Diamonds are prized for their brilliance and unmatched light performance, but that beauty comes at a steep price that isn't accessible to everyone. That's where simulated diamonds come in.
So what exactly are VVS simulated diamonds, and how do they stack up against natural or lab-grown diamonds?
Simulated diamonds may look the part, but their chemical, physical, and optical properties are entirely different from the real thing. Understanding those differences is key to telling these gemstones apart and making an informed choice.
This guide breaks down what VVS simulated diamonds are, how they compare to natural and lab-grown diamonds, and what to consider before buying one.
Understanding VVS Simulated Diamonds
Let's start with what simulated diamonds actually are, and what the term "VVS" means when applied to them.
What Are Simulated Diamonds?
Simulated diamonds, or diamond simulants, are natural or man-made gemstones designed to resemble real diamonds while having entirely different physical and chemical makeups. Essentially, any gemstone used to mimic a diamond's look falls into this category.
Since there are several types of diamond simulants, each with its own properties, comparing "simulated diamonds" to real diamonds as one broad category doesn't tell the full story. It's more useful to look at each simulant individually.
Related read: Flawless vs. VVS Diamonds
Common Diamond Simulants
The most common diamond simulants include glass rhinestones, cubic zirconia (CZ), white sapphire, white topaz, and moissanite.
Glass Rhinestones
Among the most affordable simulants, rhinestones were originally made from quartz but are now typically manufactured using glass, acrylic, or plastic. Unlike diamonds, which maintain strong clarity even at lower grades, rhinestones often show visible inclusions and bubbles. They do sparkle, but nowhere near as intensely as diamonds, largely because diamonds have a much higher refractive index that allows light to pass through more efficiently.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is composed of zirconium oxide with a cubic crystal structure. It's pricier than rhinestones but still very affordable, and its brilliance and clarity come reasonably close to that of a real diamond, making it hard to distinguish at a glance. That said, its lower refractivity means it's generally less brilliant overall. One noticeable difference: CZ tends to give off rainbow-colored light dispersion under natural light, while diamonds sparkle in gray and white internally while casting rainbow reflections onto nearby surfaces.
White Sapphire
White sapphires, whether natural or lab-made, are composed of corundum (aluminum oxide). They cost more than rhinestones or cubic zirconia but remain far cheaper than diamonds. While the overall look is similar to a diamond's, white sapphires have a lower refractive index, resulting in less brilliance, a paler appearance, and sometimes a faint blue tint.
White Topaz
A silicate mineral, white topaz is another natural diamond simulant. Like diamonds, some white topaz stones carry visible inclusions while others appear flawless to the naked eye. Both stones share a transparent color and solid brilliance, though white topaz reflects less light overall, giving it a subtler sparkle.
Moissanite
Moissanite occurs both naturally and as a lab-grown gemstone made of silicon carbide. Because natural moissanite is so rare, it commands a higher price than the other simulants listed here. On the Mohs scale, moissanite rates 9.25 compared to a diamond's 10, and it shares a similarly high thermal conductivity, which is why it can pass standard diamond testers. Moissanite's refractive index actually exceeds that of a diamond, giving it even more brilliance. Given these traits, moissanite is widely considered the top diamond simulant on the market.
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS is a clarity grading standard developed by the GIA, originally intended for natural and lab-grown diamonds. It stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, describing stones where inclusions and blemishes are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification.
While the VVS grading system technically doesn't apply to simulated stones, you'll still see diamond simulants marketed as VVS. In this context, it simply signals that the stone has minimal imperfections and appears clean to the naked eye.
Characteristics of VVS Simulated Diamonds
Simulated and real diamonds can look remarkably alike, but there are important differences worth understanding before you buy.
Visual Appearance
Some simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, resemble real diamonds more closely than others, such as rhinestones or white sapphire. The main differentiators come down to clarity and color. Some simulants achieve a near-colorless, high-clarity look similar to diamonds, while others carry visible imperfections, colorful tints, or lower refractivity.
Materials Used
Despite visual similarities, the chemical makeup of simulated and real diamonds couldn't be more different.
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Diamond: Pure carbon, giving it high thermal conductivity, a Mohs hardness of 10, and a refractive index of 2.42.
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Cubic zirconia: Made from melted zirconium oxide with added minerals like calcium and magnesium. Generally colorless, rated 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, with a refractive index of 2.15-2.18.
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Moissanite: Composed of silicon carbide, rated 9.25 on the Mohs scale, with comparable thermal conductivity to diamond and a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, higher than diamond itself.
Since moissanite and cubic zirconia are two of the most popular simulants, understanding how they differ from each other and from diamond is especially useful when deciding what to buy.
Durability and Wear
Most diamond simulants are less durable and more prone to scratching than diamonds, due to their lower Mohs ratings. Moissanite is the exception, with hardness high enough to make it genuinely scratch-resistant and suitable for daily wear.
As for upkeep, simulated diamonds benefit from regular cleaning with warm water and a mild soap to maintain their sparkle over time.
VVS Simulated Diamonds vs Natural and Lab-Made Diamonds
Simulated diamonds are frequently chosen as a budget-conscious alternative to both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Here's how they compare.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds form over long periods deep below the earth's surface under intense heat and pressure, then are mined and cut to reveal their sparkle. Due to their rarity and formation process, natural diamonds are significantly more expensive, often at least 10 times pricier than simulated alternatives.
Lab-Made Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are produced under conditions that replicate natural diamond formation, resulting in identical physical and visual properties to mined diamonds. They typically cost 60% to 85% less than natural diamonds, though they're still pricier than simulated diamonds due to the resources required to produce them.
Advantages and Disadvantages
VVS Simulated Diamonds: Affordable with strong visual appeal, often indistinguishable from real diamonds to the naked eye. However, they're generally less durable and carry significantly lower resale value, making them a poor fit for investment purposes.
Natural and Lab-Made Diamonds: Offer superior sparkle, higher perceived luxury, and much stronger resale and investment potential. Their main downside is cost, typically at least 10 times more than simulated alternatives.
Buying Tips
A few things worth considering before choosing between simulated and real diamonds.
Budget and Purpose
VVS simulated diamonds work well for budget-conscious buyers and suit a range of jewelry types, from fine jewelry to temporary engagement rings. Just keep in mind their long-term value and resale potential lag behind natural and lab-created diamonds.
Certification and Authenticity
Simulated diamonds aren't the same as certified natural or lab-created diamonds, but many still come with certifications or grading reports. Whichever type you choose, ask for certification from a reputable gemological lab such as GIA, AGS, IGI, or GRA to confirm quality and value.
Ethical Considerations
Natural diamond mining has long been linked to ethical and environmental concerns, including underpaid labor and hazardous working conditions. Lab-grown and simulated diamonds offer a more affordable and ethically sound alternative.
Real-World Examples
Simulated diamonds are a popular choice for temporary engagement rings, ideal for situations like travel, where the risk of losing a valuable natural diamond feels too high.
Their versatility also makes them a natural fit for chains, bracelets, and earrings. JewelCarts' moissanite chain collection, for example, offers pieces that are budget-friendly, pass standard diamond testers, and deliver serious brilliance.
Benefits of VVS Simulated Diamonds
Aesthetic and Practical Benefits
VVS simulated diamonds offer strong clarity and brilliance with minimal visible imperfections. While some simulants fall slightly short of a diamond's sparkle, moissanite actually surpasses it. These stones also suit a wide range of styles, from everyday cubic zirconia earrings to statement moissanite watches.
Financial Benefits
Simulated diamonds deliver a polished, high-end look at a fraction of the cost, making them an appealing choice for anyone who wants the aesthetic of fine jewelry without the steep price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can simulated diamonds pass a diamond tester?
Some can. Moissanite, for example, has thermal conductivity similar to diamond, which allows it to pass standard diamond testers that rely on that property.
Is moissanite considered a VVS simulated diamond?
Moissanite is often marketed with VVS clarity terminology, meaning it has minimal visible imperfections and appears eye-clean, even though the VVS grading system was technically developed for diamonds.
Do simulated diamonds hold any resale value?
Generally, no, or very little. Simulated diamonds are rarely purchased as investments and carry significantly lower resale value compared to natural or lab-grown diamonds.
Are simulated diamonds a good option for engagement rings?
They can be, especially for temporary or travel rings, or for anyone prioritizing budget and appearance over long-term investment value. Moissanite in particular is a popular choice due to its durability and brilliance.
Final Thoughts
Real diamonds are undeniably beautiful, but their price tag puts them out of reach for many, especially in more intricate jewelry designs. Simulated diamonds offer a compelling, more affordable alternative that can rival the look of the real thing.
To recap: VVS simulated diamonds are natural or man-made gemstones that mimic a diamond's appearance while differing in physical and chemical composition. Common options include rhinestones, cubic zirconia, white topaz, white sapphire, and moissanite.
When deciding between real and simulated diamonds, weigh the physical and chemical characteristics of each option alongside your personal budget, preferences, and intended use. And regardless of which you choose, natural, lab-grown, or simulated, always verify authenticity and grading through a reputable source.
