Diamond Alternatives Compared
Not every engagement ring or piece of fine jewelry needs a diamond. Several gemstones offer diamond-like brilliance at a fraction of the cost. But how do these alternatives compare in terms of sparkle, durability, and long-term value? Here is an honest comparison of the most popular diamond alternatives.
| Factor | Diamond | Moissanite | White Sapphire | White Topaz |
|---|
| Hardness | 10 | 9.25 | 9 | 8 |
| Brilliance | Very high | Higher than diamond | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fire | High | Very high (rainbow flashes) | Low | Low |
| Price (1ct equiv.) | $3,000 – $20,000+ | $300 – $600 | $100 – $500 | $20 – $80 |
| Resale Value | Good | Limited | Limited | Minimal |
| Looks Like Diamond? | Yes | Close, more colorful sparkle | Yes, but less sparkle | Yes, but can look cloudy |
Moissanite: The Closest Alternative
Moissanite is the most popular diamond alternative. It actually exceeds diamond in brilliance and fire, displaying rainbow-colored flashes that are more pronounced than diamond. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it is extremely durable for daily wear. The main visual difference: moissanite has more colorful, disco-ball sparkle, while diamond has a more balanced white light return. Read our detailed Moissanite vs Diamond comparison.
White Sapphire: The Natural Choice
White sapphire is the best natural diamond alternative. At 9 on the Mohs scale, it is very durable. However, white sapphire lacks the fire and brilliance of diamond—it tends to look more glass-like and may appear hazy or milky compared to a well-cut diamond. White sapphire works best in smaller accent stones rather than as a large center stone.
White Topaz: The Budget Option
White topaz is the most affordable alternative but the weakest performer. At 8 Mohs it is reasonably durable, but it scratches more easily than the others and can develop a worn, cloudy appearance over time. White topaz also lacks the brilliance of diamond. It is best for fashion jewelry rather than engagement rings.
The Bottom Line
If you want the closest thing to a diamond without the diamond price, moissanite is the top choice. If you want a natural gemstone, white sapphire is the best option. And if you simply want a diamond, there is no true substitute—consider a lab-created diamond for the same stone at a lower price.