A diamond simulant is any material that is designed to mimic the appearance of a diamond but is not a natural diamond or a synthetic diamond. Simulants can have a similar look, including sparkle, clarity, and colour to diamonds, but they are made from entirely different materials. These materials are often chosen because they are affordable alternatives that provide a diamond-like aesthetic without the high price tag.
Types of Diamond Simulants
Several materials are commonly used as diamond simulants, each offering different levels of resemblance to diamonds in terms of appearance, durability, and cost. Some of the most well-known diamond simulants include:
Cubic Zirconia (CZ):
Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular and widely recognised diamond simulants. It is a man-made gemstone made from zirconium dioxide, which is heat-treated to produce a material with a brilliant appearance.
While cubic zirconia can look very similar to a diamond at first glance, it has a lower hardness (8-8.5 on the Mohs scale compared to diamond’s 10) and a softer, more brittle structure, making it more prone to scratching over time.
Cubic zirconia is often used in cost-effective jewellery and can be found in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours. While it may sparkle brightly, it lacks the brilliance and fire that diamonds possess, and its optical properties are different from those of a true diamond.
Moissanite:
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral (silicon carbide) that is often synthetically produced for use in jewellery. It is considered one of the best diamond simulants due to its exceptional brilliance and fire (the ability to reflect colourful flashes of light).
Moissanite is harder than cubic zirconia, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it more resistant to scratching and wear. It is very difficult to distinguish from a diamond without magnification or expert testing.
The key difference between moissanite and diamonds is that moissanite has more rainbow-like flashes in the light, while diamonds tend to exhibit a more white sparkle.
Glass:
Glass is a less expensive and less durable material that is sometimes used as a diamond simulant. Lead glass is sometimes treated to look like a diamond, but it lacks the hardness and optical brilliance of other simulants. Glass can easily be scratched or chipped, and it will show more signs of wear than other simulants.
Glass can have a shiny appearance and can be cut to mimic a diamond shape, but its sparkle is far less intense than that of a diamond, and its light dispersion (fire) is almost nonexistent.
White Sapphire:
White sapphire is a natural gemstone that is used as a diamond alternative. While it is not a simulant in the traditional sense, it is often used in jewellery as a substitute for diamonds. White sapphires are harder than cubic zirconia (9 on the Mohs scale), and although they are durable, they do not exhibit the same level of brilliance as diamonds.
The luster of white sapphire is different from diamonds, and it may appear a bit more dull or flat compared to the dazzling sparkle of a true diamond. However, it can be an attractive and more affordable alternative.
Zircon:
Zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone that can be clear or colourless, resembling a diamond. However, zircon has a lower hardness (7.5 on the Mohs scale) than both diamonds and moissanite, making it prone to wear and scratching.
It is also optically different from a diamond, exhibiting more fire (the colourful flashes of light), but its brilliance does not match the diamond’s. Despite its brilliance, zircon’s fragility and lack of long-term durability make it less ideal as a diamond simulant.
White Topaz:
Topaz is another natural gemstone that can be colourless and used as a diamond simulant. White topaz is often treated to enhance its colour and appearance, and it has a brilliant appearance under light.
However, topaz is softer than diamonds, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, and while it is still durable, it is more prone to scratching and clouding over time. The sparkle of white topaz is not as intense or dynamic as that of a diamond.
Differences Between Simulants and Diamonds
While diamond simulants may appear similar to diamonds in some ways, there are several key differences between them and a natural or synthetic diamond:
Hardness:
One of the most significant differences is the hardness of the material. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth (10 on the Mohs scale), which gives them their superior durability and scratch resistance. Simulants like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and glass are much softer and can become scratched and dull over time.
Brilliance:
Brilliance refers to how a diamond reflects white light, creating a sparkle that is highly prized in diamonds. While many simulants, especially moissanite, can have high levels of sparkle, they lack the unique dispersion of light found in diamonds, resulting in a different overall appearance. For example, moissanite has a more rainbow-like sparkle, while diamonds generally exhibit more white brilliance.
Fire:
Fire is the dispersion of light into its spectral colours. While moissanite and cubic zirconia can exhibit fire, the type and amount of fire in a diamond are unique and contribute to its iconic look. Cubic zirconia and glass have less fire, and their dispersion can be unnatural, making them easily distinguishable from real diamonds.
Price:
The primary attraction of simulants is their affordability. While natural diamonds can be extremely expensive due to their rarity and the labour-intensive processes of mining and cutting, simulants are far more budget-friendly. Moissanite and cubic zirconia, for example, are often used as alternatives in engagement rings and other jewellery for those seeking the look of a diamond without the cost.
Weight:
While simulants may appear similar to diamonds, they often weigh more than diamonds of the same size. For example, cubic zirconia and moissanite tend to be denser than diamonds, so a simulant of the same size will likely weigh more than a diamond of the same dimensions. This can be noticeable when comparing the weight of a stone and can help distinguish a simulant from a diamond.
Diamond simulants offer an attractive, affordable alternative to natural diamonds, especially for those seeking a diamond-like appearance without the high cost. While they may mimic the sparkle and shine of diamonds, they lack the durability, hardness, and intrinsic qualities that make diamonds unique. Whether choosing a simulant for an engagement ring or as an accessory, it’s important to understand the differences in appearance, longevity, and value when selecting the right material for your jewellery.