So what are diamonds simulants anyway? Are diamond simulants worth it?Are they real or fake diamonds? Are they even real stones or simply glass? These are some of the questions we receive about diamond simulants. Let’s remove some of the confusion around diamond simulants and help answer your queries here. We’ve broken things down to make it as simple as possible to undersstand……..
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIAMOND SIMULANTS + DIAMONDS
Getting a little bit scientific here., the main difference between diamonds and diamond simulants is their chemical composition. Diamond simulants are made from zirconium oxide while the composition of a diamond is carbon. So in short, they’re made from different mineral elements.
Diamonds can be ‘natural’ i.e., mined diamonds or ‘lab created’ diamonds. Whether natural or lab created the chemical composition of both remains the same i.e., it’s carbon. Diamond simulants on the other hand are only lab created in a tightly controlled environment. They’re manufactured from zirconium oxide and other minerals such as calcium oxide.
This difference in chemical make up also means there is a slight difference in the hardness of each.
A diamond with its’ carbon composition makes it one of the hardest minerals there is and rates at 10 on the Mohs scale. A diamond simulant also rates highly at 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
IS A DIAMOND SIMULANT EVEN A REAL STONE?
A diamond simulant is a real stone in its’ own right. It is colourless and almost always flawless. Diamond simulants are heavier than diamonds. If you were to use carat weight as a means of comparison, a diamond simulant would be smaller than a diamond due to the stone’s heavier weight.
IS THERE A GRADING SYSTEM FOR DIAMOND SIMULANTS?
As with natural diamonds there is also a grading system for diamond simulants as not all diamond simulants are created equal. The highest quality diamond simulants are hard and clear in appearance. This fine clear white appearance gives them the most sparkle and brilliance and makes them stand out from the crowd in the diamond simulant world.
The ‘A’ system of grading diamond simulants has 6 categories with 5A being the highest grade and AB being the lowest grade.
At Missana we choose only the highest grade 4A + 5A stones for our Shimmer Collection of diamond simulant earrings to ensure the best quality, wearability and brilliance.
HOW OUR HIGH GRADE DIAMOND SIMULANTS ARE MADE
Our diamond simulants are crafted from a specific chemical composition designed to emulate the qualities of natural diamonds.
They are meticulously cut using the same professional faceting techniques used for cutting natural diamonds. Individual hand polishing using diamond powder ensures the stones have all the brilliance and fire of a natural stone.
MISSANA DIAMOND SIMULANTS QUALITY
Among the finest quality diamond simulants on the market today, our stones come with a lifetime guarantee to maintain their brilliance without discolouration under normal wear.
Take care of your Shimmer Collection diamond simulant earrings with regular gentle cleaning to remove built up dirt and keep your diamond simulants sparkling.
Clean with a mild solution of 6 parts water to 1 part ammonia and apply with a soft cloth or very soft bristle brush.
Avoiding contact with lotions, hairspray or any chemicals and removing your earrings when swimming is advisable.
By following these simple guidelines you will ensure your Shimmer Collection earrings will bring you joy and continue to sparkle beautifully for a very long time.
