Man made diamonds are perfect for couples looking for affordable,
100% conflict free and environmentally friendly engagement rings or
wedding bands.
Here you will find how lab diamonds measure up to real
diamonds,
different types of lab created diamonds and their pros and cons, the
differences between simulant and synthetic diamonds, plus info that will
help you to decide which diamonds are the best man made diamonds for
your rings
Fast Fun Facts About
Created Diamonds!
The first successful synthetic diamond creation occurred in the late 1800s.
Natural white sapphire is sometimes considered a diamond simulant.
Colored synthetic diamonds are much cheaper than colorless (white) synthetic diamonds.
(*If you want to see how the different types of lab created diamonds compare to real diamonds take a look at the table below).
And if you have any questions, comments, reviews or pics to share
about man made diamonds and simulant or synthetic diamond rings, just
use the handy comment box at the end of the page!
There are two main types of diamonds which are man made - synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants:
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, and in
the past decade in the form of moissanite and carbon coated cubic zirconia sold by companies like Asha and Miadonna. Well over one hundred years ago, cut glass, zircon and white sapphires were used as diamond simulants particularly in Victorian engagement rings.
The top lab created diamond
simulants include moissanite and quality cubic zirconia. 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.
'Moissanite Lab Created Gemstones'
are famous for their flash and fire, and these simulants are
synthesized from silicon carbide. Moissanite is an extremely strong
simulant, but comes with the highest price tag - moissanite also has its
own look which is a bit different than a diamond.
'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.
'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.
Check Out White Sapphire Engagement Rings by Gemvara
Synthetic Diamonds also known as cultured or 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).
Examples of Colored Synthetic Diamonds by Brilliant Earth
Visit EWR's comprehensive page about Lab Created Diamonds to find more about synthetic diamonds and synthetic man made diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.
Man Made Diamonds Compare to Real Diamonds
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
Comparing Simulant Diamonds to Real Diamonds
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 offer durability and low price. To find out more about the qualities of silver, take a look at silver wedding rings.
Questions or Comments?
Send in your questions and comments, or share pics of your captivating man made diamond ring here!
I will post answers to your questions as soon as possible!
Click on the links to see comments and answered questions...
Carat Difference in Size in Cubic Zirconia
I keep buying cubic zirconia rings, and when they arrive they look huge! I would like a 1 - 2 carat ring, but what is the carat difference so I can make …
The Best Place to Buy Quality Moissanite Not rated yet
Where is the best place here in Chicago Illinois or United States to buy or order a good moissanite 1 carat stone diamond and is moissanite better than …
Where to Find a Synthetic Diamond? Not rated yet
Where would you buy a synthetic diamond?
Hi Elle,
Lab created synthetic diamonds - which have the exact same physical and chemical properties …
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