Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is an inexpensive diamond alternative with many of the same qualities as a diamond. This crystalline material (or CZ) is synthetic, which means it is created in a laboratory. Due to increased demand, commercial production of CZ began in the 1970s. Since cubic zirconia mimics a diamond but is not the same material, it is referred to as faux, fake, imitation, and stimulant. Cubic zirconia is beautiful in its own right and only becomes a problem purchase when it is misrepresented as a diamond or other gemstone.