Diamond Simulant Rings and Other Stones

sessionswedding · April 2010

What do you think about "fake" stones in rings? A lot of the fake stones out there are so convincing, you'd have to have an experienced jeweler inspect it to ever find out the difference. They are also worlds cheaper. So would you ever (or have you ever) considered a fake ring or rings? Or would you prefer a real, quarter-carat solitaire to a fake, one-carat solitaire?

tracy_k · April 2010

I cannot answer this poll, as you don't have an answer that says "Yes, unequivocally, because I find the wedding industry's focus on diamonds a bit ridiculous."

I don't know if my engagement ring is real diamonds or not, because I'm not a jeweler and I didn't have it appraised. I just know that it's titanium, it's sparkly, it's gorgeous, I love it and I've never seen another ring like it.

But I pretty much hope it isn't "real" because I think I would be kind of pissed at my husband if he spent that much money on jewelry instead of using it for something more practical.

My wedding ring has three tiny baguette diamonds, but I only know that because I bought it, and if I could have found the same design with non-diamonds I would have bought it in a heartbeat.

AmoroAgain · April 2010

If you're going to go with a diamond "simulant" make sure that you aren't getting something that is actually CZ, that's essentially marketed as more than it is. The only cultured diamonds right now are via Apollo diamonds or Gemesis, though Gemesis specialzies in large, colored stones.

You HAVE to do your research and KNOW what you are purchasing-- this goes for both "fakes" and real stones. No one can really decide for you what you feel more comfortable with. If you are happy, that's really all that counts!

sessionswedding · April 2010

I have a small, real diamond because of budget constraints. I feel like it's somehow more valuable than a larger carat Moissanite in a more impressive setting. I just have this warm fuzzy feeling like it's worth more because it's "real."

jennylove810 · April 2010

Just a little education on moissanites - moissanite is not a "fake" stone, it is a genuine mineral found in nature with its own chemical compostion. It has more brilliance than a diamond, is slightly harder than a diamond, and can take heat. In fact, it's even rarer than diamond, which is why it's frequently produced in a lab. But a lab grown stone is exactly the same as a stone that comes from the earth - it was simply 'grown' in a different location! I spent several years working in the jewelry industry and I dislike how moissanite has been marketed as a 'diamond substitute' simply because it is a clear stone.

A white sapphire (and a white topaz, for that matter) is also a relatively clear stone, but it lacks the brilliance/fire of a diamond or a moissanite, meaning your ring won't have "sparkle." A sapphire is also delicate, and not as able to take the heat and flame required to work on jewelry (sizing, stone setting, etc).

A CZ, or a rhinestone, IS a "fake diamond." CZs are great for costumes on Dancing with the Stars, but not appropriate for a piece of jewelry you will wear forever. They are easily broken and can not take any heat whatsoever.

Hope this was helpful. I'm actually a big fan of moissanites and think they make excellent stones to set in wedding jewelry. GL.

Becky&Chris · April 2010

I voted that I would rather have a small, simple diamond, but I was thinking more about a small, simple diamond vs. CZ. I think having another stone is different than having a ring with CZ in it.. CZ seems "fake", other stones aren't pretending to be anything other than what they are. I think both white and blue sapphires are absolutely beautiful and look great in wedding jewelry.

My FI is pretty traditional and researched a ton about diamonds because he knew that what was he wanted, but had he chosen to go the route of a different stone for budget reasons, I'd have been perfectly happy.

Edit: I guess I am contradicting myself now because having given it some more thought, I will say that whether CZ or another stone, as long as it was presented honestly, it's really not a big deal. I think I'm giving CZ a hard time because I've witnessed a few situations where that wasn't the case, but I don't think that's what the OP meant.

owens0410 · April 2010

My ring has 23 small diamonds (totaling .48 carats) that center around one larger stone (less than one carat) that is not a real diamond. I found this ring in our local jewelry store and fell in LOVE. It was $1,000 and totally gorgeous. It is set in white gold and is all real except the center stone, which no one would know unless I told them. It's beautiful and my fiance and I both love it and we didn't kill ourselves trying to afford it. This is the website in case you are interested in looking at this jeweler.

http://www.finellidesigns.com/

luckyme502 · April 2010

I am a jewelry person, so I picked out a real diamond for my ering. Yes, I picked it out, because FI wanted me to have exactly what I wanted and I know about diamonds and he doesn't. So, I would rather have a smaller high quality diamond than a fake or a low quality bigger diamond. I do like other gemstones as erings, and have seen some beautiful ones, but I wanted a diamond.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · April 2010

I think there's a difference between a CZ and a white sapphire. One is a "real" gemstone, you know?

I'd do an alternative gemstone if I was into that. I'm fine with other people having moissanite or CZs, too. They look good. But I like knowing I have a real diamond because, honestly, it might be the only piece of diamond jewelry I ever own. I'm not big on jewelry.

rugbybride2 · April 2010

Moissanites ARE NOT harder than diamonds. The purity of the diamond gives it its hardness rating. i.e. pure diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite is only a 9.5, so it is not more durable than a diamond. A 10 is the max hardness rating. Check your facts before posting. ahem tracy_k

On a lighter note, I would take a smaller real diamond than get a huge fake. FI got me a larger high quaity diamond that will one day be a family heirloom. As with anything expensive, get it appraised and insured. I have a yearly policy that will replace the full appraised value of my ring if it is ever lost, stolen or if my stones need to be replaced.

spinner84 · April 2010

I don't like "showy" jewelry anyway but I would choose smaller diamonds rather than fakes. A different stone is also fine, but fake is not for me. I'd also be fine with a used ring.

Thankfully my FI chose a great ring that I adore.

abbiewebster · April 2010

I also think the wedding industry are a bit too obsessed with diamonds....my fiance insisted on buying me a diamond ring, as he thought it was the "right" thing to do, but we had a few money problems and so i convinced him to buy me a less expensive ring, its an antique style citrine ring. SO many people have complimented it, and everyone thinks its a yellow diamond. I think if the thoughts there, then why spend ridiculous amounts of money on a real diamond...its what it symbolizes not what it costs.

emjohn1019 · June 2010

We chose moissanite because 1) I didn't want a blood diamond and was nervous about finding a place that sold them conflict-free and 2) I'll admit it - I like diamonds a little bigger (like 2 carats) and I knew we couldn't afford one that size.

My vote is, get whatever you love. I chose a larger, non-diamond to a small diamond....and I love it! :-)

Diamond Simulant Rings and Other Stones

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