The best simulated diamond on today's market, cubic zirconia (CZ) offers a combined  high value of refractive index, dispersion and hardness ( Mohs hardness: 8.5; refractive index: 2.15; specific gravity: 5.8). Like naturalstones, CZs vary in color, clarity and cut.

Costume and Fashion Jewellery stones come in many shapes. Different shapes are often cut in several different ways, such as a rectangular shape being cut as a step cut (the classic Emeral Cut) or in a brilliant cut (the Radiant Cut). Here are some of the most common shapes used for diamonds and other popular gemstones in costume and fashion jewelry today.

	Octagon CZ Radiant Cut			Commercial Quality Round CZ
	Heart CZ			Square CZ Princess Cut
	Baguette			Pear CZ
	Marquise			Oval CZ
	Cut Triangle CZ

Here is a list of the modern and traditional birth stones, and in some cases their commonly recognized substitutes. For the "sign stones" which are based upon the astrological signs (constellations) of the Zodiac, see the Costume Jewellery and Fashion Jewellery Zodiac Sign Table .

Which Magic Birth Stone		What Power Could it Unlock?
	January	Garnet	Inner Security
	February	Amethyst	Peace of Mind
	March	Aquamarine	Protection from Negative Forces
	April	Diamond	Purity and Innocence
	May	Emerald	Self truth and Love
	June	Alexandrite or Pear	Wealth
	July	Ruby	Energy of Spirit
	August	Peridot	Self Confidence
	September	Blue Saphire	Perception and Wisdom
	October	Tourmaline (Pink)	Fulfillment of Dreams
	November	Citrine or Topaz (Golden)	Loyalty and Devotion
	December	Zircon or Tourmaline (Blue)	unlimited Success

The process by which one metal is coated with another using electricity. Also known by the terms electroplating and Galvanotechnics - the latter named after the inventor of the process. To produce less costly jewelry components, inexpensive or base metals are coated with a thin layer of precious metal, usually gold or silver. Chromium, copper and rhodium are also electroplated, although rhodium is sometimes used as plate. Micron: A micron is a unit of length equal to 0.001 mm (millimeter).

Gold Plating		The gold plate is A thin coating of electroplated or mechanically plated gold on top of a base metal
Rhodium Plating		Rhodium is A noble metal with a whitish gray appearance. Rhodium is typically applied to metal through the electroplating process. A thin plating of rhodium, which is one of the members of the platinum family, applied over either sterling or other alloy to give a bright, shiny, longlasting silver-colored finish to a piece.
Rose Gold Plating		Is a thin layer of Rose gold (An alloy of gold mixed with copper, which gives it a red tint) bonded through an electrical process to a base metal core.
Silver Plating		A very thin layer of silver bonded through an electrical process to a base metal core.
Pistol Plating		Is means Gun tone, the original name shall be Ruthenium plating, but some use black nickel as that tone, too.
Multi tone Plating (2 Tone and 3 Tone)		Is a conbination of two or more color platings. Example:plated with 18K gold and Rhodium, two kind of noble elements
Mat Plating		A non-shiny, frosted surface.
Antiqued Tone Plating		Is the plating that has been made to look aged, having a darkened or tarnished appearance.
Special Plating		Is the texture made by using any tool that leaves a mark on the surface of themetal, the list as long and as wide as imagination can go in the field of design and innovation.

Costume jewellery Earings come in a wide range of designs incorporating a diverse range of materials.

	Metalic Earrings: Metal ear rings are the most widely sold jewellery. They are manufactured using fine quality metals like stainless steel, Bronze, white metal both for formal and casual occasions. These metal ear rings are stylishly created in various designs to cater to the ever growing costume earrings world market. The designs are also made keeping in mind the age groups of the wearer. These metallic and trendy earrings are worn by both men and women.
	Shells Earrings: Shell earrings are the latest fad to have hit the fashion conscious youth. These earrings are usually hand crafted and manufactured using different shapes shell and exclusive colors. These are often teamed with colorful beads for an exclusive look. Indonesia is one of the major manufacturers of shell based costume earrings.
	Leather Earrings: These ear rings are made from different types of skin friendly and soft leather. The earrings are often styled as hoops, danglers, studs, rings etc. The earrings are studded with stones and beads for creating dazzling designs. Hand painted leather ear rings are often in popular demand. Manufacturers are coming out with innovative designing for making long lasting jewellery pieces.
	Terracotta Earrings: Attractively carved terracotta earrings are available in traditional designs and bright colors. Ethnically designed danglers, hoops, studs are made and are hand painted for giving a distinctive look. These traditionally designed costume earrings are a rage in the international markets like USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, etc.
	Plastic Earrings: Plastic earrings are available in a wide and stunning range. These earrings are sold on a large scale in various countries across the globe. Molded plastic is often used for making exquisite designs of earrings for youngsters and old women. These earrings are generally worn for casual occasions and daily wear. China is one of the largest exporters of plastic earrings.
	Glass Earrings: Stained and clear glass are popularly used for making beautiful and fashionable earrings. These designer earrings are made in different styles, including studs, danglers, hoops in a variety of colors. The earrings can be worn on both formal and casual occasions.
	Crystal Earrings: Crystal ear rings are the most sold and sought after by customers all over the world. Synthetic crystals are often used in combination with other materials and beads, stones to create eye catching ear rings, hoops etc. These ear rings resemble fine jewellery ear rings but are much cheapest, hence the rising demand for such ear rings.
	Stone Earrings: Stone studded ear rings are very fashionable and chic. These earrings are designed for women of different age groups. A variety of semi precious stones are used for creating scintillating designs. Stones of different shapes, colors and sizes are finely polished for creating unique jewellery pieces. India is famous for manufacturing and exporting stone earrings to many countries in the Western Hemisphere.
	Wooden Earrings: Natural and rustic looking wooden earrings have been in vogue for a long time now. These ear rings are especially handcrafted to perfection and sold in countries including the USA, the UK, and Canada. These jewellery pieces are quite appealing and made in countries including India, Indonesia etc.
	Beaded Earrings: A complete range of beaded earrings made from glass, pearl, crystal, stones etc are made in countries like India, Italy, China and Indonesia. These specially crafted earrings are made in different styles, colors and shapes.
	Jute Earrings: Jute as a material for making jewelery is very popular. Jute Earrings are highly demanded in the fashion market. Elegantly crafted jute earrings are fast-moving items. There are lots of fantastic designs of jute earrings to suit all tastes.
	Ivory Earrings: Various designs are carved out of ivory to make earrings. Ivory carving is done either mechanically or manually to make earrings of various styles and sizes. Intricate carving on earrings are real treasure and popular among all women.
	Lac Earrings: Lac Earrings are beautifully designed and handcrafted to perfection. These earrings are also embellished with colorful stones, meenakari work, beads for a distinct look. Colored and mirror work lac earrings are also very popular.