What are the most common diamond alternatives?
Diamond Alternatives
Discover beautiful stones that offer the sparkle and elegance of a traditional diamond with a fresh perspective. At Prism and Pearl, moissanite is our hero for its light, fire and exceptional quality.
What Are Diamond Alternatives
Diamond alternatives are gemstones or materials that offer a diamond like appearance in brilliance, clarity or general look. These stones suit those searching for accessible pricing, unique style or a conscious choice. Although not diamonds, many resemble them closely enough to feel timeless and luxurious.
Moissanite (Our signature stone)
Moissanite is the leading diamond alternative for brilliance, fire and overall sparkle. It has a refractive index higher than a natural diamond which means a brighter flash of light. It is almost as hard as a diamond and delivers exceptional long term durability. While Moissanites can be naturally occurring the natural stone is rare so most moissanites are lab grown for environmental and ethical appeal.
Pro: Extraordinary sparkle, strong durability and outstanding value.
Con: The intense light return creates a slightly different appearance to mined diamonds.
Clear and Classic Alternatives
White Sapphire
White sapphire offers a clean, minimal look with gentle sparkle. It suits those who prefer a more understated style.
Pro: Elegant and budget friendly.
Con: Lower sparkle than moissanite or diamond.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia mimics the look of a diamond at first glance and is widely used in fashion jewellery. it is not as hard as a moissanite or a diamond which are 9.5 and 10 on the Mohs scale and therefore it is damaged and scratched easily. It is best suited for occasional wear.
Pro: Very affordable with many cut options.
Con: Prone to scratching and can lose clarity over time.
White Topaz
White topaz offers gentle sparkle and a bright, fresh appearance. It is a popular choice in fine jewellery settings.
Pro: Accessible in price and attractive.
Con: Softer than other options and needs careful wear.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same structure and hardness as traditional mined diamonds. They are a modern alternative with a lower price than mined stones, usually about half of what you would pay for a mined diamond and are considered environmentally and ethically more sound.
Pro: Identical to mined diamonds in durability and sparkle.
Con: Higher price than moissanite and other alternatives.
Coloured Stone Alternatives
Morganite
Morganite has a soft peach pink tone that feels romantic and warm. It is often chosen for its feminine glow.
Pro: Unique colour and gentle presence.
Con: Softer stone that suits occasional wear.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine offers a light blue shade that feels calm and fresh.
Pro: Beautiful pastel colour.
Con: Needs extra care due to its softness.
Sapphire
Sapphire appears in many colours and is known for durability and strength. It makes an excellent daily wear choice.
Pro: Strong, versatile and classic.
Con: High quality stones can be costly.
How to Choose the Right Stone
Consider your personal style, how often you plan to wear the ring and the care level you prefer. Harder stones suit prong settings while softer stones benefit from protective settings. There is a beautiful choice at every budget.
Find the Gem That Matches Your Story
Diamond alternatives offer many ways to express your style. Moissanite leads the way for brilliance and value and is at the heart of Prism and Pearl. Whether you prefer clear sparkle or coloured beauty, the perfect stone is waiting for you.
