RING GUIDES
Everything You Need To Know About Simulated Diamonds
Simulated Diamonds vs Lab Diamonds
With so much attention on lab grown diamonds, the spotlight has also fallen on the sparkle of diamond simulants!
Simulated diamonds are a bit of a mystery, and it's easy to get confused over what counts as simulated, and what counts as synthetic! The two are very different, but they get mixed up all the time.
Are simulated diamonds the same as lab diamonds? How long will a simulated diamond last? Who actually knows if simulated diamonds are real? We do! So settle in and let us take you on this gemstone journey! Our lab grown diamond guide goes into depth about lab diamonds and how they're formed if you still want to know more about lab diamonds.
What is a Simulated Diamond?
A simulated diamond is any gemstone made to look like a diamond. Most of these stones are manufactured or grown in a lab, but will be structurally and chemically different compared to a real diamond!
There are many of these gems out there. Rhinestones, cubic zirconia and moissanite all play the part of diamond in imitation jewellery. Moissanite is also a widely used gemstone in its own right!
Is a Simulated Diamond A Real Diamond?
Simulated diamonds are not real diamonds. A diamond is made of carbon, and it has a very specific crystal structure which gives it all the properties we know and love!
Without this internal structure, you won't get the magical light display that diamonds are known for. And without the carbon, your stone won't be nearly as durable! Imitation diamonds may seem like a great alternative at first, but without all of the benefits that come from a real diamond, is there any point?
Are Simulant Diamonds The Same As Lab Grown?
Simulant diamonds are also not the same as lab grown diamonds. Even though they look similar at a glance, and the names ‘simulated diamond’ and ‘synthetic diamond’ make them sound the same.
A synthetic diamond is another name for lab diamonds, which are chemically identical to earth diamonds but are grown in a lab. This makes lab grown diamonds a real diamond. You can find out more in our lab grown diamond guide!
Is Simulated Diamond The Same As Cubic Zirconia?
Yes, cubic zirconia is a simulated diamond! These imitation diamonds are one of many stones used to impersonate the sparkle of a real diamond in jewellery.
These simulation diamonds are the stones most often mixed up with lab grown diamonds, but the two are completely different. You can find out all about it in our Lab Grown Diamonds vs Cubic Zirconia guide!
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Flawless vs Diamond Simulants
If you love a bit of luxury, you've probably heard the phrase ‘the four C’s’. These C’s stand for colour, cut, clarity, and carat, and are how we grade diamonds! Only a few diamonds ever hit the top marks of every category. These lucky few are called ‘flawless’.
So what about a simulated diamond that hits each of these categories? If both stones have the same grading, aren't they the same quality? The short answer is no! If you're comparing flawless diamonds vs flawless diamond simulants, your diamond will always come out on top.
Think of it like gold plated silver vs real gold. The real gold is always going to be more desirable and durable than the imitation! You’d have to re-plate the silver, and you’ll have to replace the imitation diamonds!
How Long Will A Simulated Diamond Last?
If you love a bit of luxury, you've probably heard the phrase ‘the four C’s’. These C’s stand for colour, cut, clarity, and carat, and are how we grade diamonds! Only a few diamonds ever hit the top marks of every category. These lucky few are called ‘flawless’.
So what about a simulated diamond that hits each of these categories? If both stones have the same grading, aren't they the same quality? The short answer is no! If you're comparing flawless diamonds vs flawless diamond simulants, your diamond will always come out on top.
Think of it like gold plated silver vs real gold. The real gold is always going to be more desirable and durable than the imitation! You’d have to re-plate the silver, and you’ll have to replace the imitation diamonds!
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Do Simulated Diamonds Have Value?
Simulated diamonds bring the cost of diamond-ish rings down a lot, but low cost means low value when gemstones are involved!
Simulated diamonds have little to no monetary value. When it comes to investment or resale, diamond look-alikes are not the place to put your money!
If you need a budget friendly diamond option, lab grown diamonds are the place to look. They don’t cost as much as earth grown diamonds, but they do have value! Check out how much your perfect lab grown diamond would be in our lab grown diamond price guide.
Are Simulated Diamonds Suitable For An Engagement Ring?
When it’s your engagement ring, it's your choice! But we are always around to give our expert opinion if you’re unsure.
For us, simulated diamonds in an engagement ring is an absolute no. We love our rings, and we want you to be able to enjoy them for a lifetime! Any gemstone that won’t last, is not one we want to work with. This includes simulated diamonds, and any other gems we deem too soft for daily wear.
This is why we adore real diamonds, it’s not just because we think they’re pretty (that does help though). Both earth and lab grown diamonds are known to be the toughest stones around, and that makes them an ideal choice for a forever ring!
Check out our collection of lab grown engagement rings to see if your forever ring is waiting for you.
Find The Perfect Diamond With Jessica Flinn
Now you’re settled on real diamonds over simulation stones, let's find your diamond!
If you’d like us to source a diamond just for you, and you’ve got a dream design in mind, check out our bespoke ring design service! With over ten years of experience creating unique and beautiful rings we will bring your diamond vision to life.
You can find out more about lab grown diamonds if you're still curious, or you can book an appointment if you’re ready to begin your perfect diamond journey!