Alternatives to Diamonds – Natural Simulants

Natural gemstones, as long as they are colorless, can stand in as diamond simulants. Natural colorless gemstones used as diamond simulants include beryl (goshenite), corundum (white sapphire), quartz, spinel, topaz and zircon. All these gemstones also exist in synthetic synthetic form, and all except for zircon can be easily distinguished from diamond because of its lower Refractive Index (RI) and dispersion.

Take a look at these pictures, can you tell these stones apart?

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Diamond is a single refractive gemstone whereas zircon is a double refractive gemstone. So under magnification, you will see double images of the opposite facets.  Natural zircon comes in an array of rainbow colors.  Heating made its colorless form more common in the 20^th century to be used as diamond simulant that dominated the market a while. Due to its softness, zircon chips and scratches easily. And because of heating, zircon becomes brittle. For these drawbacks, zircon is rarely used as a simulant these days.

1. Ippolita Silver Rock Candy Ring in Clear Quartz (Image credit: Polyvore)

2. Goshenite Engagement Ring 2.52 carat in 14k White Gold (Image credit: Resa Wilkinson Jewelry)

3. Celyon 3-gems White Sapphire Ring 1.6 carats in 14k White Gold (Image credit: Planetary Gems)

4. Emerald cut White Topaz Ring (Image credit: Polyvore)

5. White Zircon Ring (Image credit: AJG Gems)

6.  White Spinel Class Rings (Image credit: Imagarcade)

BERYL – Aquamarine

Image credit: GIA

Deriving its name from 2 Latin words meaning water (aqua) and of the sea (marine), this March birthstone is the blue variety of the beryl species – same family as emerald – and it is second only to emerald in popularity within the species.

In the blue gemstone market, aquamarine has considerable markets of its own against the most popular sapphire. However, its darkest shade rarely matches that of sapphire.

In the commercial market, it competes with treated blue topaz but fine aquamarine can sell far more than equivalent-quality treated blue topaz.

Since 1811, Brazil has been the world’s most important source of gem quality aquamarine. Africa is known to produce sizes under 5 carats of intense color. Pakistan is another significant producer. Recently, China led the world in producing small, commercial quality aquamarines.

BERYL – Aquamarine’s Color and Cut

The most valuable color is a moderately strong, medium-dark blue to slightly greenish blue. The color is usually more intense in larger stones.

Oval and emerald cuts often enhance aquamarine’s color and clarity. Most faceted aquamarines are eye clean. Some might contain liquid inclusions, but clarity characteristics are few or absent in most finished gems.

Its hardness (Mohs 7.5 – 8) and transparency makes it popular with designers, artist and carvers. Gem sculptors use aquamarine for fantasy cuts and ornamental objects.

Aquamarine that’s too included for faceting is often carved and set into designer jewelry. Alternatively, they are fashioned into cabochons, beads or carvings.

Virtually all aquamarines have been heat treated to remove the yellow component to produce the marketable blue. Sometimes, greenish blue crystals are left untreated to set them aside from the competing treated blue topaz. There are some buyers in Europe and Japan willing to pay a premium for these untreated aquamarine.

 

BERYL – Care for Aquamarine

Aquamarine was believed to be treasured by mermaids, to protect the sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. Often free from inclusions and appearing clear as water, it symbolizes purity of spirit and soul. Its serene color was said to cool the temper and allow the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.

This pale cool blue gemstone complements very well with the coming spring and summer wardrobe. Standing at a Mohs scale of 7.5 – 8, aquamarine is durable enough to be used for jewelry as long as it is treated with care from scratching and hard knocks.

Heat exposure is not recommended for aquamarine, but the color is stable against light exposure. Safest and best cleaning care is to use warm soapy water.

Image credit: Christie’s