Using Synthetic Diamonds in your Engagement Ring
While synthetic or imitation diamonds have a certain negative stigma attached to them, more couples are turning to fake stones for a beautiful engagement ring that is more affordable than one made with natural diamonds.
These days, the technology used to create synthetic diamonds can be so great that only the trained eye can normally distinguish a real stone from a fake one. If a couple desires the look of a real diamond but do not have the means to purchase one, a synthetic diamond engagement ring can be a suitable alternative.
Imitation Diamonds
Imitation diamonds, also called synthetic or fake diamonds, are created under very specific conditions in a lab. While technology has enabled many synthetic diamonds to look just like the real thing, the trained eye would be able to discern the difference.
Common synthetic diamonds include cubic zirconia, arguably the most common version of a synthetic diamond found today. They will sparkle and shine as brilliantly as a natural diamond but their flawless appearance should tell you that it definitely is a fake.
Moissanite is also a popular fake, and a high quality moissanite stone can be very hard to distinguish from a natural diamond.
Why Choose a Synthetic Diamond?
Engagement rings can be quite expensive, but synthetic diamonds are an affordable alternative for the couple who cannot afford the real deal. Don’t be afraid that an imitation stone will somehow cheapen the engagement ring; it’s not about the cost of the ring, but the relationship between the two people who are sharing their lives together. Besides, you can always upgrade the engagement ring at a later date once your finances are more secure.
If you do choose a synthetic stone, make sure the setting and metal you pick are high quality so as not to cheapen the overall effect of the ring. You want to highlight the stone for what it is, not what it isn’t, so be sure to choose a metal and setting that complements the diamond, synthetic or not.
If you are uncomfortable using a synthetic diamond as the center stone of your engagement ring, consider using an inexpensive gemstone and using smaller imitation diamonds as accent stones for an extra bit of sparkle.
Caring for a Synthetic Diamond
Just because you choose an imitation diamond engagement ring doesn’t mean you can get away with treating it poorly. Synthetic diamonds need to be cared for properly too; they can be damaged or become dull just as easily as natural diamonds can.
The plus side to this is that synthetic diamonds are often easier to care for than their natural counterparts, and most quality store-bought jewelry cleaners work just fine for these stones.
While synthetic diamonds have been thought of negatively in the past, there is no denying that they are an affordable alternative to a natural diamond engagement ring. What’s more, they can be just as beautiful as the real thing and because they are created in a lab, they are without the flaws or imperfections found in natural diamonds.
Whatever your reasons for choosing an imitation diamond, you can still have a gorgeous engagement ring – and no one has to know your sparkling rock is really a well-crafted fake!
Tags: diamond wedding rings, fake diamond wedding rings, fake diamonds, imitation diamonds, inexpensive wedding rings, synthetic diamonds