Brandy Cameron
This came in a small plastic case and a couple of baggies to keep it protected. The pendant was separated from the chain in two baggies, and this also included a nice small "gift" bag (in my case, purple) with a cute "Love" molded charm heart in tan and red yarn tie-up.The thing that impressed me right away is that the crystal is really quite large. Over half an inch long and a bit under a half inch wide. It could be mistaken for a Tourmaline, an Aquamarine, or Zircon (which is a "natural" stone, not a Cubic Zirconia)... if one didn't know what it is.The chain is a decent length and looks like the metal coating is even. The color of the crystal is a nice sky blue. Not too dark to see the cut reflections, not too light to be hard to see the color.This is a good piece for those looking for something with a bit of eye-catching flare. It's pretty enough to be noticed.One thing to note: Cubic Zirconia crystals do not keep their "sparkle" as long as a diamond will. They are more easily able to be scratched up over time, unlike natural diamonds, because the "hardness" of the lab-grown crystal is lower (8.5 for CZ vs 10 for a natural diamond on the Mohs hardness scale). The larger size of this one means that it will probably accumulate scratches and dull more quickly if it is not cleaned with a NON ABRASIVE cleaner somewhat often to retain the "wow factor". I am also not sure how cleaning it with chemicals will affect the metal on the setting, since I don't have the means to confirm the metal type.I still think it's a decent buy, considering the price, as the crystal itself is quite nice size and I don't find them this large very often.I'm wearing it now and will make sure it doesn't have the metal wear off and do the "neck stain" thing from tarnish that cheap jewelry often graces the unwary with. I'll update if so.
