Diamonds are known as the ultimate girl’s best friend, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Due to their high price tag and ethical concerns, some couples seek alternatives.
Moissanite is the most popular diamond alternative on the market. This beautiful gem is comparable to a diamond on the Mohs hardness scale but comes with a more attractive price.
1. Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is the perfect diamond alternative, offering the same sparkle and fire as a genuine diamond at a fraction of the price. It is a synthetic, laboratory-created crystalline gemstone that is colorless.
CZ rings are becoming more and more popular because they look very similar to a diamond ring and are much more affordable. They are also a great option for those that want to avoid the ethical issues associated with purchasing a natural diamond.
In fact, it is possible to get a one or two carat cubic zirconia diamond ring for under $100. Unlike the real thing, however, CZ rings are not as durable and will scratch or discolor easily. They also tend to absorb oils from the skin and other substances.
While CZ is an ideal diamond substitute, moissanite is an even better choice. Moissanite is a naturally occurring gem and is more ethically sustainable than cubic zirconia. Plus, it has a higher refractive index, meaning that it can be cut into more intricate shapes. It can even be crafted into a cushion or pear shape.
2. Beryl
Beryl is a beautiful gemstone that can be found in a wide range of colors. This beautiful stone is a beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate mineral with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. The color variations of beryl are due to impurities such as chromium and vanadium. The most famous beryl variety is emerald, with green hues that can be pale to deep and bright. The rarer trapiche emeralds feature raylike spokes of dark carbon resulting in a six-pointed star pattern. Other beryl varieties include aquamarine, heliodor, and morganite. The colorless variety is called goshenite.
This stunning gemstone is an excellent choice for those seeking a diamond alternative. This is because it is available in a variety of blue shades that can be used to create dazzling jewelry pieces.
It is also an affordable option that many people find very appealing. It is a popular choice in engagement rings and can be paired with other gems to create a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Another benefit of this gemstone is its durability. It is a 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is resistant to scratches and other damages that can be caused by everyday wear.
3. Topaz
For some jewelry fans, the idea of a diamond alternative isn’t about replicating the exact appearance of a natural diamond. Instead, they want an eye-catching gemstone that stands apart.
In this category, Topaz shines with its range of stunning colorations and affordable prices. It is also commonly found in larger sizes which makes it ideal for jewelry designers.
While for many years extra color was added to Topaz by coating it, the 21st century has seen a change in this approach. Now, gems like Galileia topaz are created with the addition of natural colors by diffusing them throughout the entire gemstone using a safe and stable process.
Morganite is another popular choice for a clear diamond replacement. It has a soft pink coloration with a unique pleochroism that means it looks paler or deeper in color depending on how the gem is viewed. Morganite is often used in engagement rings and necklaces and is a durable choice that ranks 7 on the Mohs scale.
4. Opal
Historically, opal was considered one of the most precious gems. It harbored a rainbow of colors that resembled many other revered gemstones and was celebrated by indigenous peoples for its ability to bring love, fortune, luck, and passion. It is also said to inspire lightness of spirit and spontaneity.
Moissanite is another diamond alternative that has been growing in popularity as a center stone for engagement rings. Discovered over 100 years ago by a scientist who thought he found diamonds inside of meteorite fragments, it turns out that those crystals were actually silicon carbide (also known as moissanite). Today, these stones are produced in labs to create a diamond alternative that is more durable than natural diamonds and has an almost identical refractive index and clarity.
A recently discovered gemstone, tanzanite has become a popular choice for those looking to find diamond-like jewelry on a budget. This blue and violet-hued gem is a great alternative for those who are not fond of sapphires, as it’s softer than sapphires yet still rated at a 7 on the Mohs scale. Shane Co offers a variety of tanzanite earrings, necklaces and bracelets as well as tanzanite fashion rings.
5. Amethyst
Diamonds may be the most iconic and timeless gemstone for jewelry, but there are plenty of options out there that are equally beautiful. Some people who choose non-diamond jewelry are searching for something more unique or sustainable, while others simply want the look of a diamond without the price tag.
Amethyst gemstones add big presence to earrings, rings and necklaces, with a vibrant violet color that stands out. These regal gems can be found in affordable faceted designs, making them a great choice for those looking for a diamond alternative. They also rank at a 7 on the Mohs scale, so they are more durable than softer stones like opals or pearls that can be damaged more easily.
Another advantage of amethyst is that it can be found in a variety of colors from light pink to deep purple. This versatility makes amethyst a great option for those who love to experiment with different styles and looks for their jewelry.
Other options that are gaining popularity as diamond alternatives include sapphires, morganite and rubies. Sapphires are a good choice for those who want a more classic and vintage look, while rubies can offer a bolder style. However, all of these gemstones can wear down over time from everyday wear and exposure to household soaps and cleaners, so it’s important to take care of them well.
6. Quartz
Quartz, also known as rock crystal or crystal, makes an affordable diamond alternative. While it may never be as beautiful as a well-cut diamond, it can sparkle and shine in many jewelry designs. Jewelry designers often incorporate it in unique, twisted, or twisted-knot designs, which are popular among those seeking more modern takes on classic motifs. Quartz can also be polished to a high-luster, making it suitable for rings and other pieces that will receive frequent wear.
For those who prefer a natural stone, sapphire is a good diamond alternative that comes in a range of colors and is durable enough for daily wear. Sapphire has the added benefit of symbolizing wisdom, loyalty and trust. Morganite is another natural diamond alternative that’s becoming increasingly popular because it has the same brilliance as a mined diamond but at a lower price point.
For those looking for an even more economical option, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice. They’re made by cutting and polishing natural gemstones in a laboratory, using high-tech equipment that produces minimal environmental impact. A jeweler who offers lab grown diamonds can make them indistinguishable from their mined counterparts, so you can have the best of both worlds without breaking your budget!
7. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are gaining popularity as the 1st choice for couples who want ethically sourced Japanese engagement rings. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and offer a guilt-free sparkle for those concerned with the environmental impact of mining. They also use significantly less electricity and water per carat than their mined counterparts.
While cubic zirconia and moissanite may be crafted from different raw materials, gem-quality lab diamonds are derived from pure carbon crystals. For those concerned with ethical and sustainable jewelry, lab diamonds are the best choice for an engagement ring alternative.
Regardless of your budget, the jewelry industry is booming with choices that celebrate individuality and beauty. From the sparkling brilliance of moissanite and CZ, to the enchanting allure of garnet, emerald, amethyst, peridot, and sapphire, there is a gemstone to suit any style or preference.
While no alternative looks exactly like a diamond, each one offers a unique appeal that is sure to please. Whether you choose the fiery sparkle of cubic zirconia, the elegant allure of beryl, or the hypnotic allure of gems such as opal, sapphire, and amethyst, there is a piece of jewelry that is perfect for you.
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