It’s no secret that diamonds are considered a timeless staple and a must-have when it comes to jewelry. Their durability, symbolism and sparkle make diamonds a go-to choice for all types of jewelry, especially engagement and wedding rings. Although diamonds remain a crowd favorite, an increasing number of individuals are opting for other gemstones for different reasons.
If you’re wondering whether diamond alternatives are the way to go, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to know more about the best diamond substitutes in detail, while also learning about their pros and cons.
Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Diamond Substitute
Durability
When considering the durability of gemstones, it’s important to note that while no stone matches the hardness of diamonds, options such as sapphire and ruby are the best diamond alternatives. This is because they come a close second to diamonds in terms of toughness. Plus, both are suitable for everyday wear.
Visual Appearance
Precious stones like diamonds may have similar characteristics but may not necessarily sparkle and shine as bright. It’s important to consider the gemstone’s natural brilliance if you’re in the market for something sparkly.
Cost
Determine your budget and look for stones like diamonds accordingly. Some gemstones such as lab-grown diamonds and white sapphires offer the same or similar sparkle without burning a hole in your pocket.
Care and Maintenance
If you’re looking for good diamond alternatives, ensure that they don’t require excessive care, cleaning or maintenance. However, if you do choose a gemstone that requires a little extra care, some TLC and gentle cleaning will keep it looking as gorgeous as the day you bought it.
Now that you’ve got a good understanding of what you should keep in mind before purchasing gemstones similar to diamonds, let’s dive in and explore the best diamond alternatives you can pick.
7 Best Diamond Alternatives for Your Jewelry Box
1. Lab-Grown Diamond
Seeking affordable alternative gems to diamonds but with a similar brilliance? Look no further than lab-grown diamonds. Apart from being easy on the pocket, these stunners shine just as brightly as their natural counterparts.
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2. Emerald
Although they differ in appearance from diamonds, emeralds offer an elegant, sophisticated and luxurious look. They add a pop of color to any jewelry piece and are a celebrity favorite too.
And if you’re thinking about diamond vs. non-diamond engagement rings, emeralds are an excellent choice and make a vibrant alternative.
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3. Blue Sapphire
If you’re on the quest for stones similar to diamonds in terms of durability, blue sapphires should make it to your list. They are ideal for everyday jewelry and will add a regal touch to your collection.
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4. Ruby
Timeless, durable and rich, rubies are excellent colored gemstone alternatives to diamonds, boasting toughness and a radiant red hue.
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5. Aquamarine
With a rating 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarines are durable enough for everyday wear. Their soothing icy-blue hue makes them a go-to choice if you’re seeking something stunning and affordable.
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6. White Sapphire
Let’s settle the diamond vs. white sapphire debate. Beautiful and elegant, white sapphires are an excellent option if you’re looking for gems similar to diamonds, minus the hefty price tag. Plus, they are highly durable, just second to diamonds on the Mohs scale.
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7. Morganite
In pretty peach hues, morganites stand out from the conventional colorless diamonds, offering a feminine and romantic vibe. Although morganites are less durable than diamonds, they are suitable for everyday wear while being more budget-friendly.
Now that you’ve got an overview of some popular diamond alternatives, let’s move on to explore their pros and cons.
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Pros of Diamond Alternatives
Affordability
Gemstones such as white sapphires and lab diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds. They also make excellent diamond ring alternatives owing to their brilliance.
Variety
While diamonds are available in a range of colors beyond the traditional colorless varieties, other gemstones offer a much broader spectrum of colors and special symbolism. This diversity allows for more unique and personalized jewelry choices.
Cons of Diamond Alternatives
Durability
Although blue sapphires and rubies come close, diamonds are still the most durable of them all.
Brilliance
If you’re looking for diamond alternatives in general or diamond substitutes for engagement rings with a similar sparkle, the options may be limited to white sapphires and lab-grown diamonds.
Exploring some of the best alternatives to diamonds opens up a world of stunning options that are unique, mesmerizing and not heavy on the pocket. So, whether you’re drawn to the lush green hues of emerald or the romantic charm of morganite, there’s a perfect gemstone for everyone. While you’re at it, you can also learn more about the difference between precious and semi-precious stones and choose whatever suits your style and budget.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones?
The primary difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones lies in their value and rarity. Precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are expensive, while semi-precious stones such as garnets, amethysts and opals are more affordable.
2. What are some popular diamond alternatives?
If you’re looking for diamond alternatives that offer similar brilliance and sparkle, lab-grown diamonds and white sapphires are a great choice. However, if you seek a pop of color, choose sapphires and rubies instead.
