A Lab Grown Diamond also known as synthetic diamond, cultivated diamond, man-made diamond or cultured diamond is not comparable to or in the same category as diamond simulants like Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia, and White Topaz.

Why are Lab Grown Diamonds not the same as a Diamond Simulant?

Diamond Simulants are often used with one key objective in mind – to best imitate a Diamond. However their chemical mark-up, hardness and durability are very different from a Lab Grown or Mined Diamond.

What are Synthetic (Lab Grown) Diamonds and what is a Diamond Simulant?

Synthetic (Lab Grown) Diamonds have the same chemical composition, properties and hardness as a Mined Diamond.

Whereas, simulants are gemstones that have a diamond-like appearance but are not diamonds as they lack the same chemical properties and attributes that a Diamond has. A diamond simulant should not be labelled as a synthetic diamond, as both are very different.

Related: Mined vs Lab Grown Diamonds: Everything you need to know

What’s the difference between a Lab Grown Diamond and Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia and White Topaz?

The difference between a Lab Grown Diamond and Diamond Simulants such as Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia, and White Topaz can be boiled down to its hardness on the Moh Scale, its appearance and its durability over time.

Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia and White Topaz have a lower hardness than a Lab Grown Diamond. In appearance, Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia exhibit a different rainbow-like light reflection while a White Topaz lacks the brilliant sparkle of a diamond.

Unlike Diamonds, Diamond Simulants can’t achieve the colourless range of a diamond. Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia and White Topaz, all have a tinge of colour. Aside from that, their appearance in sunlight is darker when compared to a Lab Grown Diamond which has the same white brilliance indoors and outdoors.

Over time, most Diamond Simulants will not be able to maintain their brilliance and clarity. Cubic Zirconia and White Topaz are often unable to maintain their brilliance as they can become scratched and chipped, making the gemstones appear cloudy.

Where do I get a Lab Grown Diamond?

When you’re looking for a Lab Grown Diamond, you should go somewhere you can trust. Ch’ya by ZCOVA offers IGI Certified Lab Grown Diamonds with free jewellery customization. Have an idea you’d like to bring to life?