How to Choose Good Imitation Diamonds

While old-fashioned rhinestones are fun for cheap costume jewelry, if you really want to fool people, you need to look into some of the more realistic imitation diamonds that are now available.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry Boxes
• Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

1. Study the differences between cubic zirconia and moissanite, currently the two best imitation diamonds on the market. Jewelers generally agree that moissanite most closely resembles a diamond, but good cubic zirconia may also be a pleasing alternative.

2. Look at the individual stones. Notice the brightness, color, cut and clarity of each stone, and compare them side by side with a diamond to see which matches it most closely.

3. Buy the imitation stone in a good setting. Inferior metals, low-grade gold and other cheap alternatives will not make for a convincing look.

4. Find out if you can get a guarantee with your purchase, and what that guarantee will cover.

5. Get information about how to clean and care for the stones. While moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond, cubic zirconia is considerably softer, meaning it can be damaged more easily. Caring for the stone correctly means it will hold its look longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Both cubic zirconia and moissanite sell for much less than a diamond - usually at least 10 times less.

• Moissanite, which looks most like a diamond, is generally not available in large sizes.

• Avoid trying to pass off imitation jewelry as the real thing for insurance purposes. A reputable jeweler or independent appraiser can tell the difference, and you will need to have the jewelry appraised before you insure it.