Natural diamonds can be costly and they come with a lot of ethical, social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. A lot of people now choose synthetic stones instead of natural precious stones, as they are more affordable and ethical. There is a wide variety of options available for you when it comes to diamond alternatives, both synthetic and natural. But if you have your mind set on getting ethical options, then the following gemstones can be suitable for you.
Lab Grown Diamonds
They create a perfect choice for people who want real diamonds but prefer ethical and affordable options. Despite their artificial origin, lab grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds in terms of their properties and looks. You cannot differentiate between these two stones with your naked eyes. Even experts distinguish artificial diamonds with the aid of advanced tools.
If you are looking for affordable diamonds for your engagement rings, then lab grown diamonds can be an appealing choice for you. A lot of people including celebrities now go for these synthetic diamonds because of their high ethical value.
Lab-grown diamonds are not rare, as they can be created at will. So the value of these synthetic stones will be always inferior to that of natural diamonds. Therefore, lab-grown stones are not a good option for people who are looking for an investment. But if you prefer low-cost and ethical diamond jewelry, they can your best bet.
Apart from lab grown diamonds, there are several other options available for you when it comes to synthetic alternatives to natural diamonds. Some of them are listed below:
Moissanite
Even though moissanite is found naturally, the ones you commonly find in jewelry can be lab-grown, as natural moissanite can occur rarely. Lab-grown moissanite are way cheaper than both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
It might not be possible to identify moissanite from a diamond unless you are an expert in the industry. Even though moissanite has great shine, its sparkle is different from that of diamonds. Moissanites produce a rainbow sparkle when compared to the white shine exhibited by diamonds. But these low-cost lab-grown stones can be a stunning choice for engagement rings.
Cubic Zirconia
Lab-grown cubic zirconia is one of the popular diamond alternatives that are commonly used in engagement rings. They have very lower price ranges than real diamonds.
The durability of cubic zirconia is low, so it can get scratched and damaged easily.
All these synthetic stones can be a great option for people who are looking for less expensive, ethical alternatives for natural diamonds.