Diamonds are extolled in movies and songs for good reason — their romance, allure and durability make them the ideal symbol of love and fidelity. This wedding season — and year-round — diamonds are in demand from purists and romantics alike who want to indulge in the most coveted of all gemstones.
But did you know that there are many alternatives to mined diamonds that provide their wearers with gorgeous jewelry as well as a unique sense of style?
Here are some of the spectacular gemstones available on Jewelry Television (JTV), ranging from iconic jewelry “must haves” to notable options that may be new to you.
Mined Diamonds. The standard for engagement and wedding rings, but also heirloom quality fashion jewelry, is the traditional mined diamond, the most iconic of all gems. These gems formed deep below the Earth’s surface over millions of years, making them rare, unique and intrinsically highly valuable. The stunning variety of designs, cuts and settings available using traditional diamonds make them the ultimate complement to any wardrobe choice.
Lab-grown Diamonds. An increasingly popular gemstone is a lab-grown diamond. These are actual diamonds, with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds, but are produced in a laboratory. The complex, highly technical process of growing diamonds in a lab creates these treasured gemstones that are cut, faceted and polished in the same way as mined diamonds. Innovative lab-grown diamonds are a great choice for the progressive woman who has the confidence to show that she’s found a beautiful, authentic diamond at a great value.
Moissanite. Originally discovered in 1893 in a crater created by a meteorite, natural moissanite is composed of carbon and silicon, making it one of the hardest known minerals on earth, second only to diamonds. It is extremely resistant to scratching and chipping. Natural moissanite for jewelry is incredibly rare, but moissanite has now been synthesized in a laboratory, making it both more affordable and accessible. Moissanite Fire has a higher dispersion value than diamond, and JTV’s skilled cutters facet the crystals to maximize the brilliance and enhance the exceptional fire. It offers a brilliant, sophisticated appearance that’s perfect for both everyday wear and glamorous evening looks, with a wide selection of styles and price points available.
Strontium Titanate. This man-made diamond simulant, which is an oxide of strontium and titanium, also has a significantly higher dispersion value than diamonds. While it appears similar to a diamond, it has a different composition. Fabulite Strontium Titanate offers an incredible kaleidoscope of colorful fire and sparkle to make any wearer stand out from the crowd. It’s a true showstopper that complements a woman’s sparkling personality.
Cubic Zirconia. Possibly the best-known man-made diamond simulant, cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative for adding bling to your everyday wear or for a statement look. To ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and quality, look for a reputable brand such as Bella Luce. Cubic zirconia jewelry enables fun-loving women to be playful and creative with their style and experiment with different looks, due to the versatility and affordability of this popular gem.
To learn more about all of these gemstones, from mined or man-made diamonds to diamond simulants and much more, check out JTV’s broadcast network, with expert hosts to help educate and inform you on your decisions, or visit JTV.com.
