Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Well, when was the last time you had only ONE friend? Let’s be honest, a girl squad is the ultimate goal—and this is true for not only the people in your life but also the gemstones you wear!
Gone are the days where diamonds rule the roost. Today, a whole range of gems are prominent in women’s fashion, and can be mixed and matched to fit individual’s personal style and personality. Here’s a look at some of the most popular diamond alternatives that are both on trend and classic options.
- Moissanite
Moissanite is a very rare, naturally occurring stone that looks similar to diamond. Because of its rarity, most moissanite is produced in a laboratory today—a huge plus for shoppers who are looking for an eco-friendly choice. This gemstone is engineered to resemble the brilliance and look of a diamond, however many of their properties are different. With a comparable shine and hardness, moissanite is a great choice for daily wear in many types of jewelry. Better yet, it’s generally less expensive than true diamonds of similar size. That’s a win-win!
- White Sapphires
A naturally very hard gem, white sapphires rank among the top three on the Moh’s hardness scale. These stones boast a clear color that resembles diamonds, however can differ from diamonds in terms of minor properties. Most people think that sapphires only come in blue, but few realize that this brilliant gem can be found in a variety of colors, including colorless. With a lower price point than diamond, white sapphires are becoming more and more popular for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces that want to mimic the classic diamond style.
- White Topaz
Cultivated largely from the deep hills of Brazil, topaz can be found naturally in many colors. White topaz has many similarities to diamonds, including its clear color, dazzling shine, and sparks of fire that are emitted under bright lights. If you want a true sparkler on your finger, white topaz is a great choice. Like the other alternatives mentioned, this stone has a more wallet-friendly price point, leaving shoppers more money for the other necessities in life. The truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a beautiful, authentic piece of jewelry.
- Lab-created Stones
Many consumers feel that a gemstone isn’t worthy unless it was mined from the Earth, however with today’s technological advancements, laboratory-created stones can give the same look—or better!—often at a more affordable price. There are several benefits to purchasing a manmade gem. First, these stones cause much less environmental impact, and offer a more sustainable alternative. Second, many boast perfect characteristics, including color, cut, and clarity. Finally, most of these gems are sold at lower prices, which is a huge benefit to shoppers. Clear gemstones that are created in a lab are a fantastic option for engagement and other special occasion jewelry.
