What is a simulated diamond?

Simulated diamonds, also known as diamond simulants, are gemstones that resemble diamonds but are not made of pure carbon like natural or lab-grown diamonds. They are created to mimic the appearance of diamonds and are often used as alternatives due to their lower cost.

Here's some key information about simulated diamonds:

• Composition: Simulated diamonds are made of different materials than diamonds. Common materials include:

  • Cubic Zirconia (CZ): A synthetic gemstone widely used as a diamond simulant. It's relatively inexpensive and visually similar to a diamond when well-cut.
  • Moissanite: A naturally occurring silicon carbide that is also lab-created. Moissanite is known for its brilliance and fire, sometimes even exceeding that of a diamond. It's a durable and popular diamond alternative.
  • Glass: A less expensive option but also less durable and easily scratched. Glass simulants often lack the brilliance and fire of diamonds.

• Distinguishing from Diamonds: While simulated diamonds can look like diamonds to the untrained eye, there are ways to tell them apart:

  • Hardness: Diamonds are the hardest known naturally occurring substance (10 on the Mohs scale). Simulated diamonds are typically less hard.
  • Brilliance and Fire: Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from a gemstone. Fire refers to the flashes of color seen in a gemstone. While simulants try to mimic these properties, diamonds generally have a higher refractive index and dispersion, resulting in more brilliance and fire (except for moissanite which can show even more fire).
  • Thermal Conductivity: Diamonds are excellent thermal conductors. Diamond testers use this property to distinguish diamonds from simulants.
  • Microscopic Examination: Jewelers can examine a stone under magnification to look for imperfections and inclusions that may indicate whether it's a natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, or a simulant.

• Cost: Simulated diamonds are significantly less expensive than natural and lab-grown diamonds. This affordability makes them a popular choice for engagement rings, jewelry, and other applications.

• Ethical Considerations: Some consumers prefer simulated diamonds because they avoid the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, such as conflict diamonds (blood diamonds).

• Care and Maintenance: Simulated diamonds require similar care to diamonds. Cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient. Because some materials like cubic zirconia are softer than diamonds, they may be more prone to scratching.