Difference Between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds

As the popularity of lab diamonds and diamond simulants continues to expand, so does the number of concerns!

There is a lot of contradicting information out there about the distinction between diamond simulants and lab made diamonds. Despite popular belief, diamond simulants and lab grown diamonds are not the same things. We've produced a comprehensive guide on knowing the difference between lab diamonds and diamond simulants to help you sift through any confusion and better understand your alternatives.

What Are Simulated Diamonds?

Diamond simulants are gemstones that are produced to look like diamonds but differ from diamonds in both appearance and composition. Simulated diamonds, such as cubic zirconia (CZ) or moissanite, have the appearance of diamonds but are not genuine diamonds.

Simulants lack the chemical and physical properties of diamonds and hence sell at a lesser price. Due to their brilliant glitter, simulants can be identified from real or lab grown diamonds with the naked eye.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?  

Our lab grown diamonds are formed from pre-existing diamonds' small carbon diamond seeds. Advanced technologies, like as tremendous pressure and heat, or a specific deposition process known as CVD, simulate the natural diamond production process. Lab grown diamonds from Brilliant Earth have the same physical, visual, and chemical qualities as naturally mined diamonds.

Even with skilled Gemological equipment, lab grown diamonds are nearly impossible to distinguish from natural diamonds, and can only be identified after intensive scientific testing using specialist equipment. Lab grown diamonds are less expensive than genuine diamonds of equivalent size and quality, and they are a more environmentally friendly option for a diamond engagement ring because they do not require fresh mining.

How Can Lab Grown Diamonds Be Distinguishable From Simulant Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, as opposed to diamond simulants, have the same physical, chemical, and visual attributes as actual mined diamonds and are considered real diamonds. Without sophisticated technology to detect tiny differences in crystal development, lab diamonds are visually indistinguishable from genuine mined diamonds. Diamond simulants, such as moissanite or cubic zirconia (CZ), differ from lab diamonds in terms of physical, chemical, and visual properties.

Because of their blazing glitter and rainbow refractions, they may be distinguished from lab diamonds with the naked eye. Lab diamond engagement rings are a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds, costing 30% less on average than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. Lab grown diamonds are graded and priced differently depending on the shape, carat, cut, color, and clarity. Diamond simulants, such as moissanite, are less expensive than both lab and genuine diamonds, with prices varying solely by size and whether the stone is Premium or Super Premium.

Diamond Simulants   

About

Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, are synthetic stones created in laboratories today. They are made to look like diamonds but differ in composition and optical properties, and they can be manufactured from a variety of materials and gemstones.

Appearance

Diamond simulants can be distinguished from real diamonds by their optical qualities. Moissanite, for example, has a double refractive index, whereas diamond has a single refractive index. As a result, the moissanite emits a bright rainbow brilliance that can be distinguished from a diamond with the naked eye.

Cost

Many popular diamond simulants are sometimes substantially less expensive than both genuine and lab diamonds. Simulants are an appealing low-cost alternative for many couples since they allow you to design your fantasy engagement ring without exceeding your budget or reducing the size of the core diamond.

Morality

Because the majority of popular diamond simulants are lab-manufactured utilizing advanced technology, they do not require additional mining and are a sustainable solution.

Benefits of Simulant Diamond

• Simulants are a more inexpensive option for many couples because they are less expensive than both natural and lab diamonds.
• Because they are lab generated and do not require additional mining, most diamond simulants are a sustainable solution.
• If you want glitter, many diamond simulants have a different refraction pattern than diamonds, resulting in a more flaming brilliance.

Drawbacks of Simulant Diamond

• Although most simulants are appropriate for daily use, they are not as durable as diamonds and are more prone to surface scratches and wear over time.
• Many diamond imitations radiate a rainbow dazzle that is clearly different from that of a genuine diamond. The larger the simulant gemstone, the more obvious it is that it is not a diamond. Although this can be a disadvantage for certain couples, simulants are becoming increasingly popular, and their distinct shine is adored by many.

Lab Grown Diamonds

About

Lab diamonds are manufactured in carefully controlled laboratory environments using technology that mimics the circumstances that diamonds naturally form. Brilliant Lab grown diamonds on Earth have the same physical, visual, and chemical qualities as naturally mined diamonds.

Appearance  

Lab diamonds have the same brilliance and optical qualities as real diamonds. The only way to tell the difference is to use specialist equipment that detects traces in crystal formation.

Cost   

Lab grown diamonds are a better value and somewhat less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and grade. They are a more reasonable option for couples looking to customize their dream ring without sacrificing design preferences or money.

Morality

Lab diamonds are a more environmentally friendly option because they do not require new mining.

Benefits of Lab Grown diamonds

• Lab diamonds emit the same fire, scintillation, and glitter as genuine diamonds and are visually indistinguishable.
• Natural diamonds of equivalent size and grade cost less than lab diamonds.
• Lab diamonds are an ethical option that does not necessitate fresh mining.
• Lab diamonds are the same composition as natural diamonds and have the same quality and durability attributes.
• Lab diamonds retain their worth exceptionally well over time and are valued keepsakes.  

Drawbacks of Lab Grown diamonds   

• Although each lab diamond has its own distinct qualities, just like a natural diamond, some people do not consider lab diamonds to be as rare or "one-of-a-kind" as mined diamonds.
• While lab diamonds keep their value better than simulant diamonds over time, natural diamonds ultimately hold and often gain in value at the fastest pace of any gemstone.   

Some of the distinctions between their chemical, optical, and physical properties are as follows:

Durability of Lab created diamond and Simulant diamond

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is the standard measurement for determining the strength of a stone. It describes a mineral's scratch resistance and is scaled from 0 (highest softness) to 10. (maximum hardness).

Lab created diamonds have a Mohs hardness rating of ten, making them one of the hardest and most durable minerals on the planet. Moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25 and cubic zirconia has a hardness rating of 8.5, making them both suitable for everyday use but more prone to surface scratching and wear over time.

Diamonds are the hardest stones on the planet. They have a Mohs scale rating of 10, indicating that they can endure whatever you may throw at them in your daily life. Diamonds' longevity is one of the reasons they are the preferred stone for engagement rings, which are worn every day for decades.

Diamonds can be passed down as family heirlooms since their structure never changes. Both lab created and earth-created diamonds will live indefinitely.

Simulant Diamonds Making

The majority of synthetic diamonds are formed of carbon crystals or cubic zirconia, also known as crystalline zirconium dioxide. Cubic zirconia is a man-made stone formed from a granular mixture of mineral powders heated to 5000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The combination of zirconium dioxide and other minerals creates a crystal-clear jewel that sparkles brightly during this alchemical process.

Lab grown diamonds are also known as diamond substitutes, moissanite, or the widely advertised Nexus Diamond replacements (which are created with an originally patented chemical formula, making them compositionally different from other simulated diamonds).

Frequently Asked Questions About Simulant Diamonds  

Are Simulated Diamonds Valuable?  

Simulated Diamonds can be a magnificent alternative to diamonds, but because they are not the same compositionally and optically as diamonds, they often do not keep their worth as well over time.

Is It Safe To Buy A Simulated Diamond?

Many popular diamond emulation products on the market now are incredibly durable and suited for daily wear. It is critical to conduct a study on the many qualities of each diamond simulant to identify which is best suited to your specific lifestyle.

Is a simulated diamond the same as cubic zirconia?  

Although cubic zirconia is a well-known diamond simulant, there are various alternative choices. Diamond substitutes like moissanite and white sapphire are becoming increasingly popular.

Wrapping up

Phew! We know it was a lot to take in, but we hope you now have a better knowledge of the differences between Simulant Diamonds and lab made diamonds. Do you want to learn more about lab diamonds and diamond simulants? Send us your questions today! To learn more, contact us and make an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our jewelry consultants!