About Imitation Diamonds

Imitation diamonds are not new. Jewelers have been imitating the beauty, clarity and sparkle of the stone for centuries. Earlier attempts were made from nothing more than glass, known as paste. The first imitations were not very good and were easily picked up by the discerning eye.

History

Moissanite has the closest properties to that of a diamond. Originally found in meteorites, the gem came in quantities too small for use. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a derivative of zirconium and yttrium oxide. The two opaque components together form a clear brilliant stone. CZs burst onto the market three decades ago. Earlier versions were inferior. They faceted poorly and clouded quickly. The public did not take well to them initially. Today, however, many people prefer the artificially created gem to the real thing.

Types

Moissanite and CZ represent two excellent diamond imitations. Both are respected for their beauty and brilliance, and have developed their own loyal followings. Moissanite can draw large sums of money when specialty cut and mounted perfectly. CZs, when faceted by an artist, are virtually indistinguishable from a diamond to the naked eye.

Features

Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it nearly as hard as a diamond at 10. Its refractive index (fire) exceeds a diamond at 2.65 to 2.42. Moissanite has its own natural flaws, which seems to make it even more desirable to some. Unfortunately, that also makes it more difficult to identify without the proper equipment.
CZs rate about a 9 on the Mohs Scale. They have nearly the same refraction at 2.2, compared to a diamond at 2.42. CZs can be manufactured without flaws, making them good candidates for different types of cuts. They can also be difficult to distinguish without the proper equipment.

Misconceptions

Because moissanite and CZ are both lab-created stones, some consider them nothing more than fakes. However, their properties are basically the same as diamonds, giving them value in their own right. Moissanite can be more beautiful than a diamond because of its remarkable color and fire. CZ has a distinct advantage in that it can be created flawless. Moissanite and CZ are both strong stones that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Warning

Customers should beware retailers who market created diamonds cheaply. Chances are the stones are synthetic, not created. Because created stones take time and precision in the lab, they cannot be easily developed at low costs. There are also unscrupulous people who attempt to pass off moissanite and CZs as real diamonds. When in doubt, stones should be tested with the appropriate equipment to validate their authenticity.