Simulated Diamonds
In this article we’ll be taking a look at a wide variety of simulated diamonds. These are also known as synthetic diamonds, so called because they “simulate” the look of the real thing. And I might add that they do this quite well. A simulated diamond is very different from a true lab created diamond. Where lab created diamonds are actual diamonds, made in a lab, diamond simulants can be a range of natural or synthetic materials that look something like a diamond. A diamond simulant is not a real diamond – but they can still make beautiful pieces of jewelry! Simulated diamond rings are a popular choice for ladies looking for a larger stone as a dress piece, without the price tag of a real of created diamond.
Moissanite
Moissanite is named after its discoverer, Henri Moussan. He was digging around in Canyon Diablo in Arizona when he came upon it. Today a synthetic gem-cut version is popular in place of diamonds in jewelry.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is very hard, normally has no color, and is optically flawless. Chemically it is a form of zirconium dioxide. With moissanite running a close second, this is diamonds’ greatest synthetic competitor since the mid 1970’s, probably due to its affordability as much as any other single factor. Cubic zirconia rings are a popular choice for buyers with lower income who are still looking for a beautiful stone, and is considered one of the best simulated diamonds. Simulated diamond jewelry made with cubic zirconias is very common, particularly on ebay. Be cautious of how this is described if you’re after a real created diamond however, as some vendors make listings for CZ jewelry sound like the real thing.
Colourless Synthetic Corundum (sapphire)
Colourless synthetic corundum is very simple to create. Because of this the market became somewhat flooded, dropping the price. That said, it is still a beautiful sapphire stone.
Synthetic Spinel
This synthetic diamond simulant has been produced by both the Verneuil Process and the flux method (in Russia). It can be found in all naturally occurring colors, as well as some which don’t occur in nature. It is very lovely, I must say.
Strontium Titanate
The natural counterpart of this stone is called tausonite and was discovered long after the original synthesis in Siberia. Interestingly, strontium titanate is both denser and softer than real diamonds.
Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG)
YAG is in the garnet family. These diamond simulants are known for both their durability and their clarity. Unfortunately, the production was basically all but ceased with the emergence of cubic zirconia.
Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG)
Gadolinium gallium garnet: say that three times fast! This is another member of the garnet family, obviously. It is most often found to be colorless. Its crystals are made through the Czochralski method and the color can be doped into various varieties.
So there you have it: a brief history of diamond simulants, both popular and rare. Remember that some of these would not necessarily make sense to purchase or use anymore nowadays, because they have been replaced by better looking and performing synthetics, such as the cubic zirconia. Nevertheless, it is good to know the history of simulants in order to understand what the state of the market is today, and what you might hear when shopping for a lab created diamond of your own.