Start with Our Diamond Quiz
What Is a Diamond Alternative?
A diamond alternative is any gemstone or material used in place of a natural diamond, typically in engagement rings or fine jewelry.
Couples choose diamond alternatives for a variety of reasons: to reduce cost, to get a larger or more eye-catching stone, or simply because they prefer the look of a different gem. With a variety of alternatives available, the right choice depends on what priorities matter most to you.
Best Diamond Alternative
Lab grown diamonds are widely considered the best overall diamond alternative. However, lab grown diamonds actually share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, so calling them an "alternative" is a bit of a misnomer. The only difference is their origin: lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over millions of years.
But if we're comparing alternative options to a traditional mined diamond, lab grown diamonds are the closest match. They're available in the same range of cuts, colors, clarities, and carat weights, and they can be set in any engagement ring style.
For couples who love the look of a diamond but want a more accessible price point, lab grown diamonds deliver without compromise.
Most Affordable Diamond Alternative
Moissanite is the most affordable diamond alternative for those who want a diamond-like appearance without sacrificing radiance.
It features notable brilliance and fire, giving it a bright, eye-catching look. Its higher refractive index creates more rainbow-like flashes than a diamond, resulting in a distinctly different sparkle at a fraction of the cost. This price difference makes it possible to choose a larger stone or a more intricate setting without stretching your budget.
Moissanite is also exclusively lab grown, which keeps pricing consistent and accessible.
Most Ethical Diamond Alternative
For couples who prioritize responsible sourcing, lab grown diamonds and lab grown gemstones are among the most common ethical alternatives. Because they are created in controlled laboratory settings rather than mined from the Earth, they avoid many of the environmental and labor concerns associated with traditional gemstone mining.
Lab grown stones also offer a more traceable path from creation to finished jewelry. At Brilliant Earth, all of our lab diamond manufacturers undergo auditing for safe working conditions, and we actively encourage their transition to renewable energy. Our Capture Collection uses carbon captured before it enters the atmosphere to create lab diamonds, and our Renewable Collection includes lab diamonds grown, cut and polished using 100% renewable energy. We were also one of the first retailers to offer SCS Sustainably Rated lab diamonds, which are carbon neutral.
For those drawn to the rarity of a natural diamond, ethical sourcing does not have to be a compromise. Brilliant Earth's natural diamonds adhere to our Beyond Conflict Free™ standards that go beyond industry norms, with verified origin and a strong commitment to responsible practices.
Most Realistic Diamond Alternative
Lab grown diamonds are the most realistic alternative to natural diamonds because they are, chemically, optically, and physically the same material.
Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural one without specialized equipment. They exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation, and they're graded on the same 4 Cs scale (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).
If your priority is a stone that is indistinguishable from a mined diamond in appearance and performance, a lab grown diamond is the closest option.
Top 5 Diamond Alternatives
Now that we've covered the standout picks by category, here's a closer look at the five most popular diamond alternatives and what sets each one apart.
1. Lab Grown Diamond
Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds form. The result is a stone with identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to a mined diamond.
Because of their wider availability, lab grown diamonds are offered at a lower price point than natural diamonds of comparable quality.
They're available in the full range of shapes, sizes, and quality grades, and they can be set in any ring style. For couples who want a diamond at a lower cost than a natural stone, lab grown diamonds are the most direct option.
2. Moissanite
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone composed of silicon carbide, known for its brilliance and fire. It was first discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893, but because natural moissanite is extremely rare, virtually all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab grown.
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is second only to diamond in durability, making it suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings. It's also more affordable than diamond, which allows for the ability to select larger stones or more intricate settings within the same budget.
One thing to keep in mind: moissanite displays more than twice the amount of fire than diamond, and this "disco ball" effect becomes especially noticeable in larger stones. Some love this rainbow sparkle, while others prefer the more subdued brilliance of a diamond. It comes down to personal preference.
3. White Sapphire
White sapphire is a colorless variety of corundum, the same mineral family as blue sapphire and ruby. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it's one of the more durable gemstones available and a suitable option for daily wear.
It offers a clean look with a softer, more understated sparkle than diamond or moissanite. Because it reflects light more subtly, it appeals to those who prefer a muted appearance over bold brilliance, while also coming in at a lower price point that can allow for a larger stone.
4. White Topaz
White topaz is a colorless gemstone that offers a bright, clean appearance at a very accessible price. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it is durable enough for everyday wear, though not as hard as sapphire, moissanite, or diamond.
It exhibits a luster, meaning it has a smooth, glass-like shine when cut and polished. Compared to diamond or moissanite, its sparkle is more subtle, creating a softer, understated look.
For those who prefer a simple, refined aesthetic and are looking for an affordable colorless stone, white topaz is a practical option.
5. Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a diamond simulant made from zirconium dioxide. At a glance, it can resemble a diamond, though the differences become more noticeable upon closer inspection.
CZ is highly transparent and displays a pronounced rainbow-like effect. Because it lacks the natural inclusions found in most diamonds, it can appear almost too perfect, making it easier to distinguish to the untrained eye.
CZ is more prone to scratching, chipping, and losing its luster over time. It has a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale but is more porous, which means it can cloud or become dull with prolonged use, especially when exposed to chemicals or everyday wear.
CZ is the most affordable option on this list. A 1-carat stone may cost only a few dollars, compared to hundreds or thousands for a diamond, moissanite, sapphire, or topaz. This makes it a practical choice for temporary settings, travel rings, or pieces that are worn occasionally.
For an engagement ring intended for daily wear over many years, other alternatives in this guide offer greater long-term durability.
Why Choose a Diamond Alternative?
There are several practical reasons to consider a diamond alternative for your engagement ring.
- Budget flexibility. Diamond alternatives are typically more affordable than natural diamonds. Many alternatives allow you to get a larger or higher-quality stone for less, freeing up budget for the setting, wedding planning, or other financial priorities.
- Variety and personalization. Choosing a non-traditional center stone is one way to create a ring that reflects personal style. From the fire of moissanite to the understated look of white sapphire, each alternative has its own visual character.
- Ethical considerations. Lab grown options offer a more traceable sourcing path. For couples who value responsible sourcing, alternatives can provide added peace of mind.
- Durability for everyday wear. Several diamond alternatives rank high on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they can handle daily wear with minimal risk of scratching.
The best choice comes down to your priorities. If matching the look of a diamond matters most, a lab grown diamond is your top contender. If budget is the driving factor, moissanite and white topaz stretch the furthest. And if durability and low maintenance are key, white sapphire is hard to beat.
