There is a lot of confusing and conflicting information about diamond simulants and lab created (also called “cultured”) diamonds. Despite what you may have heard, simulant diamonds and lab created diamonds are not the same.
We want to help you sort through the confusion to better understand the options available, and more importantly, what you are actually buying.
Simulant Diamonds
Diamond simulants are manufactured to look like diamonds but are composed of very different materials. Although simulants share some similarities in appearance to a diamond, they are generally readily identifiable as stand-ins. The most well-known option is cubic zirconia, or CZ, which is a crystal form of zirconium oxide. Moissanite is an alternative to CZ, and is both durable and low cost. This simulant is newer, boasts slightly more sparkle, and is composed of the crystal carbide.
It is important to note the vast distinction between simulant diamonds, such as those mentioned above, and lab diamonds. Lab diamonds are man-made diamonds that consist of actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Simulants do not have the same chemical and physical properties as diamonds, and merely imitate the appearance of a diamond. Therefore, simulants sell at much lower prices than cultured diamonds.
When is a simulant diamond useful
If you love a particular setting and/or have your heart set on a certain size diamond, wallet-friendly simulants may allow you to have a ring that you adore without having to wait. You can upgrade with a diamond—cultured or mined—when the time is right for you.
Additionally, if you travel frequently, for work or leisure, having a ring set with a simulant may come in handy. You can leave home without worrying about having your diamond engagement ring lost or stolen.
Lab Created Diamonds
Brilliant Earth’s lab created diamonds have the same physical, optical, and chemical properties as our natural diamonds. Even when using professional gemological equipment, lab created diamonds are nearly impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds and can only be identified with extensive scientific testing using specialized equipment. Lab created diamonds should come with a gem certification identifying them as laboratory grown.
Arriving at a process that allows for the same composition in lab created and mined diamonds has taken decades, and not compromising quality has been worth the wait.
When to look for lab created
Lab created diamonds are an appealing option for many brides and grooms—they are slightly more affordable than their naturally-mined counterparts and are starting to become available in larger sizes. Brilliant Earth is pleased to offer a wide selection of colorless lab diamonds.
Of course, this process isn’t—and shouldn’t be—all about cost. Brides and grooms looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the look or feel of their diamond may be particularly drawn to lab created diamonds. Ultimately, selecting and wearing an engagement ring, and the diamond or gemstone sits at its center, should be a deeply personal and romantic experience. We would be honored to help you navigate—and enjoy—this incredible milestone.
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How delightful it is not the ring or the marriage certificate that makes a wonderful marriage it is two hearts full of
compassion and unconditional love.
Hi, After looking at all your gems for months now it’s clear I must create a ring for myself. Knowing how you help others is a BIG bonus. My 65th birhday is next Jan.25th so that is my target date. You once had a ring “toyon” maybe? It was very much my style, simple classic plus large enough for my “man hands”. LOL ! Pear & oval shapes plus autumn colours are my favourites so work your magic and send me some ideas. Please & thank you from a fan forever 🙂
Hi Grace, you can view all of our colored gemstones here: http://www.brilliantearth.com/colored-gemstones. Just select “Colored Diamond” and “pink” from the filter options to narrow your search. Our jewelry specialists would also be happy to help you find your dream diamond. You can contact them at 1.800.691.0952 or through the live chat on our site. Thanks for your interest!
Hi ,
Do you sell Lab created Pink Diamonds? Around 1.00ct in size?
Sharing Such a Informative Information Regarding Lab Grown Diamonds….!
i like this psge n found is very useful.
I have inherited a group of 63 simulant diamonds of multiple colors (cyrstal, dark blue & red, light blue & red orcard, black, opal) , sizes and shapes. They were an investment from 1970 (?). How do I go about selling them?
Hi Lee,
You can search for 1 carat lab diamonds using our lab diamond search to get exact prices, as diamond prices vary due to diamond characteristics like cut, clarity, and color. You can find the search here: http://www.brilliantearth.com/lab-diamonds-search/. Please call us at 1.800.691.0952 or use the live chat on our website and our jewelry experts will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect diamonds. Thanks for your interest!
I have a ring actually my wife has the ring. I had it made in Mexico for her using 3 1 carot CZ stones. The ring is made with 18 carot gold and has been noticed by one Hollywood star who my wife had sign her program when we were at the Mac Calom theatre in Palm Springs. I am sure that no one thought the ring was CZ as she recognized the 18 carot gold, but my wife was sure they spoted the CZ and will never wear the ring again. I would like to replace the stones with real diamonds so she wears the ring again. What would 3 1 carot lab created diamonds cost.
Hi Salvador,
You can find exact prices for the lab diamonds you’re looking for here: http://www.brilliantearth.com/lab-diamonds-search/. Our jewelry specialists would be happy to offer more assistance at 1.800.691.0952 or by using the live chat on our website. Thanks for your interest!
How much is your D Color Princess Cut VVS1 loose lab created diamond?
Hi Lysa, you can view the carat weights and prices of our diamonds here: http://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/search/. Our jewelry specialists would also be more than happy to advise you on purchasing a diamond and answer your questions in more depth via email (http://www.brilliantearth.com/contact/) or at 800.691.0952. Thank you for your interest!
Hi,
I would like to know how much a loose 0.50 carat radiant cut, D color VVS1 lab created diamond would cost, please. Thanks a mil!
Lysa
Hi Ray, our jewelry specialists would be more than happy to advise you on your options and answer your questions in more depth via email (http://www.brilliantearth.com/contact/) or at 800.691.0952. Thanks for your interest!
Can you send me some D-F color Vs1-S1 clarity in a halo design 2.00ct or higher looking to spend about 2k