What are Diamond Simulants and should you buy one?

So you're looking into investing in your jewellery collection? Amazing! As diamond simulants continue to grow in popularity, the rise in interest and questions in terms of their quality, pros and cons has increased. In this blog we're going to go through it all!

To better understand what a diamond simulant is, it is important to know and understand diamond composition. 

What is a diamond?

A diamond is a naturally occurring mineral composed of pure carbon that creates a crystal. A natural mined diamond is formed naturally beneath the earth's crust due to the high temperatures. A lab-grown diamond is a diamond optically, chemically, thermally, and physically identical to a mined diamond but created above ground.

What is a diamond simulant?

A diamond simulant (such as Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite) is a gemstone manufactured to look like a real diamond. Cubic Zirconia is a colourless gemstone, made up of the crystalline form of Zirconium Dioxide. Its natural colourlessness allows manufactures to colour it with colouring agents. A diamond simulants gemstones are not as hard as real diamonds, but they're still more durable than most gemstones.

Pros and cons of diamond simulants:

Pros:

• Affordability- Budget-friendly compared to natural and lab created diamonds
• Sustainability- The lab-grown nature of diamond simulants makes them an eco-conscious choice
• Unique Sparkle: Many diamond simulants emit a different refraction pattern than natural diamonds, resulting in a heightened fiery brilliance that appeals to those who appreciate a distinctive sparkle

Cons:

• Do not last as long as real diamonds and are not as durable
• Visual differences- diamond simulants sometimes emit a rainbow sparkle when in contact with sunlight, which is more apparent the larger a diamond is

Pros and cons of diamonds

Pros:

• Durability- Natural diamonds have exceptional hardness and durability, earning their place as the hardest natural substance on earth
• Unique Rarity: No two natural diamonds are alike. Each one carries a distinctive geological narrative, making them rare and unique, adding sentimental value to the stone
• Long-Term Value: Natural diamonds often retain value over time, sometimes even appreciating, making them a potential investment piece

Cons:

• Environmental Impact: Mining for natural diamonds often has a significant environmental impact, including deforestation, soil erosion, and disruption of local ecosystems.
• Cost: Natural diamonds are generally more expensive than their lab-grown counterparts due to mining, transportation, and processing costs

Should I buy a real diamond or a diamond simulant?

Well, after going through the pros and cons list for each, your choice should be a little clearer based on your values, budget and overall goal to achieve when buying jewellery.

In our opinion, diamond simulants are the better option from a sustainable point of view. At R O M E E L A , the environment is very important to us, and we aim to be 100% sustainable in the near future. Real diamonds have an overall negative impact on the environment that diamond simulants do not. Diamond simulants are also a fraction of the price of a real diamond, allowing everyone to experience a little luxury. The reality is not everyone will be able to afford a real diamond (and may not want one), which is why we do what we do! 

If you already own a precious diamond that you'd like to keep safe such as an engagement ring or a family heirloom, then a diamond simulant is the perfect option to still carrying the sentiment with you everywhere you go. We offer a stunning range of travel rings so you can keep your real diamond safe at home, (get to try out a new diamond style), and still show the world you're a fiancé! 

To combat the issue with diamond simulants not lasting a long time, we use genuine 925 Sterling Silver to craft our diamond simulant jewellery, so it can last for years to come. Why not try a new, budget-friendly look? Shop our stunning range of Engagement Rings & Promise Rings, Eternity Rings & Bands, and 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery.