There are many quality substitutes for diamonds that can pass all but the eye of a trained gemmologist. Why break the budget when one of these lovely substitutes can duplicate the look of a diamond while saving thousands of dollars.
Most are familiar with cubic zirconia. This article discusses other fabulous fakes.
White Topaz
This diamond substitute is an actual gemstone mined in a clear white color. It normally does not require any enhancement prior to sale. Some jewelry quality topaz comes from the earth as a light brown color and will turn white when exposed to light or heat. As white topaz is available in abundant supply, it is very cheap.
At the publication date of this article a 10x8mm faceted emerald cut white topaz gemstone retails for about $13. 10x8mm is approximately .25 inch by .40 inch. Two emerald cut white topaz gemstones set with a colored accent gemstone makes a stunning pair of earrings for less than $50.
White Sapphire
The most familiar color of sapphire is the deep regal blue. Sapphire mined in a light shade is usually heat-treated to appear colorless although some white sapphire is natural and not treated. White sapphire is identified using the same letter scale as diamonds.
To provide a price comparison: A VVS (flawless to the unaided eye), E (excellent colorless white) one carat round white sapphire retails for $450. A similar diamond retails for $2,000. An emerald cut diamond of the same size would retail for anywhere between 10% - 50% above the round price of $2,000. The wide variance is due to many different factors, predominately supply and demand at the time of order.
Synthetic white sapphire costs less than 15 cents a carat. Synthetic gemstones are fabricated materials that have essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties as a naturally occurring counterpart.
Gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG)
This is a man made but not synthetic stone. There is no naturally occurring counterpart for GGG so it cannot be referred to as synthetic – rather it is identified as a lab-grown stone similar in structure to a garnet. Colorless GGG retails for 28 cents a carat.
Zircon
Zircon is a naturally mined gemstone that when colorless in appearance is used in place of diamonds – don’t confuse zircon with cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic substance. Zircon is one of the birthstones for December. A VVS, E one carat round zircon retails for $240.
While shopping for diamond jewelry in the future, save some money and consider one of these fabulous fakes instead.
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