The provided sources focus primarily on commercially available body jewelry featuring blue cubic zirconia (CZ), specifically belly button and nipple rings. While limited in historical or geological detail, these sources establish blue CZ as a popular representation of the December birthstone within the contemporary body jewelry market. This article will detail the available information regarding this gemstone’s use in this context, covering its material composition as presented in the sources, its prevalence in specific jewelry types, and associated purchasing details.
Contemporary Usage in Body Jewelry
The primary context for blue cubic zirconia presented in the provided sources is its incorporation into body jewelry. Several retailers – including Body Candy, The Irish Jewelry Company, Blacys, and YFN – offer a range of pieces featuring this gemstone. The most prominent application is in belly button rings, described as “belly rings” or “belly button rings,” and nipple rings. These pieces are frequently marketed as December birthstone jewelry, offering an alternative to other gemstones traditionally associated with that month.
Body Candy specifically highlights a 14kt yellow gold belly ring featuring a 6mm princess-cut blue CZ as a “December birthstone belly button ring.” Similarly, another Body Candy offering is a 14 gauge nipple ring set with light blue cubic zirconia gems, explicitly labeled as a “December Birthstone Nipple Ring Set.” This demonstrates a clear marketing strategy linking the gemstone to the December birthstone for consumer appeal.
Material Composition and Construction
The sources indicate that the blue cubic zirconia is typically set within various metal frameworks. These include 14kt yellow gold, as seen in the Body Candy belly ring, and 316L surgical grade stainless steel, used in the Body Candy nipple ring set. The Irish Jewelry Company utilizes 316L surgical steel for its fairy belly ring, which incorporates pale amethyst Swarovski crystals alongside other elements. YFN offers a broader range of body piercing jewelry crafted from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, and gold.
The construction details vary. The 14kt gold belly ring is described as “handmade” and “prong-set,” indicating a traditional jewelry-making technique where the CZ is held in place by metal prongs. The nipple ring set features “forward facing” gems, suggesting a specific setting style designed for that type of piercing. The gauge (thickness) of the jewelry is also specified, with options including 14 gauge and 16 gauge, catering to different piercing sizes and preferences.
Product Specifications and Retail Details
The sources provide specific details regarding product specifications and retail information. The 14kt gold belly ring features a 6mm princess-cut CZ. The nipple ring set consists of two rings, each 9/16 inches in length and made from 14mm surgical grade stainless steel barbells. Pricing information is also available, with the 14kt gold belly ring listed at a sale price of $200.45 (regular price $340.45) and the nipple ring set at a sale price of $16.99 (regular price $36.99).
Free shipping is offered by multiple retailers for orders exceeding $24.99. The Irish Jewelry Company emphasizes gift packaging, including a white glossy gift box, emerald green satin ribbon, gold label, Irish blessing card, and a handwritten card for the recipient. This highlights the potential for these items to be purchased as gifts.
Categorization and Retail Platforms
The provided sources also reveal how these items are categorized and sold through various retail platforms. Blacys and YFN list “Belly Button Ring” as a specific jewelry type alongside other categories like earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and birthstone jewelry. This categorization demonstrates the integration of belly button rings within a broader jewelry selection. YFN specifically highlights its collection of body piercing jewelry, including nose rings, cartilage studs, and more.
Limited Historical or Geological Information
It is important to note that the provided sources offer no information regarding the historical origins, geological formation, or traditional lore associated with blue cubic zirconia. The focus is entirely on its contemporary use in body jewelry and its association with the December birthstone through marketing efforts. The sources do not detail the chemical composition of CZ, its hardness on the Mohs scale, or its refractive index. They also do not discuss any historical significance of blue-colored gemstones or their connection to the month of December beyond the current commercial practice.
Table of Product Specifications
| Product Type | Metal | Gemstone | Gemstone Cut | Gauge | Length | Price (Sale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belly Ring | 14kt Yellow Gold | Blue Cubic Zirconia | Princess | 16 | N/A | $200.45 |
| Nipple Ring Set (2) | 316L Surgical Steel | Blue Cubic Zirconia | N/A | 14 | 9/16" | $16.99 |
| Belly Ring | 316L Surgical Steel | Pale Amethyst Swarovski Crystal | Marquise | 14 | 7/16" | N/A |
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, blue cubic zirconia serves as a readily available and affordable option for individuals seeking December birthstone jewelry, particularly in the form of body art. The sources demonstrate a clear trend of marketing blue CZ belly rings and nipple rings as birthstone-themed accessories. While lacking in historical or geological depth, the information highlights the material composition, construction details, and retail aspects of these products. The focus remains firmly on the contemporary market for body jewelry and the consumer appeal of associating a gemstone with a specific birth month. The sources are limited in scope, and a more comprehensive understanding of blue cubic zirconia would require additional research beyond the provided materials.