Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic crystal manufactured in a laboratory. This gives CZ its most important benefit. Since it is not mined like diamonds, you don't have to worry about your gem being a "conflict stone", a stone mined in war-torn countries using slave-like labor (common in the diamond trade). Like diamonds, Cubic Zirconia has a high hardness making it extremely durable. Unlike diamonds, CZ stones are optically flawless. Compared to a diamond, CZ stones would be rated a grade F on the diamond clarity chart - the highest diamond rating reserved for the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world.
Cubic Zirconia gemstones also possess superior fire, the brilliance or sparkle of the stone. And unlike diamonds, CZ stones can be manufactured in a variety of colors including colorless (or white) like a diamond, pink, blue, orange, green, champagne, and purple are all common CZ colors. CZ has no cleavages which could make them susceptible to cracks and chips. However, Cubic Zirconia is not quite as hard as a diamond, rating an 8.5 on the Mohs scale compared to a diamond with a 10.0 on the Mohs scale. CZ stones are extremely durable - but they can break.
Given its many advantages and superior cost, Cubic Zirconia is an excellent alternative to diamonds and just like diamonds; you can find them in wedding rings, engagement rings, earrings, eternity rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and other forms of jewelry.