What is a Simulated Diamond?

A simulated diamond is one that has the look of a real diamond, but it’s composition is different. These are stones similar to diamonds. They will be less expensive than real diamonds, but in many cases match their sparkle and effect. At times, simulated stones are called synthetic diamonds, but in reality these are two very distinct gems. If you are searching for great-looking jewelry without the expense of a real diamond, consider purchasing a simulated diamond piece.

What is a Simulated Diamond?

A synthetic diamond is different from a simulated diamond in that synthetic diamonds are made of the same elements as real diamonds. That is to say, its composition is exactly that of mined diamonds, but the difference is that they are man-made.

In contrast, a simulated diamond, sometimes called a simulant, can be either man-made, occurs naturally, or can be made from a combination of the two. When researching which gem to buy, it is always good to check which of these two types of diamond alternatives the seller may be offering. Many times, these two types of diamond alternatives are confused. In other words, someone may call a stone a simulated diamond when in fact it is a synthetic diamond and vice versa.

Some Thoughts to Consider When Buying Simulated Diamonds

When looking to purchase a simulated diamond, it is important to realize that simulated diamonds vary in their composition and look, as well as their durability, brilliance and hardness. Below, we list some of the most common materials use to make simulated gems. You can click on the photos to see more details about the featured ring.

Types of Simulated Diamonds

• Cubic Zirconia: This is the most popular diamond simulant used today and is not expensive to make. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is made to look like a flawless diamond and comes in several colors. Keep in mind that it tends to lose its brilliance after a few years and can tend to crack under extreme pressure. For some examples of CZ jewelry, please visit this page.
  

  White Quartz

• Quartz: Quartz occurs naturally and looks like a diamond from a distance, but it does not sparkle as much as a diamond, particularly from up close. This had been a popular diamond alternative several centuries ago until other materials started to be used. Today, quartz is still used in jewelry, mostly as fashion jewelry. There are, however, engagement rings with quartz stones as listed on this page.
  

  Crystal Engagement Ring

• Crystal: Crystal and glass have been used as diamond simulants, but they are not as popular as cubic zirconia. Also, crystal is not as scratch-resistant as other stones on this list. For more examples of crystal jewelry, please visit this page.
  

  Moissanite Engagement Ring

• Moissanite: Moissanite is the most similar to a natural diamond of all the other materials on this list. It tends to be more expensive that the other simulants, but the quality is much better in regards to brilliance, durability, and hardness. We explain in details the main differences between moissanite and diamonds in our article Difference Between Moissanite Diamonds. We also review several moissanite engagement rings in our article Moissanite Engagement Rings Review.

Other materials used as simulated diamonds include glass, spinel (which is not as popular today), white sapphire and YAG (which stands for yttrium, aluminum, and garnet). Settings for these stones are the same as natural diamonds such as yellow gold, white gold, platinum, sterling silver, titanium and stainless steel. It all depends on your preference.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing which gem to buy, it really comes down to personal taste and budget. Also, consider the purpose for the purchase. Is it something you want to last for many years? If so, moissanite would probably be your best choice due to its durability and lifetime warranty. Is it something to wear casually or a second ring for daily use? Then some of the other options would work just fine.