What Are Simulated Diamonds?
A simulated diamond looks like a diamond but consists of a different material. Cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white sapphire can all serve as diamond simulants. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, with the same crystal structure as a natural diamond. GIA explains the difference between these materials.
Check the stone name before you compare ring prices. A bright photo or a low price does not tell you what the stone is.
The Official Definition
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) puts it simply. Simulated diamonds look like diamonds but have completely different properties. They're not diamonds at all.
Lab created diamonds? Those are real diamonds made in labs. Simulated diamonds? They're totally different materials trying to look like diamonds.
Here's the breakdown:
- Natural diamonds: Pure carbon formed deep in the Earth
- Lab-grown diamonds: Real diamonds made with technology
- Simulated diamonds: Various materials pretending to be diamonds
| Stone | What it is | Mohs hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Natural diamond | Diamond formed in the Earth | 10 |
| Lab grown diamond | Diamond grown in a lab | 10 |
| Cubic zirconia or CZ | Zirconium dioxide | 8.5 |
| Moissanite | Silicon carbide | 9.25 |
| White sapphire | Colorless corundum | 9 |
The Science Part (Don't Worry, We'll Keep It Simple)
The word simulated describes a similar look. It does not mean the stone has the properties of a diamond. Lab grown diamonds consist of carbon arranged in a diamond crystal structure. In gemology, synthetic diamond means lab grown diamond. Synthetic moissanite means moissanite made in a lab. The material name after the word synthetic matters. Natural diamonds form in the Earth.
Lab grown diamonds form in a controlled setting. Both are diamonds, but their origin differs. Simulated diamonds are made from different stuff. They might sparkle like diamonds, but their molecular structure is completely different. This changes everything about how they look and last over time.
Bottom line: simulated diamonds aren't real diamonds. They're copies designed to look like diamonds for way less money. But they can't match a diamond's hardness, sparkle, or fire. Not even close.
Common Types of Diamond Simulants
Let's break down the main players in the simulant game.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
CZ is everywhere. It's the most common diamond look-alike you'll find. CZ is an option for trying a ring style on a small budget. It is softer than diamond, so scratches can build up with wear. Clean the stone before you judge a dull surface. Dirt and scratches need different solutions.
What you need to know:
- Hardness: 8-8.5 (diamonds are 10)
- Weight: Heavier than diamonds
- Sparkle: Pretty good, but missing that diamond fire
- Durability: Gets scratched and cloudy fast
Price: $10-50 per carat
Best for: Costume jewelry, vacation wear, or when you might lose it.
Moissanite
Moissanite suits buyers who like strong rainbow flashes. Here's where things get interesting. Moissanite actually sparkles more than diamonds sometimes. It throws off rainbow flashes that can be pretty spectacular. These flashes are called fire. More fire does not make a stone a diamond.
View moissanite and diamond in daylight and indoor light to see which look you prefer. GIA describes these visual differences in its guide to diamond simulants.
The specs:
- Hardness: 9.25 (really durable)
- Fire: Better than diamonds (those rainbow flashes)
- Sparkle: Seriously impressive
- Heat: Won't get damaged by heat
Price: $300-800 per carat
Care: Clean it with soap and water. That's it. It'll look good forever if you treat it right.
White Sapphire
White sapphire is the quiet option. It's more subtle than the flashy alternatives. White sapphire is colorless sapphire. Sellers offer both natural and lab grown versions. Check the stone's origin and ask about treatments. View it in normal light to decide whether you like its appearance. Its hardness does not tell you how much it will sparkle.
Two types:
- Natural: Mined from the earth with natural flaws
- Synthetic: Made in labs, usually clearer
What to expect:
- Less sparkly than diamonds or moissanite
- Understated elegance
- Very clear in synthetic versions
Good :
Super durable (9 on hardness scale) You can get natural stones
Not so good:
Not as brilliant as other options
Can look cloudy without proper care
The Budget Options
Glass and YAG exist. They're cheap. Really cheap.
When you might use these:
- Very short-term wear
- Costume parties
- When you need rock-bottom prices
- Practice jewelry
Reality check: These don't last. We're talking weeks or months before they look terrible.
Mohs hardness measures scratch resistance. It does not measure resistance to chips or impact. Even a diamond can chip after a hard blow. These values come from GIA's guides to diamond simulants, diamond care, and sapphire care.
| Factor | Cubic Zirconia (CZ) | Moissanite | White Sapphire | Other Simulants | Lab-Grown Diamonds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) | Silicon carbide (SiC) | Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) | Various (glass, YAG, etc.) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 8 – 8.5 | 9.25 | 9 | 5 – 7 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.15 – 2.18 | 2.65 – 2.69 | 1.76 – 1.77 | 1.5 – 2.0 | 2.42 |
| Fire / Brilliance | Good brilliance, limited fire | Exceptional fire | Subtle brilliance, minimal fire | Poor to fair | Exceptional (same as natural) |
| Cost per Carat | $10 – $50 | $300 – $800 | $100 – $400 | $5 – $100 | $800 – $3,000 |
| Durability | Prone to scratching and clouding | Excellent | Very good with care | Poor to fair | Excellent |
| Weight | 1.7× heavier | 12% lighter | Similar | Varies | Identical |
| Heat Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Poor to fair | Excellent |
| Resale Value | Minimal ($5–$20) | Low ($50–$200) | Low ($30–$100) | None | 40–60% of price |
| Professional Detection | Easily detected | Detectable | Easily identified | Obvious | Needs special tools |
| Certification | Basic certs | GIA for moissanite | Limited | None | Full GIA/IGI |
| Best Use Cases | Costume, temporary | Fashion, alt. engagement | Elegant, subtle wear | Very short-term | All fine & engagement |
| Maintenance | Frequent | Minimal | Regular | High | Minimal |
| Longevity | 6 mo – 2 yrs | Lifetime | 5–10+ yrs | Weeks–Months | Lifetime |
| Ethical Considerations | Conflict-free | Conflict-free, eco | Synthetic, conflict-free | Low impact | Eco & conflict-free |
The bottom line: Simulated diamonds are cheap. Lab-grown diamonds give you real diamond properties for much less than natural diamonds. If you want something that'll last and hold value, lab-grown wins hands down.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
Advantages of Simulated Diamonds
- The price is right This is the big one. You can get a huge stone for practically nothing.
- Sleep well at night No conflict diamonds. No environmental guilt. Buy with a clear conscience.
- Options galore Want maximum sparkle? Go moissanite. Tight budget? Try CZ. Prefer subtle? White sapphire's your friend.
- Cheaper insurance Lower value means lower insurance costs. Perfect for everyday wear.
- Fashion freedom Try trendy styles without the financial stress. Experiment all you want.
Disadvantages of Simulated Diamonds
- Zero investment value Don't kid yourself. These won't hold value. Consider them like clothes or shoes.
- They wear out Most simulants are softer than diamonds. Expect scratches, chips, and dullness over time.
- Social stuff matters Some situations expect real diamonds. Engagement rings especially. Know your audience.
- Hard to sell Good luck finding someone to buy your used simulants. The resale market barely exists.
- Experts can tell Any trained jeweler will spot a simulant immediately. Keep that in mind.
Simulated vs Lab-Grown Diamonds
When you're looking at diamond alternatives, lab-grown diamonds hit a sweet spot. They're real diamonds made in labs instead of mined from the earth.
Why lab-grown diamonds rock:
- Same hardness, sparkle, and fire as natural diamonds
- Cost 30-50% less than natural diamonds
- Get full GIA and IGI certifications
- Last forever without getting dull or scratched
- Totally eco-friendly
Read about the environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds to learn more.
When simulants make sense:
- Fashion jewelry you'll wear occasionally
- Super tight budgets
- High-loss-risk situations (travel, sports)
- Costume or theater use
Choosing a Simulant or a Lab Grown Diamond
Start with the material you want to own. Choose a lab grown diamond if you want a real diamond. Choose a simulant if you prefer that gem's look or it fits your budget.
For an engagement ring, include the setting in your comparison. Check the metal, band width, and how the setting holds the stone. A harder gem does not make a thin or poorly made ring strong.
Compare complete ring prices with the same metal and a similar stone size. Check whether each quote includes the center stone, setting, and any report. A price for a loose stone is not a price for a finished ring.
What a Diamond Tester Can Tell You
Some diamond testers measure how well a stone conducts heat. Moissanite can produce a diamond reading on a tester that relies on heat alone. That result does not prove the stone is a natural diamond. GIA documents the testing issue with moissanite.
Gemologists use further tests to identify the material. Specialist equipment can also distinguish lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds. Ask what a test checks before you rely on its result. Read how GIA identifies laboratory grown diamonds.
How to Check a Stone Before Buying
Read the Material Name
Look for a clear name such as lab grown diamond, natural diamond, moissanite, or cubic zirconia. For a ring described only as man made, ask which stone it contains. Terms such as diamond look or diamond alternative do not identify the material.
Compare Size in Millimeters
Ask for the stone's length and width in millimeters. Carat measures weight. Stones made from different materials can have different sizes at the same weight. Our diamond size guide explains how to compare visible size.
Check the Report and the Stone Together
If a diamond comes with a grading report, look up the report on the lab's official website. Compare its shape, weight, and measurements with the stone you receive.
A real report number alone does not prove that a stone matches the report. GIA has found moissanite carrying a copied diamond report number. A jeweler can check the stone and any laser inscription against the report. See GIA's documented example.
Review the Order Details
Check delivery timing, return conditions, and resizing terms before paying. For a made to order ring, ask when you will receive the actual report number. A sample report shows an example stone, not the stone in your order.
Lab Grown Diamond Rings at Leonids
At Leonids, we offer lab grown diamond engagement rings. We provide an IGI report for center diamonds of 0.5 carat or more. Smaller accent diamonds do not receive separate reports.
For our made to order rings, we provide the report number after shipping. Before you order, you can view a sample in our IGI report guide.
Compare the listed center stone details, metal, and millimeter measurements to choose your ring.
Sources and References
Read these sources for more on diamond simulants, gem hardness, care, and testing.
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Man-made Diamonds: Questions and Answers Explains how natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, and diamond simulants differ.
- GIA. An Introduction to Simulants or Imitation Gem Materials Covers cubic zirconia, moissanite, and other gem imitations, including their hardness and appearance.
- GIA. Diamond Care and Cleaning Guide Explains diamond hardness, the risk of chips, and cleaning methods.
- GIA. Sapphire Care and Cleaning Guide Covers sapphire hardness, daily care, and how treatments affect cleaning.
- GIA, Gems & Gemology. Synthetic Moissanite with Fraudulent GIA Inscription Documents moissanite with a copied diamond report number and explains why the stone and report need to be checked together.
- GIA. Is There a Difference Between Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds? Explains shared diamond properties, different growth patterns, and the need for specialist testing.
Laboratory Report Resources
See the labs' current service pages for report details.
- GIA. Laboratory-Grown Diamond Services Current information on lab grown diamond assessments, report options, and laser inscriptions.
- International Gemological Institute (IGI). Lab Grown Diamond Report & Services Explains lab grown diamond identification, grading reports, and report details.
Source links checked on September 10, 2026.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
About the Author: This guide was written by Oggi, our jewelry expert. She has over 10 years of experience in precious metals and gemology.
Our team regularly consults with master jewelers and metallurgists to ensure we provide the most accurate, up-to-date information on jewelry metals and trends.
Last Updated: September 2026 by Jazz Su
FAQs
Oils and residue can make a stone look dull. Surface scratches can also affect its appearance. Follow care instructions for the gem and setting. If cleaning does not restore its look, ask a jeweler to inspect it.
No. Synthetic diamond means lab grown diamond. A simulated diamond consists of a different material. Both terms can appear in jewelry listings, so check the exact stone name.
Man made diamonds are real diamonds when the term refers to lab grown diamonds. Quality still varies with cut, color, and clarity. Compare the stone's details and appearance rather than treating its origin as a quality grade.
Not exactly. They're real materials that look like diamonds. Think of them as diamond impersonators rather than fake diamonds. They exist and have their own properties.
Depends who's looking. Your friends probably won't know. A jeweler will spot it in seconds. The quality of the simulant matters too.
It varies wildly. Moissanite can last forever if you care for it. CZ might look rough after a few months of daily wear. Most simulants need babying compared to real diamonds.
Absolutely. They have tools specifically designed to identify simulants. Thermal testers, electronic diamond testers, visual inspection. They'll know immediately.
That's totally up to you and what you need. For costume jewelry, fashion pieces, or tight budgets? Sure. For engagement rings or family heirlooms? Lab-grown diamonds make way more sense.
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