Everything You Need to Know About Simulated Diamonds: A Comprehensive Guide

February 14, 2025 jasonxue

In recent years, simulated diamonds have become a popular substitute for natural diamonds due to their beauty, lower cost, and ethical appeal. But what are simulated diamonds, and how do they measure up against natural or lab-grown diamonds? This complete guide will detail the composition, manufacturing processes, visual characteristics, and their differences from other diamond types. This article aims to equip jewelry lovers, conscious shoppers, and those searching for information on diamond alternatives with the knowledge needed to make an educated choice. Explore the incredible world of simulated diamonds and learn their role in modern jewelry.

What Are Simulated Diamonds, and How Do They Differ from Real Diamonds?

Simulated diamonds are gemstones created to imitate the looks of natural diamonds. Unlike real diamonds that take billions of years to form deep in the Earth, simulated diamonds can be made in laboratories or with synthetic processes. Both types of diamonds may share similarities in their visual characteristics, like clarity and brilliance, but differ drastically in composition and durability. Simulated diamonds are often manufactured using materials such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which do not share the same carbon crystal structure as natural diamonds. These imitations are cheaper and easier to find, thus making them favorites amongst jewelry buyers who wish to have beautiful items without paying high costs for real diamonds.

Understanding the Difference Between Diamond Simulants and Real Diamonds

Underlying diamond simulants and real diamonds their differences stem from their composition and physical properties. Real diamonds form naturally over billions of years as pure carbon is arranged in a crystalline structure, which makes real diamonds so hard and brilliant. Simulants include cubic zirconia and moissanite, which are manufactured materials that are trying to impersonate real diamonds. Although stimulants have lower prices and provide a sparkling aesthetic, they do not maintain their structure as well through extended use, making them softer. In order to distinguish between the two, professional analysis can be done using specialized tools, as the untrained eye would have no chance of telling them apart.

How Are Simulant Diamonds Made?

Simulant diamonds are produced through unique advanced manufacturing techniques that aim to reproduce the aesthetic appeal of natural diamonds using different materials. Common simulants, like cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite, are created using complex laboratory processes.

An illustration of this is that cubic zirconia is ordinarily produced by melting zirconium oxide powders in high temperature controlled furnaces above 4982°F (2750°C). In order to improve the melting point, small amounts of Magnesium or calcium stabilizers are introduced in order to improve durability and avoid structural fracturing during the cooling. While lacking the hardness of natural diamonds, the resulting stones possess impressive clarity and beauty.

Moissanite, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale is more durable than cubic zirconia and closely rivals the visual and aesthetic properties of diamonds. Moissanite is produced through a thermal growth method creating silicon carbide crystals which are grown under very high and tightly controlled temperatures and pressure conditions, thus allowing the resulting stones to possess great brilliance and fire.

Both approaches underline the skill and accuracy required in creating diamond simulants, making the stones the go-to choice for consumers looking for beautiful yet low-cost, eco-friendly substitutes.

Why Some People Choose Simulated Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds

It is crystal clear that the primary reason a vast number of consumers have started favoring simulated diamonds over natural diamonds is their affordability. Sally uses simulated diamonds such as moissanite and cubic zirconia because not only do they look beautiful, but they are financially easier on the pockets compared to natural diamonds. The same reasons can be attributed to a one-carat moissanite stone, which has a price difference of $300-$600 as compared to the $3000-$10,000 peg mark for natural diamonds. This massive price difference itself is able to attract a multitude of customers towards moissanite.

Research shows that the mining of natural diamonds comes with a hefty moral price. The armed conflict that takes place in numerous regions of the world leads to the formation of environmental atrocities as well as the misuse of human resources for business, leaving a footprint of mined natural diamonds. However, there comes a silver lining in the form of simulated diamonds owing to the ease of formation and less harmful environmental impact. Research indicates that lab-created stones such as moissanite drastically reduce carbon emissions when compared to diamond mining.

In the end, the improvement of simulated diamonds is the result of new manufacturing technologies as well as advancements in business management. For example, new laser-cutting procedures are being combined with chemical polishing methods that add beauty, fire, and clarity to gemstones. It is thus more difficult than ever to tell them apart from diamonds. The reason why this variety of consumers appreciate growing fame, quality, sustainability, and simulants is why diamond cases are becoming more and more evident.

What Are the Most Popular Diamond Simulants?

Cubic Zirconia: The Well-Known Simulated Diamond

Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular cheaper diamond substitutes due to its striking similarity to real diamonds and its low cost. CZ has high clarity and brilliance which makes it a great addition to jewelry pieces but it does lack the durability of natural diamonds. While CZ has low hardness on the Mohs scale, it is still a decent option for users who are searching for an economical and aesthetically pleasing alternative to real diamonds.

Understanding Moissanite as a Popular Choice

Moissanite, a sought-after gemstone largely used as a substitute for a diamond, comes from a rare mineral discovered by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater way back in eighteen ninety-three. Today, almost all moissanite in the market is lab-grown, ensuring ethical sourcing and consistent quality, both of which are unattainable through natural mining. Its brilliance is exceptional, and its refractive index surpasses that of diamonds, which is 2.42, at 2.65-2.69. This superior light dispersion provides a distinguishing feature from diamonds as it creates a ‘rainbow effect’, which is sometimes referred to as moissanite’s curse.

Moissanite is highly durable, with an impressive score of 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and is able to withstand everyday wear. Its thermal conductivity is also impressive, enabling it to pass diamond testers that measure heat conduction. These attributes, along with a price point set near natural diamonds, make moissanite inexpensive while allowing it to be used on fine jewelry that requires both exceptional visual quality and impressive longevity, making moissanite the popular choice for engagement rings.

Comparing Lab-Grown Diamonds With Other Simulants

The most common diamond simulants used in jewelry are lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia. Each of the three offers distinct advantages and appeals to different preferences and budgets. Below is a detailed comparison of their features to underscore the differences between each of them.

Lab Created Diamonds

Composition: Lab-grown diamonds are cultivated from pure carbon, meaning they are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds.
Hardness: Unmatched durability and scratch resistance with 10 on the Mohs scale.
Appearance: Without advanced testing, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, even to experts.
Cost: Depending on size and quality, 30%-50% cheaper than natural diamonds.

Moissanite

Composition: Moissanite’s structure is silicon carbide, giving it excellent brilliance and is often compared to natural diamonds.
Hardness: Highly durable, moissanite maintains a 9.25 on the Mohs scale.
Appearance: Moissanite has exceptional power to reflect light, exploding into vibrant rainbow hues, giving it a fiery masterpiece, unlike other natural diamonds.
Cost: Costs are significantly lower, ranging from about ten to twenty percent of what a natural diamond would cost.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Composition: Offers a synthetic alternative to diamond, made from zirconium and competing with diamond prices.
Hardness: 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale meaning durability and scratch resistance is significantly lower making it more prone to being scratched over time.
Appearance: Delivers a clear and blemish-free look but does not have the level of detail and light interaction as diamonds, whether natural or lab grown.
Cost: The cheapest choice, costing only a portion of what diamonds and moissanite sell for.

These simulants give consumers different options to meet their specific needs in terms of budget, aesthetics, and strength. While authenticity and durability rank lab-grown diamonds at the top, moissanite and cubic zirconia stand out as visually appealing, budget-friendly options.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

The Science Behind Lab Grown Diamond Production

Like any other natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds also use technology to recreate the pre-existing conditions beneath the Earth's mantle. There are two main techniques used to produce lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both techniques produce diamonds with identical chemical, physical and optical properties to mined diamonds.

HPHT Method

The HPHT method reproduces the extreme heating along with the pressure found deep within the surface of the earth. This technique requires placing a small seed diamond in a particular chamber and then heating it over 2000°F (1,093°C) while simultaneously applying pressure of 1.5 million PSI for a prolonged duration. To aid in the diamond formation, a carbon source like graphite is introduced. Diamond crystallization occurs through carbon crystallizing around the seed under extreme heat. This method proves efficient in forming diamonds of varying shapes and sizes, although the power requirement renders it ineffective.

According to statistics, HPHT diamonds can take several weeks to grow depending on the size with an approximate growth rate of one to two carats with each cycle. The method is most beneficial for industrial grade diamonds but high quality gemstones can also be produced through it.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method

This method is more energy-efficient as now diamonds can be grown using the CVD technique. A seed diamond is put in a chamber under a vacuum. Then, a carbon-rich gas like methane is introduced, and the temperature is raised to around 1500 F degrees (815 C degree). Through either microwave or plasma energy, carbon gas breaks into atoms, and with the help of carbon's gas, the ions stack themselves on the seed atom as carbon.

CVD diamonds are highly valued because they can grow nearly flawless and with few inclusions. The control over the diamond's properties, including the size, clarity, and color, is also enabled making it more versatile. It has been proven that CVD grown diamonds have a specific growth timing, which varies between several weeks depending on the diamond's intended use, with constant improvements making it possible to boost efficacy of production.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

As CVD-grown diamonds are produced in a lab, they are regarded as more ethical and environmentally friendly than the mined ones. Research shows that lab-grown diamonds have a significantly smaller carbon footprint, as some reports state that their emissions are 60-70 percent lower than those of mining. Also, the social and environmental problems linked to diamond mining, such as the destruction of habitats and unethical workforce, are ruled out because lab-grown diamonds do not require mining.

The continued improvements in these technologies is fueling the innovation of jewelry and industrial diamonds because it lowers the cost and enables the scaling of lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds embody the pinnacle of science, engineering, and sustainable development.

Differences Between Lab-Created and Mined Diamonds

Both mined and lab-created diamonds share the same structure, physically, chemically and optically, because they are both crystallized carbon with a cubic arrangement. They do differ in the source of extraction, price, and the effect on the environment.

Origin: Unlike natural diamonds, which are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years and can only be extracted through mining, lab-created diamonds are man-made through either the ultra-modern High-Pressure, High-Temperature method or the older Chemical Vapor Deposition technique.
Cost: Primary factors which contribute to mined diamonds costing 20-40% more than lab-created diamonds is that the latter is produced at a much higher rate and the production process is a lot more simple.
Environmental Impact: Lab-created diamonds benefit the environment significantly more than mined diamonds. They require no mining, which decreases the destruction of habitats, emission of carbon dioxide, and consumption of precious resources, which is common in traditional mining.

Each type of diamond offers unique advantages, and the decision to choose between the two ultimately lies with the person's individual perspective and values.

Do Lab-Created Diamonds Look Like Natural Diamonds?

The visual characteristics and chemical composition of lab-grown diamonds, in comparison with natural diamonds, are, for all intents and purposes, identical. Both are composed of pure carbon, differing only in the structural form that has been crystallized, so their optical and physical traits are alike. Sparkle, clarity, and brilliance in lab-grown diamonds are equal to their counterparts in mined diamonds, with only specialized equipment capable of differentiating the two.

As stated by pertinent gemological authorities, both lab-grown and natural diamonds rank the same on the Mohs hardness scale at 10, signifying equal durability and resistance to scratches. Trustworthy institutions such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) can also grade lab-grown diamonds on the same parameters range of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, further proving similarity with mined diamonds.

Optically flawless diamonds are created through advanced technologies such as high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Research has shown that even professional gemologists sometimes struggle to differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds when presented without specialized tools. The concept makes lab-grown diamonds appealing to consumers looking for a nice balance between aesthetics and functionality.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Simulated Diamond Engagement Ring?

Evaluating the Look of a Diamond Simulant for Engagement Rings

While assessing the appearance of a diamond simulant for engagement rings, pay particular attention to its brilliance, clarity, and general aesthetic. Moissanite and cubic zirconia simulants may approach how a diamond appears in terms of sparkle and clarity. Pay attention to the stone's cut and polish, as these two features greatly determine how appealing the stone is. The stone selected should be visually appealing, but it should also have the strength to be worn over an extended period of time. Consider the environment as well; some simulants tend to react differently in natural light compared to artificial light.

Pros and Cons of Simulated Diamonds in Jewelry

Pros

Value For Money

Simulated diamonds are a lot less expensive than natural diamonds because of how much more a moissanite stone costs relative to a comparable natural diamond. This makes it easier to afford expensive jewelry as a moissanite stone costs 90% less than a natural diamond.

Ethics and Environmentalism

Unlike diamond simulators, lab-grown diamonds do not have to be mined or extracted. Because there is no need to mine, there are no ethical or environmental controversies, such as conflict diamonds, that need to be dealt with.

Visual Resemblance to Natural Diamonds

Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are advanced cutting techniques that imitate the nearly flawless brilliance and clarity of natural diamonds. These stones have high dispersion and high light reflection, and in many cases, are imperceptible to the naked eye.

Hardness

For daily wear, many diamond simulants, such as moissanite, are more durable and less prone to scratching or chipping, making them survive daily wear. Moissanite’s 9.25 ranking on the Mohs Hardness scale proves this, as 10 is the highest ranking a diamond can achieve.

Personalization

Because diamond simulators are man-made, they can be produced in nearly every size, shape, and color. This allows for designs that are not easily achievable with natural diamonds and greatly increases the possibilities of personalization.

Cons

Lower Resale Value

Synthetic diamonds have little or no demand in the market and therefore, no resale value. The synthetic origin of these diamonds also makes them unsuitable for investment purposes.

Perceived Value

Simulated diamonds do not retain the emotional significance associated with natural diamonds, which impacts personal and cultural sentiment.

Different Optical Properties

There are visible similarities in natural diamonds and simulants such as cubic zirconia but the optical properties of these simulants differ greatly. Since cubic zirconia has a higher dispersion of ‘fire’ than diamonds, the differences can be noticeable under certain lights.

Potential for Damage Over Time

Some stimulants, like cubic zirconia, can become scratched or cloudy over time when exposed to harsh chemicals and prolonged wear.

Thermal and Conductivity Differences

A diamond's thermal conductivity, which natural diamonds possess, is missing in simulated diamonds. This renders them inauthentic for higher-end applications.

By understanding the pros and cons of simulated diamonds, customers can make informed decisions and balance the aesthetics, cost, and long-term implications in mind.

Cost Factors and Longevity of Diamond Simulants

When looking at the cost factors of diamond simulants, it is necessary to point out that their low cost is appealing foremost to consumers. Simulated diamonds, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, are much more affordable than natural diamonds. Cubic zirconia averages in price from $20 to $30 per carat, and moissanite is roughly $300 to $600 per carat based on size and quality. In comparison, natural diamonds are several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per carat because of their scarcity and value in the market.

In the case of durability, diamond simulants may demonstrate reasonable durability; however, they do not come close to the toughness of natural diamonds. For example, cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness of 8 which means it is susceptible to scratching and surface wear over time. Moissanite has a higher rating of 9.25, making it more resistant to damage. In addition, moissanite is more brilliant and, therefore, does not cloud as easily as cubic zirconia, which allows it to retain its luster for longer periods of time.

With these insights, it is clear that diamond simulants represent an economical choice for infrequent or temporary use. For buyers intending to wear the pieces frequently and for long periods of time, the differences in wearability and durability tend to be valued quite differently. These value and durability aspects are balanced together to enable customers to make purchase decisions that suit their financial capacities and intended uses.

How to Care for Your Simulated Diamond Jewelry?

Tips on Maintaining the Shine of Simulated Diamond Jewelry

Frequent Cleaning: Simulated diamonds need regular cleaning in order to preserve their sparkles. When performing these cleanings, a soft toothbrush and mild soap solution should be used to get rid of the dirt and oils. Abrasive agents and other cleaning substances that damage the surface should NEVER be used.
Do Not Use Damaging Chemicals: Simulated diamonds are prone to weakening in luster and getting damaged from chlorine, ammonia, bleach, and other chemicals. Always remember to remove jewelry before swimming, performing any cleaning chores or using household chemicals.
Correct Storage: For safekeeping, simulated jewelry should be kept in a jewelry box or pouch which is lined with soft material to avoid scratching when not in use, which causes contact with other pieces.
Restrict Heat Exposure: Certain simulated diamonds, especially cubic zirconia, have a diamond structure which gets weakened when exposed to high temperatures. Do not leave jewelry in direct heat or sunlight.
Professional Cleaning: Get your simulated diamond,'s jewelry maintenance done by an expert from time to time so that the appearance of the piece is preserved, the settings are secure, and the jewelry is properly cleaned.
Physical Impact Restrictions: Moissanite and Cubic zirconia, like simulated diamonds, should be protected from any form of physical impact that can lead to cracking or chipping. Always take off jewelry when doing heavy physical work.

By making these measures, you will be able to enhance the life and look of your simulated diamond jewelry so that its shine and luster will last for years to come.

Cleaning and Storage Solutions for Diamond Simulants

Instructions for Cleansing

Combination of Gentle Soap and Water: Combine a few drops of soap for dishes with lukewarm water. Clean the jewelry carefully with a soft toothbrush, with the bristles facing downwards.
Dry with a Lint-Free Cloth: Remove the item and rinse under water to get rid of any soap traces, then patiently wipe without applying pressure.
Tough chemicals are a no-go: Never apply soaps with bleach, ammonia, or anything beyond normal soak because it will cause harm to the surface of the simulated diamond.

Recommendations for Storing Jewelry

Avoid Molding with Other Jewelry: Store each piece in separate soft pouches or in a cloth-lined jewelry case to avoid scratching each piece for maximum protection.
Dry and Cool Location: Over time, humidity and excessive heat can alter the settings and metal parts of jewelry, so a place that’s free from such should be selected.

Employing these practices will help preserve the beauty and durability of diamond substitute jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are simulated diamonds, and how do they differ from genuine diamonds?

A: Simulated diamonds, also known as diamond simulants, these are materials that possess the appearance of diamonds while having different chemical and physical properties. Unlike natural or lab-created diamonds, simulants are non-carbon based and do not possess the same level of hardness or durability as true diamonds. For this reason, they are cheaper substitutes for diamonds in jewelry making.

Q: What are the most common types of simulated diamonds?

A: The most common types of simulated diamonds include Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, white sapphire, and glass (such as crystal or rhinestones). Each of these crystals has certain properties that enable them to pass off as diamonds or have varying degree features of a diamond. Cubic Zirconia is perhaps the most popular diamond simulant because it is very affordable and closely resembles a diamond.

Q: What methods are used for diamond simulation?

A: There’s a specific method to craft diamond simulants, depending on the material. For instance, cubic zirconia is synthesized by combining powdered zirconium oxide with heated-up stabilizers. Moissanite, though it occurs naturally, is usually synthesized in a laboratory for earrings. White sapphires and other white sapphires can be natural or artificial. Their production is unlike that of lab-created diamonds, which use carbon as an ingredient, just like natural diamonds.

Q: What are the differences between diamond simulants and diamonds created in a laboratory?

A: Although they both serve the purpose of non-natural diamonds, diamond simulants, and lab-grown diamonds are very different. Diamonds grown in a lab have their technology set up to imitate the natural process of diamond making. The result is a diamond analog that possesses the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as a mined diamond. Simulants, however, do not even come close to the original. Instead, in comparison to diamonds, their chemical properties and composition are different alongside physical features.

Q: Will a simulated diamond pass as a real diamond?

A: The untrained eye may find it difficult to differentiate a simulated diamond from a real diamond, but it will fail the gemological examination of real diamonds. Jewelers and gemologists have different tools and methods to identify whether a diamond is natural, lab-created, or a stimulant. However, casual eyes can be fooled by high-quality simulants in ordinary environments.

Q: How do simulated diamonds compare in terms of durability and hardness?

A: Simulated diamonds usually have a lower hardness and weaker structure compared to lab-created and natural diamonds. Diamonds sit at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, whereas common simulants such as cubic zirconia sit at 8-8.5 and moissanite at 9.25. This indicates that while simulates are hard, they are more susceptible to being scratched and damaged over time than real diamonds.

Q: Are simulated diamonds a good choice for engagement rings?

A: In terms of appearance, simulated diamonds look just like diamonds, making them a sightly affordable option for engagement rings. Unlike natural diamonds, however, there are questions surrounding its durability and long-term value. Ultimately, the decision centers around personal choices and values associated with symbolism and durability. It is best to evaluate your jewelry collection to see if it makes economic sense.

Q. How can I care for and maintain my diamond volumetric jewelry?

A: Clean simulated jewelry with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush sparingly. Tough chemicals like ultrasonic cleaners can also wreak havoc on some simulants, so avoid those, too. Otherwise, remember to be cautious about storing your jewelry and check with a jeweler every once in a while to monitor if the arrangement is appropriate.