Why Simulated Diamonds?

Simulated diamonds are purchased for a number of reasons. Many consumers cannot afford the high price of diamonds but want the look of crystal clear gemstones. The diamond trade is also wrought with controversy, and diamond simulant pieces allow their wearer to enjoy his or her jewelry without guilt. Simulated diamonds can be set in precious or semi-precious metal and are common in every type of jewelry. Beautiful engagement bands, tennis bracelets, earrings and more can be found with simulated diamonds instead of authentic gemstones. Diamonds can be mimicked by a variety of natural and lab-created crystals. Many of these stones are visibly imperceptible as “fakes,” giving the wearer confidence to wear their simulated pieces in a world that values diamonds as a symbol of status.

Simulated Diamond Varieties

Several options for simulated diamond gemstones exist. The most common is cubic zirconia, which is a lab-created stone that is widely available and very inexpensive. It is not as strong as diamond, but its low price makes it easily replaced should damage occur. Cubic zirconia gemstones reflect prismatic light in a rainbow of colors and may be the most easily detected as inauthentic. Moissanite is a diamond simulant that is more expensive than cubic zirconia, but much closer to diamond in both strength and radiance. Like cubic zirconia, moissanite is created in the lab, but there are two natural stones that can replace diamonds. White sapphire and white topaz are genuine stones that are colorless and radiant. Sapphires are the most expensive diamond simulant, but topaz is less expensive than cubic zirconia because it is very common. Simulated diamonds are a great choice for many consumers, and with so many options, there is a colorless gemstone for nearly everyone

Bridesmaids are a very important part of your wedding day. They represent your love and appreciation for your closest family and friends. So, you want to thank them by giving them a great token of your appreciation. The most popular bridesmaid gifts are by far a form of bridal jewelry. However, there are so many bridal boutiques and online stores that offer quality costume jewelry, a bride may find herself scratching her head when trying to decide what to purchase. Below are five tips to help you along the way.

• Get personal! The traditional matching bridesmaid jewelry is out the window. These days, the trend is to buy jewelry that reflects each individual bridesmaid’s personality. For example, if you decide on earrings mix and match the styles. They don’t have to be the same size. Each bride is unique. Think of their fashion sense and go from there. If one bridesmaid is not into jewelry, choose a small rhinestone or pearl stud. If another is a jewelry fiend, choose something more daring, like sparkling drop or chandelier earrings.
• Go for color! Again, matching the jewelry to the dress is traditional, but not necessary. Pops of color and color blocking are trendy right now, so take advantage of that. Think about each bridesmaid and find out what their favorite color is. Then, select a piece of jewelry, whether it be earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace, and choose the stone that’s as close to their favorite color as possible. You could also get really unique and pick their birthstones as the accent color!
• Go for a vintage brooch: Vintage jewelry has become all the rage. Most ladies appreciate jewelry that has character and a story behind it. Why not go to your local vintage shop, or look online, for unique brooches to adorn the bridesmaid’s dress. Just as with the tips above, these do not have to match (and it would be nearly impossible to do so if you have numerous ladies in your wedding party). Look for brooches you know each bridesmaid would like. They can be worn on a sash, at the top of the dress, or even on the bouquet.

The best thing about the above tips is that the bridesmaids will feel special and not part of a cookie-cutter day. They will know that the bride took time to think about them as individuals and gave thought to what they would like. Now THAT, is a great gift!