When shopping for diamond jewelry, you've probably come across terms like "simulated diamond," "lab-grown diamond," and brand names like "diamonesk." These terms sound similar but refer to very different things. Understanding what a simulated diamond actually is—and what it isn't—can help you make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid confusion at the jewelry counter.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about a simulated diamond: meaning, how they compare to real diamonds, when they make sense, and how to spot them.
What Does Simulated Diamond Mean?
A simulated diamond is any material designed to look like a diamond but with a completely different chemical composition and structure. The key word here is "simulated,” since these stones simulate or imitate the appearance of diamonds without actually being diamonds.
Simulated diamonds are also called diamond simulants, diamond alternatives, or imitation diamonds. They're created to mimic a diamond's sparkle and brilliance at a fraction of the cost. While they may look similar to diamonds at first glance, their different physical properties and optical properties set them apart.
Simply put, simulated diamonds are man-made stones or natural minerals that serve as affordable alternatives to real diamonds in jewelry.
What Are Simulated Diamonds Made Of?
Simulated diamonds come in several types, each with its own composition and characteristics.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic zirconia is the most well-known diamond simulant on the market. It's made from zirconium dioxide, a synthetic material created in laboratories.
CZ became popular in the 1970s and quickly dominated the simulated diamond market. It offers impressive brilliance and sparkle thanks to its high refractive index. In terms of clarity and color, cubic zirconia can actually appear more perfect than many natural diamonds since it's typically completely colorless and flawless.
However, cubic zirconia is softer than diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale, rating around 8 to 8.5 compared to diamond's perfect 10. This means CZ is more prone to scratches with everyday wear. Over time, cubic zirconia may develop clouding or hazing that dulls its shine.
Despite these limitations, cubic zirconia remains popular for budget-friendly jewelry and fashion jewelry due to its cost-effectiveness and visual similarity to diamonds when new.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a premium simulant made from silicon carbide. While it occurs naturally in meteor craters, the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created.
What sets moissanite apart is its exceptional durability and brilliance. It scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it nearly as hard as diamond and highly suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite also has an even higher refractive index than diamond, which means it displays more fire and sparkle.
Among simulated diamonds, moissanite is typically the most expensive option, though still far less costly than a real diamond of comparable size. It's become popular for engagement ring alternatives due to its brilliance, durability, and status as an ethical alternative.
White Sapphire
White sapphire is a natural mineral made from corundum. It's quite hard, rating 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for everyday wear.
However, white sapphire has a lower refractive index than diamonds and other simulants. The result? It tends to look less brilliant and sparkly than a diamond, with a more muted, glassy appearance. While it's a legitimate gemstone, it's generally not the best choice if you're trying to replicate a diamond's distinctive sparkle.
Diamonesk and Other Materials
What is Diamonesk? It’s a proprietary brand of simulated diamond sold exclusively by The Bradford Exchange. Like other simulants, it's not a real diamond but rather an affordable alternative designed to offer a diamond-like appearance.
Other simulated diamond materials you might encounter include:
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Glass and crystal (rhinestones) - Very soft, used mainly in costume jewelry
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White topaz - Natural mineral with low brilliance
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YAG and GGG - Older synthetic materials largely replaced by CZ and moissanite
Is a Simulated Diamond a Real Diamond?
No, a simulated diamond is not a real diamond. To understand what is a simulated diamond versus a real diamond, you need to know the key distinction.
A real diamond, whether mined from the earth or grown in a lab, is made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a specific cubic crystal structure. This unique composition gives diamonds their incredible hardness, distinctive brilliance, and high thermal conductivity.
Simulated diamonds are made from entirely different materials:
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Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide
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Moissanite is silicon carbide
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White sapphire is aluminum oxide
These different chemical compositions behave differently under testing and wear differently over time.
Here's where confusion often happens: simulated diamonds are real gemstones. They're actual physical materials you can hold and wear. But they're not real diamonds specifically.
The term "fake diamond" can be misleading. Simulated diamonds aren't necessarily fraudulent. Instead, they're just different materials serving as substitutes. The problem arises when simulants are sold deceptively as actual diamonds, which is why professional appraisal is important for significant jewelry purchases.
Simulated Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Critical Difference
This is where most people get confused. Simulated diamonds and lab-grown diamonds sound similar but are completely different things.
Lab-grown diamonds (also called synthetic diamonds) are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds—pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure. They're grown in laboratories using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process. So, a lab-grown diamond engagement ring will have identical hardness, brilliance, thermal conductivity, and durability to a traditional, mined diamond ring. The stones are graded using the same standards and can be certified by organizations like GIA and IGI.
A simulated diamond is a diamond alternative made from different materials. They only resemble diamonds visually but don't share their chemical or physical properties.
The key differences:
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Composition: Lab-grown diamonds are carbon; simulants are other materials
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Hardness: Lab diamonds score 10; simulants typically score 8-9.25
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Testing: Lab diamonds pass all diamond tests; simulants don't
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Value: Lab diamonds hold value; simulants have minimal resale value
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Durability: Lab diamonds last forever; simulants may degrade over time
Think of it this way: lab-grown diamonds are to mined diamonds what lab-grown meat is to farm-raised meat: same thing, different origin. Simulated diamonds are more like plant-based meat alternatives: similar appearance, different substance.
How Simulated Diamonds Compare to Real Diamonds
Understanding how simulated diamonds stack up against natural diamonds helps you make informed choices.
Hardness and Durability
Real diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural material. Most simulants score between 8 and 9.25, meaning they're more susceptible to scratches and may show wear over time, especially on facet edges.
Brilliance and Fire
Real diamonds have a specific refractive index (2.42) that creates their signature sparkle. Simulants have different optical properties. Some, like moissanite, actually show more fire but in a way that can look less natural. Others, like white sapphire, show less brilliance.
Weight
Simulated diamonds typically have different density than real diamonds. Cubic zirconia, for example, is about 1.7 times heavier than a diamond of the same size. This difference can be measured with precise instruments.
Testing
Real diamonds have exceptional thermal conductivity, which is how diamond testers work. Most simulants fail thermal conductivity tests. Moissanite can sometimes pass basic thermal tests, which is why professional jewelers use dual testers that measure both thermal and electrical conductivity.
Price
This is where simulants shine. Cubic zirconia costs a tiny fraction of a diamond's price, sometimes 1/100th the cost. Moissanite typically costs about 10-20% of a comparable diamond. This lower cost makes simulants attractive for those on a budget.
Resale Value
Real diamonds retain significant value and can be resold. Simulated diamonds have virtually no resale value. If you try to resell a cubic zirconia ring, you might recover some value from the setting, but the stone itself carries zero market value.
Longevity
Real diamonds truly last forever. They don't scratch, chip easily, or change appearance with age. Simulated diamonds, especially softer ones like CZ, may develop scratches, lose their shine, or require replacement over time.
When Simulated Diamonds Are Worth Considering
Simulated diamonds aren't right for everyone, but they make sense in certain situations:
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Fashion jewelry: If you want trendy pieces you'll wear for a season or two, simulants offer great value without the diamond price tag.
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Travel jewelry: Many people prefer wearing simulants when traveling to avoid the risk of losing valuable diamonds.
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Testing styles: If you're unsure about a particular jewelry setting (like halo or pavé), simulants let you try different looks before investing in real diamonds.
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Budget constraints: For those who want the diamond look but can't afford natural or lab-grown diamonds, simulants provide an accessible option.
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Costume and themed pieces: For special occasion jewelry or themed collections, simulants work perfectly well.
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Everyday casual wear: Some people prefer simulants for daily wear to save their real diamond jewelry for special occasions.
When simulants might not be the best choice:
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Engagement rings meant to last a lifetime
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Heirloom pieces passed down to future generations
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Situations where resale value matters
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When maximum durability is essential
Spotting a Simulated Diamond: What to Look For
If you're wondering whether a diamond is real or simulated, here are some ways to tell what is a simulated diamond versus another stone:
Visual inspection
Under magnification with a loupe, simulants often show different characteristics than real diamonds. Moissanite displays visible doubling of facets due to double refraction. Cubic zirconia typically appears too perfect, completely flawless with no inclusions, which is rare in natural diamonds.
Professional testing
Jewelers use diamond testers that measure thermal conductivity. Most simulants fail these tests immediately. For more thorough verification, gemologists can perform professional appraisal using multiple testing methods.
Weight comparison
If you can weigh the stone, simulants are often noticeably heavier than diamonds of the same size. This requires precision scales but can be a quick indicator.
Light performance
While all stones sparkle, the quality of that sparkle differs. Moissanite shows excessive rainbow flashes. White sapphire shows less fire and brilliance than diamonds. Real diamonds have a balanced, distinctive sparkle.
Heat test
Real diamonds disperse heat rapidly due to their thermal conductivity. If you breathe on a stone, fog should disappear almost instantly on a real diamond but linger on simulants. This isn't foolproof but can offer clues.
For valuable jewelry, always get certification or a grade report from reputable organizations like GIA or IGI. These reports verify authenticity and provide detailed information about the stone's characteristics.
Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring at Gema&Co
While simulated diamonds like cubic zirconia offer budget-friendly options for fashion jewelry, they don't match the durability and lasting beauty of moissanite or lab-grown diamonds. Moissanite delivers exceptional brilliance and nearly diamond-level hardness, while lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, both are conflict-free and environmentally responsible choices that will last a lifetime.
At Gema & Co, we specialize in handcrafted moissanite and lab-grown diamond jewelry designed with both ethics and beauty in mind. Ready to find your perfect ring? Explore our engagement ring collections or design your own custom ring today.
FAQ: What Is a Simulated Diamond?
Are simulated diamonds real diamonds?
No, simulated diamonds are not real diamonds. They're made from different materials that imitate diamond's appearance. While they're real gemstones, they lack the chemical composition and physical properties of actual diamonds.
Is a simulated diamond worth anything?
Most simulated diamonds have minimal resale value compared to real diamonds. You might recover some value from the jewelry setting, but the simulated stone itself typically carries little to no market value.
Which is better, simulated diamond or cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is actually a type of simulated diamond, so this comparison depends on what you're comparing it to. Among simulants, moissanite is far better than cubic zirconia due to its superior hardness and durability.
How long do simulated diamonds last?
Simulated diamonds can last many years with proper care, but they don't last forever like real diamonds. Softer simulants like cubic zirconia may show scratching, clouding, or wear within 5-10 years of regular use, while harder options like moissanite can maintain their appearance for life.
