What Exactly Is a Simulated Diamond? A Complete Guide to Types Benefits

Beauty is not always a product of nature. We see an increase in people which have turned to simulated diamonds which present the sparkle of a diamond at a much lower price point. Also with the variety of terms used  simulated diamond, diamond simulant, lab grown diamonds, and moissanite  it is easy to get mixed up as a shopper.

At first glance these stones may look the same but they are made from different materials and vary in terms of durability, brilliance, and resale value. What you choose is based on your budget, how you intent to wear it, and what you value most. This guide takes you through what a simulated diamond is, the main types available, how they do against other diamond alternatives, and the pro and cons of each so you can shop with confidence.

What Are Simulated Diamonds?

A synthetic diamond also goes by the name of a diamond simulant which is a material or stone that we have created to look like a diamond but which in reality is not natural nor lab grown. As it is made from a different substance it has different physical and optical properties. Examples include moissanite rings, cubic zirconia, white sapphire, glass, and crystal. Shoppers tend to choose simulant diamonds for the 1/10 price which they offer which is the diamond look alike.

Although they may look the part they do not have the same make up as a natural diamond, the same durability or the the same long term value.

What Is a Diamond Simulant?

A diamond simulant is any material engineered to copy a diamond's appearance. Rather than being an actual diamond, its purpose is to give budget conscious buyers a similar look at a lower cost.

Each simulant has a different quality to offer. Moissanite stands out in terms of brilliance and toughness, cubic zirconia in affordability, and white sapphire which gives off a more gentle and natural glow. Glass and crystal are what you will find in most costume jewelry, also they do not maintain their luster or structure over time. By which you can see that which simulant you choose also plays into your budget, daily wear and what you are looking for.

Are Simulated Diamonds Real Stones?

Yes, simulated diamonds are genuine materials or gemstones, just not genuine diamonds. Since they lack the molecular structure and properties of a natural or lab grown diamond, they don't qualify as real diamonds.

Cubic zirconia and moissanite, for instance, are authentic stones in their own right they're simply not diamond crystals, even though they're designed to pass for one visually.

Simulated Diamonds vs Real Diamonds

A well made simulated diamond can pass for the real thing at a glance, but a few key differences set them apart.

The core difference lies in origin: Simulated diamonds are made from diamond like materials, at the same time natural diamonds are formed out of carbon that has crystalized below the earth's surface over the course of billions of years. Buyers after a great look without the high price tag tend to go for simulated diamonds. As for those after a greater investment which also includes rareness, GIA certified diamonds and natural diamonds are the way to go.

Simulated Diamonds vs Lab Grown Diamonds

It's a common mix up  many assume lab grown and simulated diamonds are the same thing. They're not.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense, chemically and structurally identical to natural ones.

Simulated diamonds, on the other hand, only share a diamond's appearance — not its makeup.

If you want a genuine diamond at a lower price point than a mined one, man made diamonds are the way to go. If appearance matters more to you than owning an actual diamond, a simulated stone fits the bill.

Popular Types of Simulated Diamonds

The name "simulated diamond" covers several different materials, each with its own look and feel

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Cubic zirconia rings are one of the most budget friendly diamond simulants around. Its clean, bright appearance makes it a favorite for fashion jewelry, though it's softer than a real diamond and scratches more easily over time.

Moissanite

Moissanite is known to be at the top of the diamond simulant field which is a result of its great brilliance and wearability. It does have different optical properties than a diamond which many may notice, but what many consumers see in it is the value and that it is a very practical choice for everyday wear. What moissanite lacks in terms of chemical resistance it makes up for in its performance and its appeal which for many customers does in fact out do that of a real diamond in a day to day setting.

White Sapphire

White sapphire offers a refined, elegant alternative among simulated diamonds. It's durable and long lasting, though its shine is more subdued compared to diamonds or moissanite.

Crystal and Glass Simulants

Glass and crystal stones typically show up in low cost fashion jewelry. From a distance they can pass as diamond like, but they rank well below higher end simulants in overall quality.

Simulated Diamond vs Moissanite: What Sets Them Apart?

Since moissanite is the most talked about diamond alternative, it's often the first one shoppers compare directly.

To be clear, moissanite technically falls under the simulated diamond category since it imitates a diamond's look without being one.

Here's how they compare :

Sparkle : Moissanite outshines glass and crystal simulants by a wide margin thanks to its refined brilliance, which many buyers find especially appealing.

Durability : Moissanite holds up better than most other simulants, including cubic zirconia, making it a stronger choice for daily wear.

Price : That extra durability and brilliance come at a cost  moissanite typically runs higher than cubic zirconia, which stays budget friendly.

Appearance : Buyers chasing maximum sparkle usually lean moissanite, while those prioritizing cost savings often go with cubic zirconia.

Advantages of Simulated Diamonds

• A Budget Friendly Alternative : Natural diamonds carry a steep price, but simulated diamonds let buyers get bigger, more elaborate designs within the same budget.

• Diamond Like Appearance : Set in fine jewelry, simulated diamonds can be nearly indistinguishable from natural ones to the naked eye special equipment is often needed to tell the difference.

• Versatility Across Jewelry Styles : From diamond bracelet styles to diamond necklace pieces to diamond engagement rings, simulated diamonds fit virtually any jewelry category.

• Practical for Daily Wear : Because they're less costly, simulated diamonds offer peace of mind for everyday use without the worry that comes with pricier pieces.

• Room for Bigger, Bolder Designs : Their affordability gives buyers more freedom to go larger or more unique with their designs.
  

Pros and Cons of Simulated Diamonds

Pros

• More budget friendly than natural diamonds

• Larger stone sizes achievable within the same budget

• Strong sparkle and eye catching appeal

• Wide range of styles and settings available, including diamond stud earrings and wedding rings

• Well suited for fashion jewelry and everyday wear

Cons

• Not authentic diamonds

• Lower resale value

• Durability depends on the specific material

• Some simulants may wear down over time

• May not satisfy buyers focused on rarity or long term investment

Final Thoughts

Affordability is the biggest draw of simulated diamonds. If you want a stunning stone without the natural diamond price tag, options like cubic zirconia or moissanite are worth considering.

For those seeking the right balance of price, style, and everyday practicality, simulated diamonds make an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings, diamond earrings, necklaces, and beyond. They also pair well with bridal jewelry collections and everyday diamond rings.

FAQs

1. What is a diamond simulant?
Any gemstone or engineered material designed to look like a diamond qualifies as a diamond simulant. The most common ones include cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white sapphire.

2. Are simulated diamonds real?
They're real materials or gemstones, but not real diamonds they don't share the chemical makeup of natural or lab grown diamonds.

3. Which is better: simulated diamond or moissanite?
Moissanite generally comes out ahead for durability and brilliance, though it comes at a higher price than most other simulated diamonds.

4. Is simulated diamond better than moissanite?
It depends on priorities. Other simulated diamonds tend to be more affordable, while moissanite offers greater sparkle and durability.

5. Which looks better : simulated diamond or moissanite?
It's a matter of personal taste some prefer the classic diamond like look of simulated stones, while others favor moissanite's extra brilliance.

6. How long do simulated diamonds last?
It varies by material. Moissanite can last for decades with proper care, while lower cost options like cubic zirconia may show wear sooner.

7. What is a Sona simulated diamond?
Sona is a branded diamond simulant designed to resemble a natural diamond, offering that diamond like look at a more accessible price, similar to other loose diamonds alternatives on the market.

8. Can simulated diamonds be used in engagement rings?
Yes simulated diamond engagement rings are increasingly popular among couples who want an elegant, affordable alternative to natural diamonds and diamond jewelry in general.