One of the most expensive gems found in jewelry today is, of course, the diamond. Purchasing a real diamond is an investment, but one that many people aren’t prepared to make. This can be especially true of young couples who want to become engaged, but do not have a lot of money to spend on an engagement ring. There are, however, many other options available that serve as great alternatives to the “real thing”.

While diamond rings are still the most popular for engagements, many couples are looking into other alternatives. Since the diamond has not always been the gem of choice in an engagement ring, many people are finding it perfectly acceptable to use other stones in their rings. Some, however, who still wish to have a diamond ring, but cannot afford the real diamond, are settling for a synthetic diamond or diamond simulant.

There are differences between synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants; one of the most important is that synthetic diamonds are still made with natural diamond materials, while simulants are made from materials that are diamond-like in appearance, and often take on the properties of a real diamond. Economically, synthetic diamonds or diamond simulants make sense. They are much more affordable, and still come with the enjoyment of owning a diamond. Simulants often look so much like the real thing, in fact, that it takes the trained eye of a gemologist to tell them apart from those that are synthetic. This is also another selling point for these man made gems.

The actual category of diamond engagement rings is a broad one, including not only natural diamonds, but also the synthetics and simulants mentioned above as well. Many couples go for the synthetic or simulated approach, especially at first, since in the years to come, the fake diamond engagement ring can be replaced with one that is real. This is also important to many couples since saving money upon entering into their new life together is often more important than ever.

There are also a number of other simulated stones used to make fake diamond engagement rings, so the choices are quite numerous and economic. They allow couples the opportunity to purchase a beautiful ring for such a meaningful occasion, while also saving money in the process. No matter which type of ring you choose, the occasion of your engagement will still be a memorable one that will stay with you forever.

Over the past half-century, man made diamonds have become more prevalently used in jewelry making around the globe. Because of its lower cost and likeness to real diamonds, diamond hybrids have remained the most important diamond simulant. It is one of the most widely sold man made diamond types today. It holds all the properties expected in a real diamond, but is a much more affordable option.

Purchasing a diamond hybrid in place of a real diamond has its advantages. The first advantage is obvious: the cost. Because the cost is significantly lower, people are able to own several pieces of diamond-like jewelry for the same price as owning one real diamond necklace, bracelet, or ring. Also, because it looks very much like the real thing, those who view it won’t know the difference. From a distance, it looks bright and shimmering like the real thing.

The high price of gem-grade diamonds has created a demand for materials that offer the same properties and advantages, but that are much more affordable. diamond simulants are, however, distinct from synthetic diamonds, which are actually made up in part of real diamonds. Because of this, synthetic diamonds have the properties of natural diamonds.

A diamond simulant, however, may be natural, artificial, or in some cases, a combination of the two. While the material properties of a diamond simulant are different from those of natural diamonds, simulants do have certain characteristics that make them a desirable option. These characteristics include dispersion and hardness. This makeup is part of what lends diamond simulants to imitation, and in some cases, only gemologists with a trained eye are able to distinguish the difference between natural and synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants. This is difficult and done primarily through visual inspection.

The most common diamond simulants are high-leaded glass, which include rhinestones and cubic zirconia. Both are artificial materials that are formed to look like diamonds, and also take on many of their characteristics. This is why they are more affordable than actual diamonds, and why they are often the preferred buy across the board. This is also one of the main reasons why diamond simulants and artificial diamonds such as cubic zirconia and diamond hybrids remain very popular among jewelry lovers today, and why that aren’t expected to change any time soon.

When your fiancé popped the question you were tearful and filled with excitement. The diamond engagement ring he bought for you bragged of his good taste and how well he knew you. You couldn’t wait to flaunt it in front of all of your closest friends and family. It glittered and sparkled with the faintest hint of the sun and you couldn’t be more happy or proud.

A few weeks went by before you came up with the idea to have your ring appraised. You wanted to know how much your beau loved you. Standing before a legitimate jewelry appraiser you beamed until you found out your wedding ring had no real value other than your honey’s love. The ring was a fake. Now, before you decide to dump the poor guy I have three reasons you should not be upset he bought you a fake diamond wedding ring.

Reason #1: His intention may have been to buy you a real diamond wedding ring, but his pocket couldn’t afford it. So rather than wait another day he decided to get the fake diamond wedding ring to cement his undying love for you while giving him time to save for the real thing. The diamond substitute sparkled and shone at all of the appropriate times, putting a smile on your face nonetheless so measure his attempt rather than weigh the ct.

Reason#2: He may have been looking toward the future. Seeing your practical side, he knew you’d place more value on your financial future rather than an expensive wedding ring. Buying ridiculously overpriced wedding rings is a common mistake made by couples that can’t afford to express their love through jewelry. His strong desire to have financial stability in the long run aided his decision to buy a fake diamond wedding ring. Surely you’d appreciate him keeping an eye on the future.

Reason#3: He always buys you fake jewelry. For your last birthday he bought you a fake diamond necklace that you love. On Valentines Day he went out of his way to buy the matching fake diamond bracelet. He has a history of buying you diamond substitutes, so you can’t think he’d change too much when popping the question you’ve been waiting to hear for the last two years. Although he didn’t buy you the real thing, you should still appreciate his fine taste in all of the jewelry he buys you. Besides, your fake diamond wedding ring is still envied by all of your friends.