How to Pick the Best Diamond Alternative

best affordable diamond alternatives
credit: Jenna Day

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In recent years, the popularity of coloured gemstones and colourless varieties, like a White Sapphire Stone, has increased significantly in the fashion industry. This is because coloured gemstones have a more unique and exotic appeal than diamond, which has been around for centuries.

As healing gemstone jewellery, such as real crystal bracelets or rings, becomes increasingly popular these days, it can be seen as a beautiful and meaningful alternative to traditional diamond jewellery. Not only does real crystal jewellery provide real healing benefits to the wearer, but it is also much more affordable than other precious stones.

However, it is important to note that not all gemstones are created equal. While some stones can be used as alternatives to diamonds, they cannot replicate the inherent qualities of diamonds such as hardness and durability. Explore all your options at a store like GemPundit before making a final decision.

best diamond alternatives
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Diamonds are also the most sought-after gemstones because they symbolize love, marriage and commitment, which is why they are an important part of many people’s lives. Despite all these, diamonds can be quite expensive.

If you have been thinking about expanding your jewellery collection with a diamond but do not have the budget for it, then you might want to consider these stunning gemstones as alternatives to a diamond:

Moissanite As a Brighter Replacement

Moissanite stone is a rare stone that was first discovered in 1893 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan. It is composed of silicon carbide, which makes it extremely hard and durable. It also has a high refractive index, which means that it can give off more light than other gemstones such as cubic zirconia and garnet. Because of this, moissanite is considered to be one of the best alternatives to diamonds and can be used instead as an engagement ring or wedding band.

Moissanite is also the second hardest gemstone on earth with a hardness rating of 9.5 on Moh’s scale. This stone has a hardness that is only second to diamonds and has excellent fire and lustre. If you are looking for an alternative that will be able to hold up under pressure and also sparkle just like a diamond, then this stone may be ideal for your needs.

White Zircon As a Cheaper Option

If you are looking for a cheaper option, then white zircon can be a great alternative. While it is not as expensive as moissanite or diamond, it still has many of the same properties as these two stones and can be used as an engagement ring or wedding band.

This stone has excellent clarity and can be cut into beautiful shapes so that they look just like real diamonds. Zircon is also a very durable gemstone with a hardness rating of 8.5 on Moh’s scale. This means that it will stand up well against everyday wear and tear without becoming dull or scratched easily. The lustre and fire in white zircon are also very similar to that of a diamond which can make it difficult for people to tell the difference.

affordable diamond alternatives
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White Sapphire As an All-Round Alternative

White sapphires are another popular option that can be used as engagement rings and wedding bands. They are a type of corundum mineral that has the same properties similar to both ruby and diamond.

The gemstones have excellent hardness ratings of 9 on Moh’s scale which makes them very durable stones that won’t wear down easily or become dull over time. The lustre in white sapphire stone is also very similar to that of a diamond which makes it look like an expensive stone even though it’s much more affordable than other high-quality gems.

The key difference between white sapphires and diamonds is their transparency level. White sapphire is less transparent than diamond but more so than ruby. This means that you can see through them clearly without any distortion, but they don’t have the same amount of fire as a diamond does which gives off flashes of rainbow colours when light hits it at certain angles.

The stone is also available in many different sizes, cuts, and shapes. You can find them in round brilliant or princess cut with the latter being more popular for engagement rings and wedding bands. White sapphires are also available in other cuts such as cushion, oval or even emerald cut. The shape of the stone is often used to create a unique design for your ring.

Most importantly, the white sapphire cost is typically less than diamonds but still has the same quality of being a beautiful and luxurious stone that won’t disappoint.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Alternative

As mentioned above, this is a matter of personal preference. You should choose the stone that reflects your style and personality. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right one:

The colour of the stone: Alternatives like white sapphires are available in a wide array of shades, from greyish white to the purest white with just a hint of blue. If you’re looking for something more colourful, then you should consider buying blue sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or some semi-precious gemstones.

The size of the stone: This will depend on your budget and the type of jewellery you want to buy. If you’re looking for a ring, then consider going for a smaller white sapphire (around one carat). If you want to get a pendant, then consider buying a larger stone.

The cut: The cut of your stone will determine how light reflects off of it, which in turn affects its brilliance and sparkle. Three main cuts are used to create white sapphires: cabochon (smooth), step cut (with facets), and princess cut (like princess-cut diamonds).

The clarity: Clarity refers to the absence of imperfections and inclusions in your stone. In general, the clearer the sapphire is (with no visible flaws), the higher the value it will have. The most common inclusions of white sapphires are silk and clouds, which are tiny fractures that appear as thin lines within the stone.

Conclusion

White sapphires are a beautiful and affordable way to add sparkle and elegance to your wardrobe. Make sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer so that you can be sure of the quality and value of your purchase. White sapphire stone possesses a unique beauty that makes them stand out from other gemstones, even diamonds. They are truly a gem that you should have in your jewellery box.