Diamond Alternatives That Look the Most Like Diamonds

No two engagement rings are the same and no two stones are alike. While diamond engagement rings are traditionally a popular choice, many couples today are embracing diamond alternatives. Whether for their lower price point or traceable supply chain, there are many great reasons to forego the traditional diamond ring for a diamond alternative. Not sure where to start? Consider this your comprehensive guide to alternatives to diamond rings. From the types of diamond alternatives to where to shop, we've outlined everything you'll need to know on the search for your dream engagement ring.

In this article:

• 6 Gorgeous Diamond Alternatives
• Why Choose a Diamond Alternative?
• Where to Buy Diamond Alternatives?

6 Gorgeous Diamond Alternatives

Whether you're looking for a gemstone to mimic the exact look of a diamond or want something with its own twist, we've outlined all of the most commonly used diamond alternatives you can choose from—and yes, that includes lab diamonds! These gorgeous stones are elegant and glamorous and come in a wide range of price points to suit every wedding budget.

Lab Diamond

Photo: Grown Brilliance

While it's important to note that a lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond, many couples prefer a lab diamond for its more ethical and sustainable nature. Lexi Winchester, CEO and founder of LabLove tells us, "On average, a lab diamond is 85% less expensive than a mined diamond with identical characteristics. However, the prices will certainly differ company to company, so do your research to ensure that you're getting the best price and best quality."

"Some of the pros of choosing a lab-grown diamond include the affordability, sustainability, and ethical practices compared to mined diamonds," Winchester shares. "The happiest moments in my career have been seeing the face of a future fiancé-to-be when she realizes that she can have a larger diamond than she had assumed and still be within the couple's budget because she chose lab diamonds instead of mined diamonds."

Lab-grown vs. natural diamond: "The most significant difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds is the location of their formation," Winchester explains. "Mined diamonds are formed deep within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment in a laboratory." The process in which the lab diamond is formed mimics that of a mined diamond and the chemical composition is exactly the same. One very important reason many people prefer lab diamonds is their traceability, which ensures they are being made under ethical and sustainable practices, which is not always the case for mined diamonds.

Moissanite

Photo: Charles & Covard

A moissanite is a common choice for a diamond alternative because it closely resembles a diamond. Moissanite tends to refract the light more than a diamond, causing more sparkle and colorful flashes, which many couples actually prefer to a diamond. Moissanite is also significantly less expensive than diamonds, due to the fact that it is mass-produced in a lab. Moissanite is also a very durable stone for everyday wear, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale versus diamonds ranking at 10.

Moissanite vs. diamond: While the look of moissanite is pretty similar to that of a diamond, there are some key differences that set them apart. The biggest difference is the origin. While moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone, most moissanite is produced in a lab because of its rarity in nature. Like lab diamonds, this gives moissanite the potential to be a more ethical and sustainable choice than a diamond. Price is also a huge differentiator, as moissanite is much less expensive than diamonds, making it a great option for a beautiful engagement ring on a budget.

White Sapphire

Photo: Jamie Park

While most commonly thought of in a rich blue hue, this colored gemstone also comes in a wide range of colors from white to pink to yellow and more. Made of the mineral corundum, sapphires are clear until trace minerals give them their distinct rainbow of colors. Natural sapphires are rare, but lab sapphires are another great option as well. Getting the right cut on your sapphire will maximize its color and carat weight.

Sapphire vs. diamond: Sapphires rank very close in hardness to diamonds at a 9 on the Mohs scale, making them great for a diamond alternative engagement ring. While they are not as refractive as diamonds and don't have as much sparkle, they do have a beautiful subtle sparkle to them. A great benefit of sapphires is the flexibility of colors you can choose, great for couples seeking their own personal spin on an engagement ring.

White Topaz

Photo: HAVERHILL

Topaz is the birthstone for November and can occur in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, brown and colorless. White topaz is a great option as a diamond alternative because it looks like a diamond. The most common cut for a topaz is an oval or baguette cut, among other options. While most topaz comes from Brazil, it can also be found in the United States, Australia and more places around the world.

Topaz vs. diamond: A topaz ranks at 8 on the Mohs scale, so it's not quite as durable as a diamond and will require extra care to not hit it against hard objects, as this can damage the stone. If you do choose a topaz engagement ring, be careful to remove it when doing any kind of labor with your hands to avoid damaging it. Like diamonds, you can wear your white topaz while swimming, showering, sleeping, etc. While a topaz has a beautiful sparkle, unlike a diamond, it may lose some of its brilliance over time. When it comes to cost, topaz is considered an affordable precious gemstone.

Quartz

Photo: Staghead Designs

Quartz is a beautiful, versatile gemstone that comes in a wide variety of colors and can be cut many different ways. While clear quartz is a great diamond alternative, if you would like to opt for a colored stone you could also choose an amethyst (purple quartz), citrine (yellow quartz), rose quartz or smoky quartz. The versatility and affordability of quartz make it a great option as an engagement ring stone.

Quartz vs. diamond: With a hardness ranking of 7 on the Mohs scale, quartz is much less durable than a diamond and may require a protective setting to avoid scratches and chips. Because quartz is a relatively softer stone, it's recommended to get it in a bezel setting to protect the edges from damage.

Cubic Zirconia

Photo: BERRICLE

Cubic zirconia is a man-made stone that was first developed in the 1970s. It is often used as a diamond alternative due to its colorless appearance. Cubic zirconia is a very affordable stone, so it is often used in costume and fashion jewelry to mimic the look of diamonds at a much lower price point.

Cubic zirconia vs. diamond: While cubic zirconia does have a similar appearance to diamonds, there are a few key differences. Cubic zirconia does not sparkle as much as a diamond due to its lower refractive index. Also, cubic zirconia is perfectly clear and transparent, whereas a diamond will have some slight color variations. In terms of hardness, cubic zirconia rates around 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is much more susceptible to chips and damage than a diamond. The biggest differentiator is the price point. A one-carat cubic zirconia could cost as little as a few dollars whereas a diamond of the same carat could cost thousands.

Why Choose a Diamond Alternative?

The answer is simple: personal preference. While some couples value having a natural diamond, others prefer a diamond alternative. Neither one is better or worse than the other, it's simply a matter of personal preference.

One main reason couples may opt for a diamond alternative is the price difference. Winchester tells us "Even though I am the founder of a fine jewelry company that only uses lab diamonds, I am and was a consumer long before starting the company. As a consumer, the most attractive part of buying lab diamonds is the significantly lower price point for essentially the same product." The same goes for other gemstones. While they vary in price, diamond alternatives in general are less expensive than diamonds.

Where to Buy Diamond Alternatives?

Once you've decided you want a diamond alternative for your engagement ring, it's time to start shopping! Below, we've found five retailers that carry diamond alternatives to start your search for your dream engagement ring. Also, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find jewelry stores near you.

LabLove

Winchester started LabLove to provide clients with beautiful jewelry without the markup she was so accustomed to seeing in the industry. After feeling like she'd been priced out of the designer jewelry and diamond jewelry space, she started LabLove to better cater to what she was already looking for in her own jewelry. While the brand's main pillars include being more accessible, ethical and sustainable than mined diamond jewelry, LabLove above all values quality. They believe "jewelry should be worn all day, every day and be passed down with stories to tell for future generations."

Berlinger Jewelry

Los Angeles-based Berlinger Jewelry is known for its unique jewelry designs often inspired by the art deco era, considered "the golden age of jewelry design and craftsmanship." Instant heirloom pieces, their designs blend vintage charm with modern elegance. Their small women-run team proudly crafts their gorgeous jewelry right in Los Angeles.

Brilliant Earth

Co-founders Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg founded Brilliant Earth in 2005 with a mission to make the jewelry industry more sustainable and ethical. Gerstein couldn't find an engagement ring for herself that was ethical, sustainable and traceable, and she sought out to fill a void in the market. While they offer Beyond Conflict Free mined diamonds, they also offer a gorgeous selection of diamond alternatives, such as moissanite, sapphire and morganite.

Charles & Colvard

Founded in North Carolina in 1995, Charles & Colvard was the first to introduce lab-grown moissanite to the world, and they have continued to innovate ever since. Charles & Colvard uses "made, not mined" gems in addition to 100% recycled precious metals for jewelry you can feel good about wearing. Their ethically made and conscientious jewelry never compromises on luxury, offering customers beautiful fine pieces without compromising environmental standards.

Grown Brilliance

Grown Brilliance prides itself on offering 100% conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds set into a wide range of beautiful designs. Beyond the ethically produced diamonds, Grown Brilliance uses 96% recycled gold and aims to use 100% recycled gold by 2025 and its packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. Founder Akshie Jhaveri, a third-generation jeweler, leads her 75% female-led company with a mission of transparency and value.

Slate & Tell

Designed in New York City and produced in the Dominican Republic, Slate & Tell crafts its jewelry with 100% recycled metals and diamond alternatives such as lab diamonds, moissanite and cubic zirconia. They aim to accommodate all lifestyles and budgets, offering fine jewelry that's attainable for everyone. Their talented team has a legacy that spans more than three decades of experience in the jewelry industry.