While diamonds may be one of the most popular jewelry gemstones, especially engagement rings, purchasing a diamond may only sometimes be feasible for some. If you want to buy a diamond alternative, here is our list of gems we think are best!
In this list of best diamond alternatives, we will go over the following:
- Price comparison between a gem and a diamond
- The different color options available
- How comparable they are to a diamond
What Is A Diamond Alternative
A diamond alternative can be any gem a person chooses instead of a diamond. If you are in the market for a diamond alternative that looks like a diamond, but won’t break the bank, here are our top two picks.
Top Two Best Diamond Alternatives
It is no secret that diamonds are costly. With only a limited number of naturally mined diamonds on the market, their price will continue to increase.
With this high price, diamonds may only sometimes fit into your budget. Thankfully, these diamond alternatives look just as impressive at only a fraction of the cost.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Don’t be mistaken, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds! They are identical to naturally mined diamonds in every way. The only difference is how they are made.
Unlike naturally mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are mass-produced. Much of the price of a natural diamond is driven by its scarcity. Here is how they compare:
- Lab grown diamonds are typically anywhere from 30-50% cheaper than naturally mined diamonds.
- Lab grown diamonds are carefully crafted, meaning scientists can impact the environment they are created in. The most common color is yellow.
- Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with identical chemical and physical makeup to naturally mined diamonds.
Moissanite
Moissanite is another excellent option if you don’t want to sacrifice sparkle in your gem. Moissanite is such a close alternative that it was first thought to be a diamond when it was initially discovered.
Like a diamond, Moissanite can be set in various cuts, sizes, and styles. With so many similarities, an expert would tell the difference between this gem and a naturally mined diamond. Here is how they compare:
- Moissanite is significantly cheaper than a diamond. Some cuts may be as low as $400-$600 per carat.
- Moissanite looks almost identical to a diamond. Some moissanite stones may also have a yellowish-gray tint.
- With a similar look and feel to a diamond, moissanite is almost as hard. It scores a 9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the second hardest stone in the world.
The Bottom Line
This is just a short list of some great diamond alternatives. You should consult an expert before deciding on the perfect gem.