The popularity of diamond simulants and lab grown diamonds has surged recently. At first glance, both may look the same, but they are very different in reality.

Diamond simulants and lab grown diamonds each have their distinctive features and differ from one another in many ways. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of diamond simulants and lab-grown diamonds to help you make an informed decision about your next sparkling jewelry purchase.

What Are Diamond Simulants?

Simulated diamonds refer to gemstones created to mimic the sparkle and brilliance of natural diamonds. However, these simulants are composed of varied materials and have different physical and chemical properties from the mined gemstone or lab grown diamond.

Diamond simulants have a different chemical makeup and are not made entirely of carbon atoms. Instead, they use materials like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white topaz to radiate exceptional fire for a fraction of the cost of the naturally occurring stone. Diamond simulants are used to adorn various rings, earrings, and other pieces of fashion and costume jewelry.

Benefits of Diamond Simulants

Purchasing diamond simulants over traditional or lab grown diamonds offers several benefits. This includes:

• Affordability: Diamond simulants cost comparatively less than natural or lab-grown diamonds. This makes them an affordable option for those on a tight budget looking for a diamond-like appearance without the hefty price tag.
• Conflict-Free Alternatives: Purchasing a traditional diamond carries the risk of unintentionally supporting unethical mining practices, including violence, child labor, and conflict. Conversely, diamond simulants are created in controlled environments, guaranteeing safety from such ethical concerns.
• Striking Appearance: Thanks to their unique composition, diamond simulants possess a high refractive index compared to natural diamonds. This provides them with an added sparkle, and the various hue options improve their versatility.
• Easy Accessibility: Moissanite and cubic zirconia are easily available online and in most jewelry shops. Additionally, the simulant requires no insurance and can be easily replaced in the event of loss or damage.

Drawbacks of Diamond Simulants

While diamond simulants have several plus points over regular diamonds, they come with their fair share of problems:

• Since they are not made of pure carbon, diamond simulants are not as hard and durable as real diamonds. They are prone to scratches and may discolor or suffer from wear and tear over time.
• While they resemble diamonds at first glance, there’s still a noticeable difference between the optical properties of a simulant and a natural gemstone. The greater the size of the simulant gets, the more prominent this difference is,
• Moissanite and cubic zirconias are produced in mass quantities, making them worth little to no market value in the future.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Unlike diamond simulants, lab grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. As their name suggests, lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratories that replicate the natural conditions required for diamond formation.

The two most common methods of creating lab grown diamonds include High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. They can take anywhere between two weeks to two months to form. Cultivated diamonds are real diamonds, made from pure carbon atoms and receive the standard diamond grading as that of a naturally formed diamond.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds, indistinguishable from mined diamonds, feature various benefits that make them a better replacement for mined or simulant diamonds. This includes:

• Identical Chemical Makeup: Lab grown diamonds emit the same sparkle, fire, and scintillation as real diamonds and are impossible to tell apart without the use of specialized equipment.
• Inexpensive: Cultivated diamonds, of the same size, grade, and durability as natural diamonds, are sold for much lower prices.
• Sustainable Alternative: The diamonds are grown in a controlled environment and are thereby free from the unethical practices involved in fresh mining.

Drawbacks of Lab Grown Diamonds

While they offer a cheaper, ethical, and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds also have some downsides, such as:

• Lack of intrinsic, one-of-a-kind rarity that is otherwise present in mined diamonds. The composition process of lab diamonds prevents the stone from forming unique traits that are present in naturally developed stones.
• The value of earth-mined diamonds is still much higher than that of lab-grown ones and will most likely increase in the future. However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the future of lab diamonds and their value in the coming years.

Diamond Simulants vs Lab Grown Diamonds - What’s the Difference?

Having considered their features, benefits, and drawbacks, it's time to answer the million-dollar question − which is better? Both lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants offer the dazzling radiance of natural diamonds without being involved in unethical practices or costing you a bank.

However, when it comes to durability and long-term value, lab grown diamonds are the better choice. These synthetic diamonds have a Mohs hardness rating of 10 in contrast to the lower value of diamond simulants. Moreover, lab grown diamonds have greater longevity and may be worn daily and passed down as family heirlooms without damaging their structure.

Diamond simulants such as Moissanites stand out in terms of sparkle. This type boasts a hard-to-ignore luster and is available in a range of colors, adding to its versatility. 

Lastly, the cost of obtaining a diamond simulant with no inclusions is also significantly lower than that of a naturally occurring or lab-grown one.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the choice between diamond simulants and lab grown diamonds depends on individual values, budgets, and preferences. If you're looking to enjoy the diamond glam for everyday use without paying a high price, opt for diamond simulants. However, if you want a genuine diamond that you can cherish and hold on to, go with the lab-grown diamond.

Feel free to browse through our collection of exquisite diamond jewelry at Happy Jewelers and pick a product that aligns with your principles and preferences.