Diamonds may be out of reach for many of us because they come with a significant price tag. Money is tight in many homes at the moment because of the financial situation and diamonds may not be your top priority.

Does this mean that miss out on being noticed until the tough times pass? Absolutely not! There is an alternative to diamonds and they are just as sparkly and pretty. In fact, most people cannot tell the difference with the naked eye.

The secret I am talking about is cubic zirconia. It is a mineral rarely found in nature and is synthesized to look just like a diamond, even a qualified gemologist can find it hard to distinguish. This naturally occurring crystal structure is also known as a diamond simulant.

People will notice if the zirconia stones are of a carat that only few people in the world would be able to afford, were they real diamonds. Zirconia jewelry costs a fraction of diamond jewelry and the difference is barely noticeable.

The trick with zirconia jewelry, is to pick pieces with small or moderate stones. Most of the zirconia jewelry is made with Sterling silver, making it hardy and durable. These pieces are a stunning addition to any outfit and if you do want to catch somebody's eye, this is the way to do it, if the budget is a bit tight.

Many people choose zirconia engagement or wedding rings, because they can make their loved one sparkle without breaking the bank.

Silver zirconia jewelry is made in as many varieties as gold and diamonds. Some designers mix in other semi-precious stones, like citrine or emeralds to create exquisite pieces. They are made with white stones to look like common diamonds but also in pink, blue, yellow and green stones. Sparkling pendants on chains, earrings in all shapes and sizes and offcourse rings.

When it is time to treat yourself or you need a pendant or earrings to brighten up an older outfit, look at silver zirconia jewelry. You'll be surprised at the range and the quality.

Cubic Zirconia – The Affordable Alternative is a post from: Self Improvement Tips

One of the most enjoyable pastimes any child can have is playing in their mothers shoes. Perhaps not so much the boys, but definitely the girls! Playing at dress up and day dreaming about the time when you could have the same shoes, shoes with heels and shiny buckles! Well those days have arrived for the children of today with the advent of the launch of the Juicy Couture brand. Juicy Couture Kids Shoes in many instances are exact replicas of the adult shoes available in this fashion line.

Talk about being too cool for school, in these shoes, that is exactly what you kids will be. Although you will be hard put to impress on you kids that they can't wear these shoes for school, they will want to wear them everywhere, everyday. The names behind the Juicy Couture brand, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor live in Pacoima, California and initially when they launched their fashion label, they wanted to make it affordable for everyone. But things changed fast and now it is one of the most exclusive labels available.

As a marketing ploy these two ladies had one of their tracksuits embroidered with the words "Madge" and they sent it with their compliments to Madonna. She liked it and was seen wearing it, and the brand took off to become an overnight success.

The label was limited to certain high quality department stores in the early days, and this was quite limiting, but these forward thinking ladies soon opened their flagship store on New York's famous Fifth Avenue and the word got out. Now they have sores in many major US cities and stores all over the world, with a very high presence in the far and middle east, there is even a Juicy Couture store in Milan!

The Juicy Couture kids line is not only shoes and clothing however, you can also get hats, scarves, wallets, book bags, cases, jewelry, watches. You name it, this label has it available for the kids and the kids love it.

Although Juicy Couture has found itself in trouble because of the slogans they use, then never stick to anyone slogan. However parents and various organizations have objected to the fact that they have the word "Juicy" sewn across the seat of the pants and have mention that it could be perceived to be provocative or sexual in nature.

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with this, but some people will find anything to complain about. If my kids like the label, and they do, I will buy it for them. I have better things to do with my time than infer that something as innocent as the word "Juicy" it tantamount to child pornography as some ignorant people would have us believe.

The Juicy Couture Kids range comprises of both shoes and boots and the "Mariska" pumps are to die for. They are imaginably cute as well as trendy. They are made in either linen or leather, and they have the most divine curved gold heel with huge gold links decorating them. Any little girl wearing these pumps will feel like a princess.

Juicy Couture Kids Shoes – Exact Mimics On Adult Versions is a post from: Self Improvement Tips