Simulated Diamonds

If diamonds are a rich girl's best friend, then simulated diamond are a smart girl's best friend. Man can recreate almost anything he fancies, so it's not surprising that he discovered a way to replicate the hardest and the most desired substance on earth.

Simulated Diamonds Vs. Real Diamonds

If someone was to compare the advantages of simulated or synthetic diamonds against real diamond, practically speaking simulated diamonds would outweigh real diamonds. The big question is what are simulated diamonds? Simulated diamonds are man-made diamonds, they are created under controlled lab environment and cost a fraction of the cost of real diamonds. They are clearer and easily available compared to the real diamonds. The color and size you desire is always available. The only drawback is that they are man-made and this perhaps, is the only quality that gives real diamonds the winning edge. When compared to the original diamond, simulated diamonds don't have exactly the same physical properties. A real diamond measures 10 on Mohs hardness scale and has a density of about 3.51, refractive index of 2.4 and luster index of 17.2%. Simulated diamonds vary in this aspect also. More on synthetic diamonds vs. natural diamonds.

Types of Simulated Diamonds

There are many types of simulated diamonds, these types vary according to the character and the material used for their production. Let us take a look at some of this kind of diamonds.

Cubic Zirconia Diamonds: They are also known as American diamonds and are the most popular simulated diamonds. The clarity level of these diamonds is much higher than real diamond but they are not as hard as real diamonds. Due to their low cost, these diamonds are used in jewelry nowadays. Mostly simulated diamond engagement rings are made up of Cubic Zirconia as these diamonds can be created in many colors. These diamonds also weigh more than natural diamonds. Also read cubic zirconia diamonds vs. diamonds.

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) Diamonds: Another type of simulated diamond is yttrium aluminum garnet diamond. These are also used for simulated diamond jewelry. Although due to better clarity of the Cubic Zirconia stimulated diamonds, their used has been reduced in recent years.

Moissanite Diamonds: They were created by Henri Moissan using material found at a meteor crater site. Moissanite are used as gems in jewelry and also as diamond stimulants. These diamonds are relatively harder, making them ideal for use in experiments and in industrial tools.

Simulated Diamond Uses

Diamonds have many uses other than just ornamental. They are used for industrial purposes in lasers and in experiments because of their grading on the Moh scale. Since there are many cheaper alternatives available in the form of clarity enhanced diamonds and simulated diamonds, most of the low-grade natural diamonds are not used to make diamond jewelry. The cut, color, clarity and carat of the diamond are the main aspects of diamond grading systems. The bigger the carat, the higher the price and the better the cut, more the price and so on. These days simulated diamonds wedding sets and simulated diamond earrings are very popular. The main reason for this is the affordable cost and the fact that they are identical to natural diamonds. This is one of the main reasons why simulated diamond rings are so popular among couples. Only an expert's eye can decipher the difference between the two. In fact, some American diamonds can't be distinguished by electronic diamond scales.

Natural diamonds have imperfections in their clarity, carat and color. So if a diamond has a unique color, a good size, clarity and is well cut, it will cost a fortune. On the other hand, a simulated diamond created in a lab under high pressure with the same or better grading will not cost the consumer an arm and a leg. But imperfections aren't always bad and no simulated diamond can match up to the charm and the exclusivity of a natural diamond. Just because a diamond glitters, it doesn't mean it's real, if you are buying a diamond, ensure that you are fully aware of the type you are buying. After all, not all that glitters is gold or diamond!