Simulated diamonds — or diamond simulants — may look like diamonds, but they don’t have the same chemical, physical and optical properties. If you’re shopping for a diamond imitation, make sure you know the unique characteristics of the stone you are getting.
What materials are used as diamond simulants?
Both laboratory-grown gems (also called “synthetic” gems) and natural gems that look like a particular gem can be used to imitate that gem. Gemologists call these imitations “simulants.” Natural materials, such as colourless quartz, topaz, sapphire, beryl and especially zircon, have been used as diamond simulants for centuries.
Many of the most popular diamond simulants today, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, are synthetic stones manufactured in laboratories. Cubic zirconia, for example, is made by heating powdered ingredients to their melting point and then cooling the mixture to a solid-state.
IMPORTANT TIP: Diamond simulants are not the same as laboratory-grown (or lab-created) diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds, while simulants do not. Read more about lab-grown diamonds. Here we see what is a simulated diamond and more features of it.
How Do Simulated Diamonds Compare to Diamonds?
Each simulant has unique properties, so it isn’t easy to compare simulants to diamonds as a whole. Overall though, diamond is harder than any stimulant. The Mohs Scale rates the hardness of gems and minerals. Diamond — a 10 — is at the top, making it one of the hardest natural substances on earth. It means that most diamonds will hold up to daily wear and tear, while many simulants might soon develop scratches and visible abrasions, especially along facet junctions. Also, because of their superior hardness, diamonds can take a better polish than other gems or simulants. It means diamonds have a brighter lustre than most stimulants.
Another factor to pay attention to is that simulants have varying densities (weight to volume ratio). It means that simulants with greater density than diamond (such as GGG) might appear smaller than diamonds of the same carat weight, while a stone with less density than diamond might appear larger.
Finally, while diamond has more fire than most simulants, a few simulants, such as synthetic moissanite and synthetic rutile, have more fire than diamond. Some people appreciate the intensity of these simulants’ fire while others think that the excessive fire draws attention to the fact that the stone is “different” and not a diamond.
Diamond Simulants:
If you’re considering a diamond simulant, read our breakdown of the most popular diamond simulants and their plusses and minuses. All can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, but some may react differently to other common cleaning methods.
Should I Buy a Diamond Simulant?
There are many factors to consider when deciding between diamonds and diamond simulants. People typically consider buying diamond simulants because diamond simulants are more affordable than diamonds of similar size, colour and clarity.
But are they worth it? That depends on how open you are to the unique characteristics of each stimulant. No simulant is as hard as diamond, but some are hard and durable enough to serve as ring stones for everyday wear. Many are not as brilliant or fiery as diamond, but a few have more fire than diamond. Ultimately, whether a simulant has less fire and brilliance or more, you should see it in person to see if its unique sparkle and fire suit your taste.
Another consideration is the origin story of the stone. Natural diamonds were formed by nature millions to billions of years ago, deep within the earth and shot to the surface by volcanoes, something that cannot be said of lab-grown simulants or lab-grown diamonds. The origin story of natural diamonds can add to the sentimental value of jewellery, especially when it is destined to become a family heirloom. Natural diamonds will also retain more value than diamond simulants. But if you’re looking for an affordable, attractive alternative, a diamond simulant might be the way to go!
Whichever material you choose, make sure the seller accurately informs you about its identity and durability, since these affect the stone’s price and long-term care. Whether the stone is a diamond or a diamond simulant, it will shine longer with proper care and cleaning. If you’re uncertain about the identity of a stone that you own or are thinking of purchasing, you can always submit the stone to a GIA laboratory for a grading report.
