Fake Diamond Rings

Giant Fake Diamond Ring
Fake diamonds can look surprisingly real.
By
Jewelry Designer

Fake diamond rings aren't what they used to be, and they don't always carry the stigma you'd expect. Some people choose a diamond alternative for an engagement ring in order to afford other things more easily, such as a new home, a car, or even in preparation for future children. It is also a good choice for couples who want to avoid conflict diamonds. Many designs are also very similar to real diamonds, and there are a number of places to shop for this type of ring. These advantages make a synthetic diamond an option to consider for many couples.

Stones that Look like Real Diamonds

Today jewelry shoppers can find many diamond alternatives that look real. Some high-quality imitations are so close to a natural diamond that you can only tell the difference by examining it with a jeweler's loupe. Common diamond substitutes include:

  • Cubic zirconia: Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a manmade zirconium oxide in cubic crystalline form stablized with other minerals. CZ stones are durable and some look very real. The advantages of CZ include availability and affordability. Unfortunately, the less expensive versions cannot pass for natural diamonds.
  • Moissanite: Moissanite is a lab-created stone based on a rare mineral. Moissanite is almost as durable as a diamond, more brilliant than some natural diamonds, and harder than CZ on the Mohs scale. They are generally more affordable than diamonds. However, beware of low quality stones that can have a slight green cast.
  • Manmade diamonds: Simulated diamonds marketed as "manmade diamonds" tend to be more expensive than natural diamonds since the technology creates flawless stones. Jewelers dealing in these types of ring often offer many custom jewelry options, even unique celebration diamonds. The greatest benefit of manmade diamonds stones is that they are extremely hard to distinguish from real diamonds.

Shopping Options

The following jewelry websites sell imitation diamonds that look very real:

  • Diamonique rings are one of the most popular simulated diamond lines, often viewable on QVC. The brand offers a range of different ring designs from simple to complex, including bridal sets and pave set rings. Ring metals include sterling silver, gold clad, and platinum clad.
  • Almost Diamonds features beautiful cubic zirconium pieces. CZ's are often used in place of diamonds because they look so similar to the real thing and they're almost undetectable by the naked eye. At Almost Diamonds, you can choose to go ahead and purchase the whole wedding ring set or opt for the engagement ring only. Designs range from contemporary styles to classic solitaires, and even princess cut antique styles.
  • Ziamond.com offers cubic zirconia set in gold and platinum (rare). Consider the Eternally Asscher set or the Britney Engagement Ring for a fabulous look.
  • Helzberg Diamonds sells the Diamonvita simulated diamond collection, which has many engagement and bridal set ring options. Three-stone rings, colored stones and stone cuts like the pear, round brilliant and princess are among the selection.
  • Moissanite Co. has many elaborate ring designs with multiple stones in both modern and vintage-inspired styles. You can find rings with pave bands, split shanks or cathedral style settings. This site offers traditional solitaires as well as artistic designs.
  • Mia Diamond & Co. has manmade diamond rings made with recycled materials for couples searching for eco-friendly jewelry. The company features many modern designs and colored stone choices. However, many of the rings cost as much as similar natural diamond jewelry.

Trading Up Later

If you would like to eventually move that engagement ring up to real diamond status, you can. You won't be able to trade in the fake diamond, of course, though if it's set in gold, you may be able to get a bit of credit at the jewelry store for the setting.

There's no rule that says the engagement ring you propose with is the ring your significant other will have to wear for the rest of your lives together. Feel free to use it as a placeholder until the time is right or your finances are more stable. There's no reason not to get engaged or to skip out on the diamond-like engagement ring just because there are too many other financial obligations to consider before buying a diamond.

Spotting a Fake

Real or fake?

What if you expected a real diamond ring and not a fake? Whether you're the giver or the receiver, getting a fake can be a huge disappointment and sometimes a downright outrage if you paid a diamond price to someone who claimed the stone was real. Individuals giving an engagement ring should not try to pass off the simulated stone as an authentic diamond to avoid hurt feelings and mistrust later.

You can make sure to work with a trusted and established jeweler and understand diamond quality before you shop to avoid purchasing a counterfeit ring. Signs of a fake diamond might include:

  • Poor quality settings: A low-quality or loose setting may indicate a fake.
  • Damage: True diamonds are durable stones and should not have obvious damage.
  • Rainbow refraction: Natural diamonds will refract light in shades of grey.

Keep in mind that the only guaranteeed way to ensure your stone is authentic is to get an independant professional appraisal.

Imitations Are Worth Considering

There are plenty of reasons to choose a fake diamond ring. Just be sure that both you and your future spouse prefer an imitation diamond to avoid future misunderstandings. There's no need to be embarrassed about buying or wearing a synthetic diamond; thanks to technology, they look much like the real thing.