mail today. To my absolute surprise I discovered that it was my Mother’s Day gift. He was so proud of himself that he simply could not wait until Sunday to give it to me. The package was small and I quickly thought to myself “Where could the cord be?”  I savored the moment as I opened the small package with my daughters staring intently. I simply could not believe my eyes! Not only was it jewelry, but it was a diamond ring from FineJewelers! The Princess and Baguette Diamond Band with white gold is amazingly beautiful. It may have taken him 16 years, but this beautiful ring was certainly worth the wait.

FineJewelers has a wide range of designer jewelry at super low prices. If you are looking for rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, birthstones or pearls; you will want to see what FineJewelers has to offer. Their jewelry is adorned with yellow gold, white gold, platinum and silver metals. They also offer free shipping, free gift wrapping and free jewelry cleaner for mounted jewelry, allowing for complete hassle free shopping. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic weekly specials that are listed at FineJewelers as well.

Be sure to check out the FineJewelers coupon codes available at Coupon Cactus before you shop. This online store has regular promotions and special holiday discounts. Logged in Coupon Cactus members will receive 4% cash back on their purchases. You can’t go wrong when you shop at FineJewelers. Their unconditional satisfaction guarantee will allow you to return your purchase for either a full refund or exchange within 30 days if you are not happy with your selection.

In hard economic times, buying real diamonds is not always a top priority for folks. Everyone has had to buckle down on their spending and give up some of their favorite items that they want to purchase. The great news is that you can still indulge your desire for fashionable jewelry when you shop at Eternal Sparkles.

Eternal Sparkles offers a wonderful selection of beautiful fashion jewelry that will not put a dent in your wallet. Stop by their website to see their dazzling selection of cocktail jewelry, bridal jewelry, and the men and women’s jewelry collections. There you will find an amazing selection of quality gemstones perfectly set into rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, cufflinks, and bracelets. Eternal Sparkles is the perfect places to find amethysts, sapphires, clear and colored cubic zirconia, Austrian crystals, black emeralds, garnets, pearls, topaz, aquamarine, olivine, and black onyx jewelry.

The fashion jewelry that you will find available at Eternal Sparkles is perfect for all types of occasions. If you are looking for something special to give for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or even Father’s Day, Eternal Sparkles is the place for you.

Don’t forget to stop by Coupon Cactus to pick up the Eternal Sparkles coupon codes before you do your shopping. Coupon Cactus currently has a coupon for 35% Off Any Valentine’s Day Jewelry which expires on 1/26/10. You can also save a huge amount of money if you use the coupon for $50 Off Orders Over $100 which is due to expire on 2/8/10. Coupon Cactus members will also receive 6.00% Cash Back on their purchases. You will always find fashionable jewelry at prices you can afford when you shop at Eternal Sparkles!