A Symphony of Shine: Top 9 Diamond Alternatives to Steal the Show
January 9th, 2024 / Alese Oldenburg
What Is a Diamond Alternative?
Diamond alternatives come in a variety of offerings, from diamond simulants to colorful gemstones. Many diamond alternatives are designed to simulate the appearance of a diamond without the steep price tag and ethical concerns that come with it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about diamond alternatives to see if they will make a good fit for you and your loved one.
Why Go for Alternative?
From earth displacement, ocean dredging, and habitat destruction, the truth of the matter is that the diamond mining industry is dark. And at this point in time, with so many changes in the jewelry industry, there is no positive reason to buy a mined diamond. Mining’s environmental and human impact are well known and substantiated, causing more consumers to opt for alternatives to the classic engagement ring stone.
However, the biggest appeal for many when it comes to diamond alternatives is price, as they can cost up to 80% less than a natural diamond. This astounding difference allows consumers to buy lab diamond engagement rings featuring larger carat weights instead of being limited by the steep cost of traditional diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry.
In addition, when it comes to the best stones for engagement rings, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer bright, colorful stones such as rubies, emeralds, and blue sapphires to the clear diamond, making an alternative stone the right choice for them.
The 9 Best Diamond Alternatives
From sparkly moissanite to out of this world opals, there are several diamond alternatives that might strike your fancy. Keep reading to discover the nine most popular varieties of different engagement rings and jewelry pieces.
The Nexus Diamond™ Alternative
The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulant that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look and wear of a diamond. This stone simulates a perfect diamond as it can cut glass, is completely colorless, rates internally flawless on the diamond clarity chart, and is cut to maximize brilliance and fire. Unlike other synthetic diamond alternatives, the Nexus Diamond™ alternative should not chip, crack, or become discolored or cloudy over time. However, if something should happen to your Nexus Diamond™ alternative, the company offers a Lifetime Stone Guarantee to ensure the quality of the stone forever.
The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is incredibly affordable, costing up to 80% less than a mined diamond. Consumers looking for non traditional wedding rings love this alternative for its eco-friendly and ethical origins because it’s not mined.
Moissanite
Originally thought to be a diamond due to its hardness – a 9.5 on the Mohs scale – Moissanite was discovered in 1893 and is the world’s second hardest mineral. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and reveals a different kind of brilliance than that of a diamond. Traditional diamonds reflect light in brilliance, fire, and scintillation, while a Moissanite stone exhibits a disco ball effect consisting of vivid rainbow flashes.This diamond alternative is typically considered colorless; however, some stones do have a yellow or grayish hue. Moissanite comes at a very affordable price and acts as a fabulous center stone.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide and is commonly used in costume jewelry. This stone comes in at an 8.5 on the Moh’s hardness scale, making it a softer gemstone than other diamond alternatives that we’ve discussed. While cubic zirconia is popular, it’s not unusual for it to chip or scratch when not properly cared for.
The sparkle factor of cubic zirconia is similar to that of moissanite as it also emits a disco-type effect when the stone catches the light. Thanks to laboratory engineering, cubic zirconia always captures the captivating colorless look of a D-rated diamond, but this stone can discolor over time. Lastly, cubic zirconia is among the cheapest diamond alternatives and is available in a variety of cuts and styles.
Morganite
A pink stone hailing from the beryl family, Morganite is a durable diamond alternative that offers a unique pop of color to any engagement ring or fine jewelry piece. This stone rose in popularity in the 19th century after famed Tiffany gemologist, George Frederick Kunz named the stone after New York banker, John Pierpont Morgan.
Morganite rates at 7.58 on the Moh’s scale and is known for its toughness, clarity, brilliance, and luster. This gemstone complements every skin tone beautifully and pairs nicely with nearly every type of metal (especially rose gold) and engagement ring setting. Morganite will cost you a fraction of the price you would pay for a diamond engagement ring of similar carat weight; however, these stones can be hard to find, making scarcity an issue.
White Topaz
While blue is typically the first color to come to mind when we think about topaz, this naturally occurring gemstone actually comes in a variety of hues including yellow, red, and colorless white. Compared to the hardness of a diamond, white topaz totals an 8 on the Moh’s scale, making this stone even softer than cubic zirconia. Due to its softness, it is recommended that white topaz not be worn on an everyday basis as it’s very prone to chipping and scratching.
When it comes to brilliance, white topaz does not feature the same sparkle and fire of a diamond. This stone often emits a glassy look, but white topaz can still appear clean to the naked eye if you choose a stone with minimal inclusions. Due to some of its undesirable qualities, this gemstone is a very affordable option when it comes to diamond alternatives and makes for an excellent diamond substitute if you’re on a wedding ring budget.
White Sapphire
Scoring a 9 on the Moh’s scale, white sapphire is much harder than white topaz and cubic zirconia, making it a popular choice for an engagement ring center stone. White sapphire belongs to the corundum group of gemstones, and its clear color is achieved through the presence of no other trace elements within the stone.
The sparkle of white sapphire is not nearly as impressive as that of a diamond, and the stone can appear quite white in color. It is important to search for a colorless white sapphire if you plan to use this gemstone as a diamond alternative. Some white sapphires appear cloudy or milky, resulting in an unappealing appearance that cannot compete with a natural diamond.
Opal
While totally different than a diamond in appearance, opals rank high on the diamond alternative list thanks to their natural beauty and romantic symbolism. A seductive stone, opals represent love and passion, making them a great choice for an alternative engagement ring or any physical representation of your love. What’s more, opals offer a unique display of colors in light pink, yellow, blue, and green hues.
This stone scores within the range of 5 and 6.5 on Moh’s scale and can be prone to scratches and chips. That being said, opals are rather affordable, and pricing is far more affordable than jewelry featuring a mined diamond of comparable carat size.
Colorful Gemstones
A new level of fun is brought to the proposal equation when ruby, emerald, amethyst, and sapphire gemstones act as an engagement ring’s center stone.
Once even more popular than diamonds, sapphires represent royalty and romance. While a dark blue sapphire is most common, sapphires are actually available in a variety of colors, including white, peach, pink, teal, and yellow. Another perk, sapphires are almost as durable as a diamond, coming in at a 9 on the hardness scale. These precious gemstones are meant to last, and sapphire engagement rings are the perfect piece that can be passed down from generation to generation.
A beautiful green stone, the emerald is a member of the beryl family of gemstones. Pure emeralds are also associated with royalty and are even thought to hold mystical powers. This precious stone ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Moh’s scale, making it a perfectly fine choice for everyday wear, but slightly less durable than a diamond or sapphire.
When you think of the color red, you think of love. It’s no wonder that rubies rank among the top colorful gemstone diamond alternatives. When cut by a master craftsman, rubies display fantastic sparkle and are very durable. Rubies are especially popular in vintage engagement ring settings as they capture an antique vibe that many couples crave for their forever adornment.
An uncommon yet striking center stone option, the amethyst is a vibrant purple gem that looks fabulous paired with white gold settings. Amethysts appear perfect to the naked eye and fit the bill as far as stone clarity and purity go. This stone ranks as a 7 on the Moh’s scale, meaning that it will be strong enough for daily wear but doesn’t boast the same durability as comparable stones.
Is a Diamond Alternative Right for You?
If you find yourself leaning towards a more sustainable lifestyle or simply wish to be economical without compromising on elegance, then a diamond alternative might be the perfect choice for you. Each alternative stone offers a unique blend of beauty and ethical considerations. It’s essential to consider the durability of these alternatives for day-to-day wear, ensuring that your choice aligns with your lifestyle.
When it comes to the decision of whether to opt for a diamond alternative, the advantages are clear. Not only do you get to make an environmentally conscious choice, but you can also enjoy the allure of a beautiful stone without breaking the bank. The versatility of these alternatives ensures that you can find the perfect match for your style and values.
Where Can I Find a Diamond Alternative?
Embarking on the journey to discover the ideal diamond alternative is an exciting endeavor, and fortunately, there is a wealth of options available both online and in physical stores. The convenience of online shopping allows you to explore a myriad of choices from the comfort of your home, while brick-and-mortar jewelers offer the tactile experience of trying on pieces before making a decision.
For a curated selection of exquisite diamond alternatives, look no further than Diamond Nexus. Our collection spans a diverse range of jewelry styles, ensuring that you can find precisely what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a breathtaking necklace to adorn your neckline or an engagement ring symbolizing your love, Diamond Nexus offers the perfect blend of sophistication and sustainability. Explore our collection today and discover the beauty of diamond alternatives that resonate with your values and style.
*Here at Diamond Nexus, we strive to provide valuable information while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulate that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog.