Difference Between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Created Diamonds

A few years ago, while shopping for an engagement ring, I was confused by the terms "simulant diamonds" and "lab-created diamonds." Like many, I wanted a beautiful, ethical ring but didn't know the difference between these options.

Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds made in labs, sharing the same properties as natural ones. Simulant diamonds, like cubic zirconia or moissanite, look similar but are made from different materials and are more affordable.

In this guide, I'll share what I learned to help you understand the differences. Whether you're buying a ring or just curious, this guide will help you make an informed choice. Let's explore these sparkling options together.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are similar to natural diamonds in look, sparkle, and hardness because they are both made from carbon. The main difference is in their creation: Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment, similar to manufacturing ice cubes in your freezer, while natural diamonds form naturally over millions of years deep under the Earth and get to the surface via volcanic activity.

To the naked eye, these types of diamonds look the same, and it usually takes advanced technology and experts to detect the difference. This makes lab-grown diamonds an eco-friendly and affordable option for many people, mostly those looking for ethical and ecological jewelry.

What Are Simulated Diamonds?

Diamond simulants are synthetic gemstones that like diamonds, but both look different in look and composition. Simulated diamonds include cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite. While these stones look like real diamonds, they are not natural diamonds and do not have the same chemical or physical attributes.

These stones are much less expensive than both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Simulated diamonds are known for their sparkling and vivid brilliance, which is often more vibrant than that of natural diamonds. This different sparkle makes it simple to tell the difference between simulated and real diamonds with the naked eye, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious jewelry buyers.

What’s The Difference Between Simulated And Lab Created Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and visual qualities as naturally mined diamonds, making them real diamonds. They look just like natural diamonds, and without advanced tools, it's hard to spot any differences. These diamonds are created under conditions similar to how natural diamonds develop, giving them the same beauty and durability. These diamonds are as hard and durable as natural diamonds, with a Mohs Hardness rating of 10.

Diamond simulants, like moissanite and cubic zirconia (CZ), are more visible because they sparkle and reflect more colors. While they look similar, they don't have the same sparkel and are a bit softer. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25, but CZ has a hardness of 8.5, making them more durable but more likely to scratches over time.

When it comes to pricing, lab-created diamonds are around 50-70% less expensive than real diamonds, providing a more affordable option without losing beauty. They are priced according to size, shape, cut, color, and clarity. Simulants such as moissanite diamonds are even more affordable, with pricing mostly determined by size and whether they are rated Premium or Super Premium quality.

Lab Grown Diamonds

• About Lab Grown Diamond

Lab grown diamonds are made in modern technologies that mirror the natural processes that produce earth-mined diamonds. These diamonds, like those from Brilliant Earth, have the same characteristics as natural diamonds, including the same look and have the same durability, and sparkle.

• Lab Grown Diamond Look

Lab-created diamonds have the same sparkle and brilliance as natural diamonds. The naked eye cannot tell the difference between lab-created and natural diamonds; only advanced technologies can identify minor differences in their crystal structures.

• Lab Diamond Cost Benefits

Lab-created diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality, making them a popular and attractive choice for budget-conscious couples looking to customize their dream ring without losing on the aesthetic beauty of their jewelry.

• Lab Diamond Environmental And Ethical

Lab grown diamonds are ethical because manufacturing diamonds in a lab does not involve the disruptive mining processes required for extracting natural diamonds, making lab-created diamonds a more environmentally friendly and ethical choice.

• Benefits Of Lab Grown Diamonds

• Looks Like Natural Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds sparkle and shine similar to natural diamonds, making them difficult to tell the difference without professional tools.
• More Affordable: These diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality, which can mean big savings.
• Environmentally Friendly Diamond: Choosing lab diamonds means avoiding the environmental damage associated with mining natural diamonds.
• Quality and durability: Lab-created diamonds are created to be as long-lasting like real diamonds.
• Holds value: Lab-created diamonds keep their value over time, making them perfect gifts for loved ones.

• Drawbacks Of Lab Grown Diamonds

• Perception of Rarity: Each lab-grown diamond has unique properties similar to natural diamonds. However, some buyers consider that lab-grown diamonds do not have the same uniqueness or exclusivity as mined diamonds.
• Value Appreciation: While lab-grown diamonds hold their value better than diamond simulants, natural diamonds continue to lead in value retention and often enjoy the largest growth in value over time when compared to other gemstones.

Simulated Diamonds

• About Simulants Diamond

Diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, are man made diamonds created in laboratories to look like diamonds. While they are created to look like natural diamonds, they differ significantly in chemical composition and optical effects.

• Simulants Diamond Look

One of the most common ways to identify diamond simulants is by their different visible. Unlike diamonds, which have single refraction, simulants such as moissanite have double refraction. This difference creates a more and colorful sparkle which is simple to tell from the more subtle and white brilliance of real diamonds. 

• Simulants Diamond Cost Benefits

Diamond simulants are much less expensive than real and lab grown diamonds. This price advantage makes them a popular choice for buyers looking for big gemstones for engagement rings or other jewelry without going over their budget.

• Simulants Diamond Ethical And Environmental

Diamond simulants can be made without the need for mining, which is often linked with severe environmental damage and ethical problems. As a result, these lab-created stones provide a sustainable alternative to traditional diamond mining, attractive to eco-friendly aware buyers. 

• Advantages Of Diamond Simulated

• Cost-Effectiveness: Diamond simulants are a more affordable option for couples, costing much less than natural and lab-created diamonds.
• Eco-Friendly: Because these simulants are manufactured in laboratories, they do not require mining, making them a sustainable option for the jewelry market.
• Vivid Brilliance: Diamond simulants have a different light refraction pattern, resulting in a dazzling and fire brilliance that differs with the more calm sparkle of natural diamonds.

• Drawbacks Of Simulated Diamonds

• Durability Issues: While diamond simulants are suitable for daily usage, they are less durable than real diamonds or lab grown diamonds and are more prone to scratches and damage.
• Distinctive sparkle: The unique rainbow sparkle of simulants can be identified easily from the natural look of diamonds, particularly as the simulant size increases. This difference may be viewed negatively by some, yet the unique attraction of simulants has grown in popularity.

Durability Of Lab-Created Vs. Simulated Diamonds

The Mohs scale, which ranges from 0 (softest) to 10 (hardest), measures a diamond's ability to resist scratches. Lab-created diamonds have a perfect 10 grade, making them very durable and suitable for everyday wear, such as in engagement rings. Moissanite is close, with a hardness of 9.25, while cubic zirconia is 8.5, making them both durable but more prone to scratches.

Diamonds, both natural and lab-created, are the most long-lasting gemstones available, making them perfect for jewelry that may be passed down as family heirlooms in generations. Their durability makes them a popular choice for individuals seeking long-lasting, beautiful pieces that stand up to daily use.

Conclusion: Simulated Diamond vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Consider the benefits of lab created diamonds over diamond simulants. Lab-created diamonds have the look and feel of natural diamonds but are created without mining, making them a durable and eco friendly option. They also hold their value well, which is perfect if you consider them a long-term investment. Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, are far less expensive and shine brighter, identifying them from real diamonds. Both options benefit the environment. Your choice will be based on your budget, taste, and if you want your jewelry to retain its worth, ensuring that you select the ideal piece to meet your needs. 

FAQs: Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab-Created Diamonds

Q.1 What is simulsted Diamonds price?

Q.2 What are lab-created diamonds?

Ans. Lab-created diamonds are diamonds made in a lab using high-tech methods that copy how natural diamonds form. They look the same as natural diamonds because they have the same physical and chemical properties.

Q.3 What are simulant diamonds?

Ans. Simulant diamonds are gemstones made to look like real diamonds but are made from different materials. Common types include cubic zirconia and moissanite. They are cheaper and have different properties than real diamonds​.

Q.4 How do lab-created diamonds compare in cost to natural diamonds?

Ans. Lab-created diamonds are typically 20-70% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This makes them a cost-effective choice for those wanting diamond beauty on a budget​.

Q.5 Are simulant diamonds worth anything?

Ans. Simulant diamonds don't have the same market value as natural or lab-created diamonds. They are valued mainly for their appearance and affordability, making them a good option for budget-friendly jewelry​.

Q.6 How durable are simulant diamonds compared to lab-created diamonds?

Ans. Lab-created diamonds are very durable with a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, just like natural diamonds. Simulants like moissanite (9.25) and cubic zirconia (8.5) are also durable but can scratch more easily over time.

Q.7 What are the ethical and environmental benefits of lab-created diamonds?

Ans. Lab-created diamonds are more ethical and environmentally friendly than natural diamonds. They have a smaller carbon footprint and don't involve harmful mining practices​.

Q.8 Can simulant diamonds be identified as fake?

Ans. Yes, simulant diamonds can be identified as different from real diamonds using tests. Jewelers have tools to tell them apart based on their hardness and how they reflect light​.

Q.9 Do lab-created diamonds have resale value?

Ans. Lab-created diamonds usually hold their value better than simulant diamonds but may not appreciate like natural diamonds. They are a good investment for their quality and ethical benefits, although their resale value can vary.