Gorgeous to look at and versatile enough to wear, the diamond is one gemstone that every woman wants to befriend – which is probably why we get so many questions about it. From ‘What is a GIA diamond?’ to ‘Why are diamonds so hard?’, we’ve answered pretty much every gemstone-related doubt out there…well, almost. In today’s article, we’re going to take your gemstone knowledge to a whole new dimension by answering the age-old question ‘What is a simulated diamond?’
Interested in knowing the answer to the same? Grab a chair and read on.
Let’s Get Right to It…What Is a Simulated Diamond?
Generally speaking, the word simulate means to ‘imitate the appearance or character of’ something. As such, simulated diamonds are gemstones that look like the real deal. However, they do not share the same optical, chemical or physical properties as natural diamonds.
Apart from the above, these stones are also called ‘synthetic, imitation and/or fake’ diamonds.
Now that you know the answer to the question, ‘What does simulate mean?‘, let’s move on to the next segment.
Simulated Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: How Are They Different?
While they may look similar, simulated diamonds are actually quite different from their natural counterparts. Mentioned below are some of these key differences:
| Simulated Diamonds | Natural Diamonds |
| Created from colorless sapphire, topaz, quartz, beryl, zircon, cubic zirconia, moissanite and glass amongst other materials | Made of carbon |
| Not as durable | Extremely durable |
| Aren’t very bright | Exceptionally bright |
| Do not showcase a lot of fire | Generally displays more fire |
| May appear smaller than their natural counterparts | May appear bigger than simulated diamonds |
1) What Are They Made Of?
• Simulated Diamonds
Believe it or not, one of the most popular questions we get is ‘What are diamond simulants made of?’ Truthfully, these imitation pieces can be created from several natural and synthetic materials. These include colorless sapphire, topaz, quartz, beryl, moissanite and zircon, for example. Here, zircon, cubic zirconia and moissanite are the most common lab-grown simulants available today and are often used to imitate diamonds.
Apart from the above, glass can also be used to create fake gemstones.
• Natural Diamonds
Contrary to popular belief, the natural diamond is the only gemstone in the world that’s made of only one element – carbon.
2) Durability
In case you were unaware, the durability of a stone refers to its scratch resistance. To measure this ability, mineralogist and gemologist Friedrich Mohs introduced the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (pronounced MOZE) in 1822. Based on their scratch resistance, each gemstone was given a number grade between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.
It’s worth noting here that even though these number grades may seem equally spaced, they are actually quite different from one another. For instance, while the diamond is only one number grade higher than the corundum mineral (which constitutes sapphires and rubies), it is in reality several times more scratch resistant than the same.
Needless to say, the Mohs scale is considered to be relevant even today and is still used to rate the durability of new gemstones.
• Simulated Diamonds
Generally speaking, simulated diamonds are much less durable than their natural counterparts. As such, they are more prone to scratches and can develop abrasions pretty easily.
Having said that, do keep in mind that different synthetic gemstones have different hardness ratings. This is simply because they are created from different materials.
• Natural Diamonds
Interestingly, natural diamonds are the toughest gemstones in the world and feature a jaw-dropping 10 out of 10 score on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Because of this, the stone is considered to be a great choice for everyday jewelry items like engagement and wedding rings, for example.
3) Luster
Simply put, a gem’s luster refers to the appearance of its surface when it reflects light.
• Simulated Diamonds
Usually, the luster of these imitation pieces isn’t as bright as that of natural diamonds.
• Natural Diamonds
Due to their extreme durability, these gemstones can take on a better polish. This ensures a gorgeous luster that never fails to grab one’s attention.
4) Fire
This refers to the diamond’s dispersion of light into different colors of the spectrum.
• Simulated Diamonds
In most cases, simulated diamonds do not showcase as much fire as natural gemstones.
That being said, do note that some imitation pieces, like those made from synthetic rutile and synthetic moissanite, tend to feature more fire than their natural diamond counterparts.
• Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds generally display more fire than simulated diamonds.
5) Size Appearance
• Simulated Diamonds
An interesting fact about simulants is that they usually have varying densities (weight to volume ratio). Here, if the fake in question features a higher density than a diamond, then it will appear much smaller than its natural counterpart (even though they both weigh the same).
On the flip side, simulants with a lower density than the diamond will appear bigger than the natural stone of the same carat weight.
• Natural Diamonds
In most cases, natural diamonds tend to look larger than their simulated counterparts.
Are Simulated Diamonds the Same as Lab-Created Diamonds?
No, they are not!
Unlike simulated diamonds, lab-created diamonds feature the same chemical, optical and physical properties as natural gemstones. Because of this, they are considered to be 100% real.
How Do You Find Out if Your Diamond Is Real or Simulated?
At the end of the day, only a trained jeweler will be able to distinguish between a real and a fake gemstone. This is simply because they are specially trained to spot the minute details that differentiate the two. Having said that, if you don’t have access to a trained professional in your area, then the tests mentioned below should do the trick.
1) The Black Light Test
To conduct the same, switch the lights off (thereby ensuring that your room is pitch-dark) and hold your stone in front of a black light (a.k.a. UV light). Generally speaking, most natural diamonds showcase a blue fluorescence when viewed under a black light. Therefore, if you notice the same then your gem is most likely real.
Kindly note: Not all natural diamonds emit a blue fluorescence and hence, this test is not considered to be a conclusive one by any means.
2) The Inclusion Test
For this test, you’ll need either a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass.
To carry out the same, all you need to do is place your gem under a bright light and view it through the loupe. Here, you’ll want to look out for tiny clarity characteristics (needles, graining, feathers, etc.) on and/or within your stone. If you do find the same, your gem is probably real. This is because natural diamonds are formed through years of extreme heat and pressure and therefore, usually have several inclusions and/or blemishes.
Kindly note: The validity of this test completely depends on the stone’s position on the diamond clarity chart. While low-clarity diamonds have clarity characteristics that are easy to spot, the characteristics present in/on high-clarity gemstones can be extremely tough to find.
3) The Thermal Conductivity Probe Test
In the off chance that you’re unaware, a thermal conductivity probe (a.k.a. a diamond tester) is a small portable device that features indicators, an LED display and a tiny needle-like probe. When in contact with a diamond, this device generally emits a sound and displays the result in a matter of seconds.
Here, the device typically distinguishes between a real and fake gemstone by measuring its thermal conductivity. This essentially means that it measures how quickly heat passes through the same.
Kindly note: In most cases, thermal conductivity probes cannot tell the difference between a diamond and a moissanite as the two gemstones interact with heat in a very similar manner. To ensure accurate results, we recommend following up with an electrical conductivity test. Having said that, do keep in mind that electrical conductivity diamond testers are much more expensive than their thermal equivalents and therefore, may not be worth the hassle. Alternatively, you could combine this test with one or both of the above-mentioned home tests to find out the authenticity of your gem.
Want to Be Extra Sure About the Authenticity of Your Gemstone?
Opt for a GIA-certified diamond!
Also known as the Gemological Institute of America, the GIA is the world’s premier organization for all things gemstone-related. They operate with the aim to protect gem lovers and collectors alike from imitation pieces. To do this, they conduct several stringent and impartial tests on every gemstone that comes their way. The results of the same are considered final and cannot be disputed by anyone, anywhere in the world.
When choosing a GIA-certified diamond, you can rest assured that every detail mentioned in the accompanying certificate is 100% accurate.
Simulated Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Which Should You Buy?
Natural diamonds, of course!
Between their extreme durability and gorgeous luster, these exceptionally valuable gemstones are a fantastic choice for heirloom-quality jewelry items.
Mentioned below are a few more reasons why you should consider opting for the same.
• Symbolism
Going through a period of change and want a gemstone that’ll reflect the same? Look no further than the diamond! A popular symbol of clarity and strength, this stone will remind you to stay strong during tough times. What’s more, because of their impressive durability, diamonds are also used to represent eternal love. So, if you’re ever in the market for a gem that beautifully showcases your love, you know what to buy.
• Birthstone and Anniversary Status
When a gemstone connects with you emotionally, you know that it is one worth buying. And that’s why we love the diamond! Known for being the April birthstone as well as the celebration gem for the 10th, 25th, 31st, 36th, 37th and 60th wedding anniversaries, this stunner is one that you and your bae will treasure forever.
Do you need another reason to add it to your cart?
Did You Know?
- Diamonds can actually be found in almost every color of the rainbow. Currently, the rarest diamond colors are green, blue, red and orange.
- During ancient times, many people would wear a diamond in battle as they believed that it would give them strength and courage.
- During the Middle Ages, most individuals believed that this gemstone had several healing properties.
- Only 30% of mined diamonds are considered fit for fine jewelry use.
- Prior to the 18th century, the majority of diamonds were sourced from India.
- The United States of America is currently considered to be the world’s largest diamond market.
- In the early 2000s (2004 to be more specific), scientists found a planet that was believed to be at least one-third diamond. They named this planet ’55 Cancri e.’
Angara Says:
Want to buy a real diamond but don’t know where to get one? Try our online store. From diamond pendants to diamond engagement rings, we’ve got everything you need to ensure a gorgeous 2023.
Apart from ‘What are diamond simulants?’, one of the main questions we get asked is ‘Does light affect a diamond’s appearance?’. If you’re interested in knowing the answer to this question, read our article discussing the same.
