Elite Sparkle: Top Cubic Zirconia Brands for Unmatched Brilliance

Cubic zirconia jewelry has gained popularity as an affordable alternative to diamonds, offering brilliance and elegance without the hefty price tag. Numerous brands have stepped up their game, crafting exquisite pieces that rival the allure of genuine gemstones. These brands employ precision cutting techniques and high-quality materials, ensuring that each piece sparkles with unparalleled beauty. If you're curious about which brands stand out in offering the finest cubic zirconia jewelry, you'll find a comprehensive list below.

Illustration of cubic zirconia

Best brands of cubic zirconia in 2025

Swarovski

Swarovski is renowned as one of the best producers of cubic zirconia, leveraging over 125 years of technical and creative expertise since its founding in 1895. Swarovski Zirconia is crafted with precision, adhering to the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) diamond-cutting quality standards, and features 57 flawless facets for ultimate light refraction and sparkle. The brand has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, with a 55% reduction in cradle-to-gate carbon emissions for Swarovski Zirconia produced using renewable electricity, such as hydropower. Swarovski's commitment to sustainability includes powering its manufacturing sites entirely with renewable energy and using 100% recycled gold in their jewelry production. This dedication to quality, precision, and sustainability makes Swarovski Zirconia a highly durable and realistic diamond alternative. For more detailed insights, you can view their 2023 Sustainability Report.

Pandora

Pandora, a leading jewelry brand, has established itself as a significant producer of cubic zirconia, leveraging its vertically integrated business model to design, manufacture, and market high-quality, affordable jewelry. Since its inception in 1982, Pandora has expanded globally, operating in over 100 countries with more than 6,700 points of sale. The company's use of cubic zirconia is notable for its environmental benefits, using 5,000 times less CO2 and 3,000 times less water per carat compared to mined diamonds. Pandora's lab-grown diamond and cubic zirconia collections have seen significant growth, with lab-grown diamond sales increasing by 34% in a recent quarter, although they still represent less than 1% of total sales. This growth underscores Pandora's commitment to sustainable and innovative jewelry production. For more information, visit their page on circular innovation and stones.

Berricle

Berricle is a renowned brand for cubic zirconia jewelry, known for its high-quality and affordable pieces. Since the 1970s, when cubic zirconia began being produced, Berricle has leveraged this synthetic material to create diamond-like jewelry with exceptional brilliance and clarity. Cubic zirconia from Berricle is made by heating powdered zirconium and zirconium dioxide to 4,982°F, resulting in flawless and durable stones with a Mohs hardness of 8-8.5. Berricle's cubic zirconia jewelry is popular for its attractive yet inexpensive designs, making luxury accessible. The brand ensures the longevity of its jewelry through proper care and cleaning instructions. Discover their stunning cubic zirconia jewelry collection.

Zales

Zales, although not specifically renowned for producing cubic zirconia, is a prominent American jewelry retailer known for its extensive range of diamond jewelry, including both natural and lab-grown diamonds. However, cubic zirconia is not a primary focus of Zales, as their main offerings are in diamonds. Cubic zirconia, discovered as a natural mineral in 1937, was first commercially produced in 1972 using a skull-melting technique, and it is not associated with Zales' product line. Zales is more recognized for its traditional shopping experience and wide selection of diamond rings, necklaces, and other jewelry, with mixed customer reviews on quality and service. For those interested in learning more about cubic zirconia, other manufacturers are more relevant. For additional insights, visit the GIA's detailed analysis on cubic zirconia.

Charles & Colvard

Charles & Colvard is not primarily known for producing cubic zirconia (CZ), but rather for its high-quality moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. As the sole manufacturer of scientifically-made moissanite jewels, the company has established a unique brand image emphasizing the fire, brilliance, luster, durability, and rarity of moissanite. Moissanite, chemically known as silicon carbide (SiC), is a rare mineral originally found in meteorites. Charles & Colvard began shipping moissanite in 1998 and has since expanded into lab-grown diamonds with the launch of Caydia(r) in 2020. The company's exclusive supply agreements with Cree and other partners ensure the high quality of their SiC crystals. For more information about their exquisite offerings, visit Charles & Colvard's website.

Lafonn

Lafonn is a renowned brand in the jewelry industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality cubic zirconia pieces. Founded in 2010, Lafonn designs and manufactures jewelry featuring their exclusive Lassaire® Simulated Diamonds, which are made from materials like cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite. These simulated diamonds offer superior hardness and a magnificent return of light, rivaling the appearance of real diamonds at a significantly lower cost. Lafonn's jewelry is designed to be affordable, with prices starting from $100, making luxury accessible to a wider audience. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a popular choice for those seeking elegant and budget-friendly jewelry options. For more information on their exquisite pieces, visit Lafonn's official website.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is renowned for its exquisite and affordable jewelry, including cubic zirconia pieces, which have captivated a broad audience. Founded in 2002 by Kendra Scott, the brand has grown into a billion-dollar company with over 130 stores and more than 2,600 employees. Known for its patented techniques to create pigmented glass that mimics precious stones, Kendra Scott offers a wide range of jewelry, including the popular Elisa necklace, which sells over one piece per minute. The brand's success is evident in its revenue, projected to exceed $500 million annually, and its expansion plans to open up to 200 stores in the next three years. With a strong online presence and collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton, Kendra Scott continues to stand out in the competitive jewelry market.

QVC Diamonique

QVC's Diamonique brand is renowned for its high-quality cubic zirconia jewelry, offering simulated colorless and colored diamonds, as well as gemstones. Acquired by QVC in 1988 from MSB Industries, Inc., Diamonique jewelry made up approximately 5% of QVC's sales in the 1990s. The brand features designs from celebrated designers and celebrities, such as Judith Ripka and Scott Kay. Diamonique jewelry is known for its brilliance and affordability, making luxury accessible to a wide audience. Starting in April 2001, Diamonique jewelry was also distributed at Target retail locations. For more details, explore their collection of cubic zirconia jewelry.

Birkat Elyon

Birkat Elyon is a renowned brand in the cubic zirconia jewelry industry, known for its high-quality products and commitment to excellence. Since its founding in 1986, the company has been a major supplier of fine CZ jewelry, utilizing the original Russian formula to produce stones with a 99.9% purity level, making them virtually indistinguishable from diamonds. Birkat Elyon offers a wide range of products, including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, pendants, and bracelets, all set in solid 14K or 18K gold or platinum. The company is headquartered in New York City and has reported record-breaking sales, particularly in 2013, highlighting its strong market presence. Birkat Elyon also provides excellent customer service, free 2-day FedEx shipping, and a 100% guarantee on their jewelry and stones.

Gemvara

Gemvara is renowned as one of the top producers of cubic zirconia, offering high-quality, lab-created gemstones that mimic the brilliance and durability of diamonds. Since its inception, Gemvara has capitalized on the growing demand for cubic zirconia, which has seen a significant rise, particularly in the jewelry and industrial sectors. By 1980, cubic zirconia production had already reached 60 million carats per year, and this trend continues with innovations in manufacturing techniques. Gemvara's commitment to sustainability aligns with the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly and conflict-free alternatives, making cubic zirconia a popular choice. With its versatility and affordability, Gemvara's cubic zirconia products cater to a wide range of applications, from luxury jewelry to industrial uses.