The Best Diamond Alternatives in 2020

Looking for a sustainable diamond alternative for your engagement ring? You’re in good company. Many couples today are looking for something other than diamond to signify their bond. As a result, there’s a bunch of diamond alternatives to consider! Whether you want to ensure your gem is conflict-free, you want to spend less, or you just want to buck the norms, we’re here for ya. Read on to see what the newest and best diamond alternatives are in 2020!

What is a “Diamond Alternative”?

Well, it can mean different things to different people. In this post, we’re going to review white-colored gemstones that couples are using instead of natural mined diamonds. We think this will help couples that want a colorless look, without the mined diamond price. We have lots of couples that love this option! However, if you’re looking for something more colorful in your diamond alternative, there are also plenty of gemstone engagement ring options we love, too!

The Best Colorless Diamond Alternatives of 2020:

All-Over Best: Lab Diamonds

Lab Created Diamonds are the newest (and best) alternative to a natural, mined diamond. And they’re gorgeous. This is because Lab Diamonds are actually the same mineral as natural mined diamonds. The only difference is that they were born in a lab instead of the ground.

So why is it the best “diamond alternative”? Looks, hardness, and price. Lab Created Diamonds have the exact same chemical makeup as mined diamonds (not true for any other diamond alternative). Both lab diamonds and mined diamonds are pure carbon, they sparkle exactly the same, and they have the same 10/10 hardness. The only way you can tell a Lab Grown Diamond from a mined Diamond is to have it gemologically tested! I mean, I’m not sure it gets any better than this, guys. You get a real diamond for 30-50% of the price of a natural, mined stone of the same quality.

Scientific Breakthrough: Lab Diamonds

Gone are the days that “synthetic diamonds” were off-color or highly included. New scientific breakthroughs have been made and Lab Diamonds are now white, eye clean, and indistinguishable from mined stones! Check out Do Amore’s extensive selection of ethical Lab Diamonds here.

Bottom line: Lab Diamonds

Man-Made Diamonds get you the exact look you want, and the price you would prefer to pay. They are the ultimate mined diamond alternative.

Most Sparkly Diamond Alternative: Moissanite

For those looking for an even more blingy diamond alternative, Moissanite is a great pick. Because of its extreme “dispersion,” Moissanite sparkles even more than a diamond. And, it’s also incredibly hard at 9.25/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that it will stand up to daily wear very well (only surpassed by diamond)! Finally, Moissanite is only a fraction of the price of Lab Diamonds, making it very affordable.

Scientific Breakthrough: Moissanite

For those who may have had yellow-tint complaints about Moissanite in previous years, listen up! New advancements have been made, and gem scientists have created completely colorless Moissanite! I know! I was as shocked as you. Forever One Moissanite is as colorless as an E color diamond – and quite stunning – check out Do Amore’s wide range of it here.

Bottom line: Moissanite

Moissanite is a great diamond alternative. Those choosing Moissanite should expect sparkle that looks like fireworks (way more than diamond).

Best Natural Alternative: White Sapphire

For those of you looking for a natural diamond alternative, White Sapphire is a great pick. This is because White Sapphire is natural, durable, beautiful, and super affordable! Sapphire is a 9/10 on the hardness scale. In other words, a White Sapphire will stand the test of time (and your daily life). It also comes in a range of shapes and sizes – and some can be pretty huge!

Bragging Rights: White Sapphire

One unique thing about White Sapphire is that, in addition to being natural, it is often not treated at all. What I mean by “treated” is that most Sapphire out there is heated before being cut, in order to improve its color and clarity. So, for those out there who are natural gem snobs (I can appreciate that), White Sapphire’s lack of heat treatment offers some serious bragging rights. And, who doesn’t want bragging rights in their engagement ring?!

Bottom line: White Sapphire

White Sapphire is the clear winner in terms of a natural diamond alternative. Those choosing White Sapphire should expect white sparkle only as compared with the white and colored sparkle diamond offers. Check out Do Amore’s White Sapphire collection here.

Inexpensive Alternative: White Topaz

I would be remiss if I left out White Topaz! For those looking for serious value, White Topaz is the way to go. That is because Topaz is natural, durable, and incredibly inexpensive. With its cool grey-white sparkle, White Topaz offers a refined, elegant look. It also comes in some seriously big sizes, for those looking for a huge impact. White Topaz’s 8/10 hardness on the Mohs Hardness Scale additionally means that it avoids scratching pretty well. Couples choosing White Topaz should make sure to pick a protective setting, like a bezel, 6-prong, or halo to ensure it stays beautiful forever.

WHOA Value!: White Topaz

Adding a top AAA-quality one carat White Topaz to any of Do Amore’s ethical engagement ring settings will set you back less than $200! While White Topaz is not listed on Do Amore’s website, we have access to some of the most beautifully faceted top AAA-quality White Topaz in the world. If you want one, email us here. We’ll look through at least ten White Topaz of your chosen shape and size and choose the most beautiful for your ethical engagement ring.

Bottom line: White Topaz

Want a huge look for little money? White Topaz is the diamond alternative for you. However, make sure to set it in a protective setting. Those choosing White Topaz should expect grey-white sparkle, as compared with diamond’s white and colored sparkle.

Diamond Alternative Comparison Chart

Here’s a handy comparison chart. Don’t know which one to choose? That’s alright. Email us here and we’ll help!

Can You Help Me Design the Best Diamond Alternative Engagement Ring?

Sure! The best way for me to help you get exactly what you want is for you to tell me what your priorities are. Why do you want a diamond alternative? Is it for sustainability reasons? Cost? Look? Send us a note here, or email me here (my name is Corinne) and tell me the story of your love! I will help you pick the perfect diamond alternative for your ring!