Diamond simulants are gemstones that are created to look like natural diamonds but are made from different materials. They mimic the visual properties of diamonds, such as their brilliance, clarity, and sparkle, but are not the same mineral. Common diamond simulants include cubic zirconia, moissanite and lab grown sapphire. These alternatives are often chosen for their affordability, ethical production, and beauty.

Unlike natural diamonds, which are formed over billions of years, diamond simulants are created in laboratories or through other synthetic methods, offering a
cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for fine jewelry.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

• Material: Made from zirconium dioxide.
• Appearance: CZ closely resembles a diamond, offering high brilliance and clarity. It is typically flawless and, to the untrained eye, can be mistaken for a natural diamond. It captures light well but lacks the same fire (colorful dispersion) as diamonds.
• Durability: With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale (compared to a diamond’s 10), CZ is durable but can scratch or dull with wear over time.
• Affordability: Cubic zirconia is one of the most affordable diamond alternatives, making it a popular choice for those looking for high sparkle on a budget.

Moissanite

• Material: Made from silicon carbide, moissanite is typically lab-grown due to its rarity in nature.
• Appearance: Moissanite has exceptional brilliance and even more fire than diamonds, giving off a slightly more colorful sparkle. It closely mimics the look of a diamond but can appear a little different under certain lighting conditions.
• Durability: Moissanite is incredibly hard, measuring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable diamond simulants, ideal for everyday wear.
• Affordability: More expensive than cubic zirconia, moissanite still offers a cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds while providing superior brilliance and durability.

Lab-Grown White Sapphire

• Material: Lab-grown white sapphire is created from the same materials as natural sapphire but grown in a controlled environment.
• Appearance: White sapphire has a subtler sparkle compared to diamonds and other simulants. While it has good clarity, it doesn’t reflect light as vividly as cubic zirconia or moissanite, giving it a more understated, elegant look.
• Durability: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, lab-grown sapphire is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it a good long-term alternative.
• Affordability: While more affordable than diamonds, lab-grown sapphire is typically more expensive than cubic zirconia but less costly than moissanite.

Key Differences:

• Cubic zirconia is the most affordable and widely used simulant but is slightly softer and may dull with wear.
• Moissanite** offers unmatched brilliance and durability, making it the most diamond-like option.
• Lab-grown sapphire provides a more subtle, elegant look and high durability, though with less brilliance compared to moissanite or CZ.

Each simulant offers a unique balance of brilliance, durability, and affordability, catering to different preferences and budgets.