Man Made Diamonds
And
Comparing Simulant, Synthetic Rings

(*If you want to see how the different types of lab created diamonds compare to real diamonds take a look at the table below).

Synthetic Diamonds also known as cultured or lab created diamonds, HPHT diamonds, and CVD diamonds, are 'grown' in a laboratory and they have physical characteristics which are identical to real diamonds. (Laboratories which produce these diamonds microscopically inscribe them with a number so they cannot be identified as 'real' diamonds for insurance or reselling purposes).

Simulant Diamonds look similar to real diamonds, but they are physically different from diamonds. Simulant diamonds have been available since the 1970's in the form of cubic zirconia. Well over one hundred years ago, cut glass, zircon and white sapphires were used as diamond simulants particularly in Victorian engagement rings.

Natural and Lab Created Moissanite gemstones are used as diamond simulants. Famous for striking flash and fire, these simulants are extremely strong and budget friendly. 

In terms of durability, moissanite gemstones are much stronger and more durable than cubic zirconia. In terms of cost, white sapphires and moissanite are generally the most expensive followed by strengthened forms of CZ and lastly cubic zirconia. Natural and lab created white sapphires can also fill the role of a diamond simulant - although these gemstones have their own unique properties and do not look exactly like a diamond. 

• Check out What is Moissanite? to find out more about moissanite gemstones and to compare moissanite to diamonds.
  
  
• Take a look at Moissanite Wedding Sets to see pros, cons and shopping tips for moissanite rings plus top picks for moissanite engagement rings and bridal sets!

'Cubic Zirconia Simulants' are created from zirconium dioxide and are the least durable of all diamond simulants, but they also come with the lowest prices. 

• Check out Cubic Zirconia Wedding Sets for advice on CZ diamond simulant rings care, shopping tips, precautions and to see EWR's top CZ wedding ring picks!
  
  
• Visit What is Cubic Zirconia? to see how CZ is synthesized.
  
  
• See Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond to compare the differences between CZ and natural diamonds.

'White Sapphire Gemstones'  can either be natural or lab created. Natural white sapphire is second only to a diamond when it comes to hardness and durability in natural stones. While this gemstone does not sparkle quite like a diamond, it is a beautiful gemstone to consider as a diamond alternative. Price wise, natural white sapphires are similar to the cost of moissanite.

	Cost	Hardness	No Flaws	Colorless	Brilliance	Fire
Diamonds	Highest	10.0	Rare	Rare	Higher	High
Moissanite Simulant	Medium	9.25	Yes	Slight Tint	Highest	Highest
White Sapphire	Medium	9	Yes	Often	High	High
Carbon Coated CZ	Lower	9.10	Yes	Yes	Higher	High
Cubic Zirconia Simulant	Lowest	8.5	Yes	Yes	High	Higher
HPHT Synthetic	Higher	10.0	Nearly	Yes	Higher	High
CVD Synthetic	Higher	10.0	Nearly	Yes	Higher	High

Comparing Synthetic Diamonds to Real Diamonds

From the table, you can see that synthetic lab diamonds are extremely similar to real diamonds. The only difference is price. Lab created diamonds, in particular colored fancy synthetic diamonds are less expensive than real diamonds. Lab created diamonds can be nearly flawless whereas most natural diamonds have some inclusions and blemishes. 

Comparing Simulant Diamonds to Real Diamonds

• Simulant diamonds are not as hard as a real diamond, their brilliance and fire is not exactly like a real diamond, and unlike most real diamonds they are flawless.
  
  
• The biggest pro towards simulant diamonds is their cost. A one carat colorless loose cubic zirconia is around $40.00, a one carat colorless loose carbon coated diamond is around $100.00, and a loose one carat moissanite diamond is around $300.00.
  
  
• The biggest con towards simulant diamonds is their difference in brilliance and fire. The moissanite gemstone has the highest brilliance and fire which can create a 'disco ball' effect that is undesirable to some consumers (although couples looking for engagement rings with plenty of bling love the extra fire of moissanite), and the cubic zirconia has a lower brilliance, but higher fire, than real diamonds.
  
  
• Another con: While moissanite diamonds are so hard they cannot be scratched under most circumstances, the cubic zirconia diamond can scratch with long term wear and it has a tendency to absorb oils. As a result, a cubic zirconia diamond simulant ring may appear cloudy if scratches accumulate on the surface and if it is not regularly cleaned.
  
  
• Moissanite, like some real diamonds, is not colorless. These gemstones can have a very light tint of yellow or brown which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
  
  
• White sapphire looks a bit dimmer than a natural diamond, and although it may not be as hard as carbon coated simulant diamonds it is important to consider that a white sapphire has strength and hardness throughout the entire gemstone, not just on the surface.
  
  

Shopping Tips for Man Made Diamonds

Before you purchase a lab created diamond, always check to see if the company offers a guarantee or warranty in case the diamond becomes damaged or lost.

Just like real diamonds, synthetic diamonds which have the same exact characteristics as real diamonds should come with a certificate, preferably from a reputable laboratory like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - certificates with synthetic diamonds ensure that the diamonds purchased have quality cut, color and clarity grades and that they are authentic synthetics.

Affordable simulant or synthetic diamond rings can end up costing more down the road if they are not made with durable materials and quality workmanship. Avoid purchasing any rings that are plated (like the very cheap brass or copper cubic zirconia rings plated with silver or 14k gold) and try rings crafted with stronger metals.

For every day wear man made diamond engagement rings - including synthetics and simulants like moissanite and white sapphire, metals including 18k gold, palladium and platinum are best. For inexpensive but durable metals on cheaper diamond simulant rings, like cubic zirconia, solid sterling silver rings or stainless steel rings offer durability and low price. To find out more about the qualities of silver, take a look at silver wedding rings.

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