There is no doubt about the fact that diamonds represent the luxury, love, and elegance. But who can afford those pricey gems and that looming price tag accompanying them? You are lucky; there is always an alternative offering you something similar to the beauty at a fraction of the price. This guide will help you explore the best diamond look-alike stones that are cheap, beautiful, and accessible.
- Best Diamond Alternatives: Stones That Look Like Diamonds but Are Cheaper
- Things to consider when choosing a Diamond Alternative
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Diamond Alternatives: Stones That Look Like Diamonds but Are Cheaper
Finding a diamond in a rough place, but not alone? Gradually, individuals are opting for alternative gemstones for their engagement rings, jewelry, and other adornments. Here are some of the most popular stones that mimic diamonds but without the hefty price tag.
1. Moissanite
Moissanite, one of the best-known diamond substitutes, possesses spectacular brilliance. Its look is so similar to a diamond that an untrained eye cannot distinguish between the two. Made from silicon carbide, it ranks second only to a diamond in terms of hardness and is so great for everyday use.
Moissanite Characteristics
Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance: Much more brilliant than diamonds due to their refracting properties
Price: Much cheaper, usually 80-90% less expensive than diamonds
Color: Typically colorless, although some may have a hint of greyish or yellowish tinge
Why Moissanite?
Moissanite is a perfect alternative for someone who would like a reliable brilliant diamond-like stone but at much lower price. Furthermore, an ethical and environmentally-friendly choice, most moissanites being laboratory-grown.
2. White Sapphire
White sapphires are also a sought-after diamond substitute. They lack the fire of moissanite or diamonds but are transparently gorgeous for a fraction of the price of diamonds.
Characteristics of White Sapphire
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance: Less sparkly than diamonds; often appears slightly milky
Price: Approximately 70-80% less than diamonds
Color: Colorless, though some may have slight inclusions
Why White Sapphire?
White sapphires are perfect for a classic and understated look. For those who opt for understated chic, white sapphires are the gem of choice. It is strong enough to be worn as an everyday piece and offers a more traditional appeal to a gemstone than what any diamond alternative will give you.
3. Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Perhaps the most common diamond simulant is Cubic Zirconia, or CZ. It is typically used in costume jewelry and is the cheapest simulacrum diamond. Although it lacks in hardness and brilliance compared to other stones, it still appears quite convincingly diamond-like.
Characteristics of Cubic Zirconia
Hardness: 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance: Lower than diamonds, with a more glass-like appearance
Price: Practically a steal as it costs a mere fraction of the price of a diamond
Color: Absolutely colorless; also available in a wide range of other colors
Why Buy Cubic Zirconia?
CZ is good for an individual who wants something affordable or a piece to be used temporarily/fashion piece. Cost-effectiveness and affordability make this perfect for a piece of costume jewelry or statement piece that will not be worn on an every day basis.
4. Zircon
Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, zircon is a natural gemstone that can be colorless, blue, yellow, or even red. White or colorless zircon closely resembles diamonds and is often used in antique jewelry.
Zircon Characteristics
Hardness: 6-7.5 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance: Highly dispersive gives off a bright sparkle
Price: Generally lower than diamonds but more expensive than CZ
Color: Colorless zircon is the most diamond-like, though other colors are available
H3: Why Choose Zircon?
Zircon’s high dispersion and brilliant sparkle make it a great diamond alternative. It is best suited for occasional wear due to its relative softness compared to diamonds.
5. White Topaz
White topaz is another very budget-friendly option, and to look like a diamond. It will not have the hardness or sparkle of moissanite or zircon, but it does come clear and brilliant.
Characteristics of White Topaz
Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale
Brilliance: Moderate; less sparkly than diamonds
Price: Relatively inexpensive often comes at prices that are just a fraction of a diamond’s cost
Colour: Generally colourless, some stones have slight inclusions
Why White Topaz?
White topaz would be the best alternative for any one in search of a natural gem that has a clear appearance. It’s more suitable for jewelry that might be used rarely.
6. Spinel
As a gemstone, spinel comes in multiple colors; however the colorless one resembles the diamond closely. Therefore it is acquiring popularity as an alternative to diamonds that are hard and more beautiful.
What are the Characteristics of Spinel
Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance: High luster with a beautiful sparkle
Price: Generally more affordable than diamonds, though quality spinels can vary in price
Colour: Available in variety of colours including colorless varieties.
Why Choose Spinel?
Spinel can be an excellent choice, owing to its hardness and shine which makes it a good alternative to diamonds in case someone wants a long-lasting diamond substitute. Its uniqueness in crystal structure and its historical significance make it appealing.
Things to consider when choosing a Diamond Alternative
Despite each stone giving one an appearance of a diamond, several things are guiding the selection of the best alternative suited for your needs:
1. Hardness and Toughness
The scratch and wear resistivity of the stone depends on the hardness. It will be good for everyday use, like moissanite or spinel, that has a good hardness.
2. Brilliance and Sparkle
The sparkle level of a gemstone is determined by the refractive index. Among all the materials, moissanite has had the highest sparkle, followed by diamonds. Least sparkle was among the cubic zirconia and white sapphire.
3. Budget
Another thing that determines your choice would be budget. While cubic zirconia is the most affordable, moissanite is however pricier than CZ and its really not close to the diamond price.
4. Appearance and Color
Each stone appears differently. For example, some stones, like zircon and white sapphire, can have inclusions or slight color variations. You have a choice in which one suits your best look.
Diamond Alternatives: Conclusion
Now, diamonds are certainly pretty, but tons of other gemstones are just as beautiful at a tiny fraction of the price. From daily wear to something special, or even just because you like something cool, there’s a stone waiting for you out there to fit your budget and needs. Some great alternatives include moissanite, cubic zirconia, and white sapphire-all of which have that classic diamond look, but without the diamond price tag.
The choice depends on personal preference, intended use, and budget. Having discovered some of these diamond look-alikes allows you to have all that diamond brilliance and beauty without breaking your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which stone looks most like a diamond?
It is often the closest substitute for a diamond due to brilliance and hardness. It is impossible to tell between moissanite and a diamond without the using of special equipment.
Is moissanite better than cubic zirconia?
Moissanite stands out from cubic zirconia as it has a higher hardness and brilliance. It holds up better and is better suited for everyday wear.
Q3. Can white sapphire be worn daily?
White Sapphire is sufficiently hard to be worn daily, although it does not have the same luster and fire as diamonds or moissanite.
Q4. Do natural diamond alternatives exist?
Yes, white sapphire, zircon, and goshenite are available as natural gemstones that can be used as a diamond alternative.
Q5. Which is the most affordable diamond alternative?
The cheapest diamond alternative is cubic zirconia while white topaz is the closest ranks to it.
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