Top 3 Alternatives to Natural Diamonds

Knowing what is available as an option to a natural diamond is extremely important. Not everyone can afford a natural diamond in the size they desire, or better yet some people just don't want a natural diamond and guess what? Both of these things are OK and if someone makes you feel otherwise when you're shopping for an engagement ring, just leave, there are plenty of jewelers out there willing to give you options and make you happy and excited about your ring!

Just a little side note before we start...if you decide to go with a lab grown diamond no one will know except you and your jeweler...if one of your friends or family members tries to tell you otherwise they're lying (insert winky face)!

Option 1: Lab Grown Diamonds

“Unlike diamond simulants, which can be recognized by using standard gem testing, laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, but are made in laboratories-not grown in the Earth."-GIA

Lab grown diamonds are my personal #1 choice as an alternative to a natural diamond.

Benefits to buying a lab grown are:

1. It is essentially a diamond and therefore will look just like a natural diamond

2. Hardness and durability are the same as a natural diamond

3. No one will know

4. Very affordable, especially in larger sizes when comparing it to a natural diamond

The one potential downside to lab grown diamonds in my personal opinion is their value over time. As with anything that is made more available, value lowers over time. If you're thinking about upgrading or trading in your lab grown diamond in a few years, don't be surprised if you don't get close to half of what you paid for it. Lab grown diamond prices have consistently decreased over the years, so if you're looking for something that will hold its value, this isn't a great choice. That being said, nothing is ever guaranteed to hold its value over time, markets change every day.

Option 2: Moissanite

Moissanite is its own gem within itself, it has no diamond properties whatsoever. Moissanite was originally found in the crater of a meteorite and is incredibly rare when it's natural. The moissanite you are buying in a jewelry store is man-made.

Benefits to buying a moissanite:

1. Colorless-near colorless options

2. Doubly-refractive= more fire (rainbow colors)

3. Inclusion free or most of the time inclusion free

4. Cost less than a natural or lab grown diamond

Check out this awesome video to learn more!

Option 3: White Sapphire

White sapphire is an awesome option for someone who wants a colorless stone and wants to keep it natural. While sapphires are not as hard as diamonds, sapphire is great for everyday wear. If you watched the video above you already know this, but if you didn't let me fill you in: sapphires won't sparkle the same as either moissanite or diamond, but you will still get a little sparkle.

Benefits to buying a White Sapphire:

1. Natural stone from the Earth

2. Colorless

3. Free of inclusions, although this does vary from stone to stone

4. Durable for everyday wear

Keep in mind with a white sapphire over time you will most likely need to have it re-cut as it will wear on the facets.