[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fBgmJAKq9_3paz_wcXgvRppyfflfyEcYoPjH83YiYb44":3},{"success":4,"data":5,"message":85},true,{"id":6,"cat_id":7,"offer_id":8,"title":9,"slug":10,"image":11,"bnr_image":12,"short_desc":13,"description":14,"faq":8,"author":15,"author_image":8,"meta_title":16,"meta_desc":17,"meta_keyword":18,"tag":19,"view":20,"active":21,"order":22,"created_at":23,"updated_at":24,"category_name":25,"category_slug":26,"created":27,"recent_blogs":28,"next_blog":53,"previous_blog":58,"recommend_blogs":63,"blog_offer":8,"blogcategory":84},160,3,null,"Know the Difference between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Diamonds","what-are-simulated-diamonds","https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-10-06/02ef67ebe777366e39e504ac9dcebc1c7eab8d9a.jpg","https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-10-06/411798359fbd62a2231db2b64d94e463ae9d41ed.jpg","Don’t be fooled by appearances! Are you wearing a Simulant or a Lab Diamond? Read further to learn the differences.","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Alan was so excited to buy a diamond engagement ring. He went to a jewelry shop and selected the most sparkly one. Trusting the seller's words, Alan purchased the ring, but only later did he find that the sparkly stone was a diamond simulant, which wasn't what he initially wanted. Alan simply wanted a genuine diamond, either mined or \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/lab-diamonds\">lab grown diamond\u003C/a>. If he had been better informed, he would have chosen a \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/engagement-rings\">lab diamond engagement ring\u003C/a>, which would have satisfied his desire for a real diamond while also saving him money.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">There is tons of information available on simulated diamonds and lab grown ones, which is often confusing and overwhelming. At first glance, the simulant diamonds and lab diamonds appear the same. However, both have broad differences from their creation processes to other features. Knowing these differences will help you in choosing the right one. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Here is a comprehensive guide on the differences between simulated diamonds and lab grown diamonds that will educate you and help you avoid the same disappointment Alan faced.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch6 dir=\"ltr\">Table of Content:\u003C/h6>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Diamonds - The Element Supreme\" href=\"../\">Diamonds - The Element Supreme\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Simulant Diamonds - The Diamond-Adjacent\" href=\"../\">Simulant Diamonds - The Diamond-Adjacent\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Lab Diamonds - The Twin of Natural Diamonds\" href=\"../\">Lab Diamonds - The Twin of Natural Diamonds\u003C/a>\u003Ca title=\"The Differences Between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds\" href=\"../\">The Differences Between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Similarities\" href=\"../\">Similarities\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Pros And Cons\" href=\"../\">Pros And Cons\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca title=\"Which Diamond Should I Buy?\" href=\"../\">Which Diamond Should I Buy?\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Ch2>Diamonds - The Element Supreme\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Forged in the fiery chasm of the earth’s interiors, diamonds are one of the hardest and most beautiful materials nature produces. For billions of years, pure carbon has crystallized under extreme temperatures and pressure to form brilliant, sparkly diamonds. They are supreme elements of nature, for they are hard to break, extremely resistant to scratching, and very beautiful. The light refracting from a diamond provides a dazzling display of sparkle. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Natural diamonds are mined from the earth. They are excavated at a few locations and are rare and expensive. They are also associated with environmental degradation and ethical concerns like illegal mining, child labor, blood money, and smuggling. These concerns have led to the proliferation of alternatives - simulated diamonds and lab diamonds.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/blogs/what-are-simulated-diamonds/image_1.webp\" alt=\"Natural diamond\" width=\"1152\" height=\"674\">\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch2 dir=\"ltr\">Simulant Diamonds - The Diamond-Adjacent\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Simulant or simulated diamonds are man-made gemstones that are made to appear like diamonds but differ in their physical and chemical properties from a diamond. Their fiery rainbow sparkle clearly distinguishes them from a \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/lab-grown-vs-natural-diamond\">natural or lab diamond\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">There are various types of simulant diamonds, but cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite are the two most popular diamond simulants. Both of these are created in labs through a scientific process. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>Of the two, \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/cubic-zirconia-vs-lab-diamonds\">cubic zirconia\u003C/a> is the most popular. Though it is available in nature, it occurs extremely rarely, and finding it is difficult. In the lab, it is created by heating zirconium oxide along with stabilizers to 5000° Fahrenheit. At that temperature, crystallization takes place, and synthetic diamonds are formed. The crystals are then cut and polished to resemble natural or lab diamonds. It is crucial to remember that both these diamond simulants are not real diamonds, and bear different properties compared to natural or lab grown diamonds.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/blogs/what-are-simulated-diamonds/image_2.webp\" alt=\"Simulant Diamonds\" width=\"1152\" height=\"540\">\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/moissanite-vs-lab-diamond\">Moissanite \u003C/a>is also naturally occurring, but finding it is difficult. It was discovered by French scientist Henry Moissan in 1893. He discovered moissanite in a meteorite crater in Arizona and initially thought them to be diamonds. Later, he found that it was made of silicon carbide. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">While creating these simulant diamonds in the laboratory, silicon carbide is subjected to extreme temperatures over several months, allowing it to grow into moissanite crystals. These crystals are later engineered to resemble diamonds. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Due to their lower production costs, simulated diamonds are the cheapest alternative to diamonds. But they have their drawbacks, and it all comes down to the consumer’s preference and budget when choosing the simulants.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch2 dir=\"ltr\">Lab Diamonds - The Twin of Natural Diamonds\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Invented in 1954, lab diamonds are the identical twins of nature-mined diamonds. They share similar characteristics like durability, chemical composition, and optical spectacle. They have the same refractive index and are indistinguishable to the naked eye. Even expert jewelers may not differentiate the two. Only laboratories with sophisticated equipment can tell the difference. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The lab diamonds are grown in controlled environments with high pressures and temperatures similar to the earth’s core. There are two popular methods to create them, popularly known as the\u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/hpht-cvd-diamonds\"> HPHT and CVD\u003C/a> methods.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">In the HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) production process, the temperatures and pressures of the earth’s interiors are recreated in a lab to produce diamonds in weeks or months, which take 1 to 3 billion years to form in nature.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/blogs/what-are-simulated-diamonds/image_3.webp\" alt=\"Lab Diamonds\" width=\"1152\" height=\"796\">\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The other method is CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), where a diamond seed is heated to over 1450° Fahrenheit along with a hydrocarbon gas mixture in a chamber. Then, the gas is ionized to create plasma, allowing diamonds to form. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Lab diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. Also, they are a sustainable choice as they have a lesser environmental footprint. Further, the ethicality of creating lab diamonds is not an issue, as they are produced under stringent regulations.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch2 dir=\"ltr\">The Differences Between Simulant Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp>Both of these diamonds are gaining prominence among consumers. But there are differences between them that you should know before buying.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Col>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Material - Different materials, like silica, beryllium, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, etc., are used to create simulant diamonds. For creating a diamond in a lab, a tiny diamond seed and carbon are used to form pure carbon, similar to the natural diamond formation process. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Durability - On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, lab diamonds rank 10 - just like the natural ones. On the other hand, moissanite simulant diamond ranks 9.25, and cubic zirconia ranks 8.5. This shows that simulated diamonds are less durable than real diamonds. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Radiance -  Simulant diamonds have excellent sparkle under the light due to their rainbow refraction. But over time, the shine disappears, unlike lab diamonds that carry the shine for eternity. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Grading - Lab diamonds are graded based on the \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/4-cs-diamond\">4 C’s\u003C/a> - cut, clarity, carat, and color - similar to natural diamonds. Simulated diamonds, conversely, are graded only based on the size of the stone and whether they are premium or super premium. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Affordability - While lab grown diamonds are less expensive than natural mined diamonds, simulants are inexpensive compared to lab and natural diamonds. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Residual value - Even after regular usage, wear and tear, lab diamonds retain residual value, whereas diamond simulants have zero residual value. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ol>\r\n\u003Cp>      7.Long Life - As simulated diamonds are synthetic crystals, they can last up to 3-5 years, while lab diamonds are eternal.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch2>Some Similarities\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp>There are a few similarities between lab grown and simulated diamonds.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Both lab grown and simulated diamonds are produced ethically and have less impact on the environment and the community. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They come in different colors, hues, and shapes that are customizable to fit different types of jewelry.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Both are good thermal conductors.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/blogs/what-are-simulated-diamonds/image_4.webp\" alt=\"Some Similarities\" width=\"1152\" height=\"642\">\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch2>The Pros and Cons\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">Pros of Simulated Diamonds\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Affordability is the major advantage of simulant diamonds. A lab diamond of 1 carat with clean clarity may cost you hundreds of dollars. A similar weight simulant may cost you less than $20. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They have a fiery brilliance with distinct refraction compared to lab diamonds.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">These diamonds are easy to maintain. You do not need professionals to clean the stone.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Ch4>Cons\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Though simulant diamonds like cubic zirconia and moissanite have high ranks on the Mohs scale, they are susceptible to surface scratching, making them less useful as everyday jewelry.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They do not reflect the light like a lab diamond, giving a disco ball or rainbow effect.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Ch4>Pros of Lab Diamonds\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They are scratch-resistant and retain luster for a long time. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds and are true alternatives to \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/real-diamonds-vs-fake\">real diamonds\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Lab diamonds are 30-40% cheaper than natural diamonds, very economical for high fashion enthusiasts. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">They are the perfect choice for making luxurious jewelry.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Ch4>Cons\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003Cul>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Compared to natural diamonds, lab grown stones have less resale value. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003Cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">For some, the idea of lab diamonds not being rare, like mined diamonds, can affect their decision to buy them.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003C/li>\r\n\u003C/ul>\r\n\u003Ch2>Which Diamond Should I Buy?\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cp>The answer to the question depends on your lifestyle and budget. Moissanite or simulant diamonds will be the best choice if you want to buy diamond jewelry for occasional wear. However, if you prefer elegance, beauty, and luxury, make lab diamonds your primary choice.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/blogs/what-are-simulated-diamonds/image_5.webp\" alt=\"Diamond\" width=\"1152\" height=\"796\">\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; padding: 8px 18px; color: #000; border: 1px solid #000; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 600; width: 100%; text-align: center;\" href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/lab-diamonds\">SHOP LAB DIAMONDS\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Lab diamonds give off a scintillating sparkle and last forever. At Friendly Diamonds, you can get certified and authentic lab diamonds at really pocket-friendly prices. You can also explore our \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/fine-jewelry\">finely crafted lab diamond jewelry\u003C/a> and feel the difference of premium luxury.     \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>For more detailed information about lab diamonds, feel free to \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/contact-us\">contact us\u003C/a> any time or book a \u003Ca href=\"https://friendlydiamonds.com/appointment\">free virtual appointment\u003C/a> with our experts today!\u003C/p>","Nicole Harper","What Are Simulated Diamonds? Lab Vs. Simulant Diamond – Friendly Diamonds","Here is a comprehensive guide on the differences between simulated diamonds and lab grown diamonds that will educate you and help you avoid the same disappointment Alan faced.","Simulated Diamonds, Simulant Diamonds, Lab Diamond Vs Simulant Diamond","Diamond Guide||https://friendlydiamonds.com/blog/category/diamond-guide",855,1,0,"2023-10-06","2023-12-18T00:53:34.000000Z","Diamond Guide","diamond-guide","Friday, Oct 06 2023",[29,35,41,47],{"id":30,"image":31,"title":32,"slug":33,"created_at":34},624,"https://inventory.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/fdl/backend_blogs/25-10-23/724392968855bbdd789a14d24eb39cfde8fd9979.jpg","The Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Sale You Can’t Miss","exclusive-jewelry-sale","2025-10-23",{"id":36,"image":37,"title":38,"slug":39,"created_at":40},623,"https://inventory.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/fdl/backend_blogs/25-10-15/efb9cf77cacdc2a831458a572bb8092e8c2663f7.jpg","20th Anniversary Jewelry and Gift Ideas That Celebrate Your Journey","20th-anniversary-jewelry-and-gift-ideas","2025-10-15",{"id":42,"image":43,"title":44,"slug":45,"created_at":46},622,"https://inventory.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/fdl/backend_blogs/25-10-08/980695a5c7ab2b80c70b9d3535a7e3eeca1ce06a.jpg","The Halloween Gift Idea Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed","halloween-gift-idea-2025","2025-10-08",{"id":48,"image":49,"title":50,"slug":51,"created_at":52},621,"https://inventory.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/fdl/backend_blogs/25-10-03/a2f4c4362ba1f2b406f9f89a6d82d53495136f02.jpg","The Secret Glow of Hidden Halo Oval Engagement Rings","hidden-halo-oval-engagement-ring-special","2025-10-03",{"id":54,"title":55,"slug":56,"image":57},161,"Chasing Elegance: Finding the Perfect Vintage Marquise Engagement Ring","about-vintage-marquise-engagement-rings","https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-10-07/844a10f87b46801a8561259c013bf38bded53074.jpg",{"id":59,"title":60,"slug":61,"image":62},159,"How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?","how-are-lab-grown-diamonds-made","https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-10-04/fa456877ec4059d80fd4d6eb25c48cbd3e9276ae.jpg",[64,70,76,82],{"id":65,"cat_id":7,"image":66,"title":67,"slug":68,"short_desc":69,"category_name":25,"category_slug":26},306,"https://inventory.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/fdl/backend_blogs/24-05-15/9b5a07c84a13e7945d520f3dd0a675c1c821a0fa.jpg","Busting Myths for Lab Grown Diamonds","myths-for-lab-grown-diamonds","Not every diamond myth is true, read on to find out what exactly is true!",{"id":71,"cat_id":7,"image":72,"title":73,"slug":74,"short_desc":75,"category_name":25,"category_slug":26},149,"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-09-08/4ac17632e97f4bd58b6802caf4764924d6b8c057.jpg","The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Diamond Clarity","know-the-best-diamond-clarity","The clarity quest: Unearthing the secrets of exquisite lab diamonds.",{"id":77,"cat_id":7,"image":78,"title":79,"slug":80,"short_desc":81,"category_name":25,"category_slug":26},150,"https://assets.friendlydiamonds.com/fdl/backend_blogs/23-09-12/069432ed6bd1bdb896801a13da4a5285390a6320.jpg","Cubic Zirconia Vs. Lab Diamonds: Understanding the Basics","cubic-zirconia-vs-lab-diamonds","Unlock the gleaming secrets: Discover what sets cubic zirconia & lab diamonds apart in the world of jewelry.",{"id":59,"cat_id":7,"image":62,"title":60,"slug":61,"short_desc":83,"category_name":25,"category_slug":26},"They entice you with their radiant sparkle, but ever wondered how they’re made? Let’s learn how lab diamonds are made!",{"id":7,"category":25,"slug":26,"icon":85,"active":21,"order":86,"created_at":87,"updated_at":88},"",2,"2023-07-15","2023-07-15T22:28:05.000000Z"]