American Diamond Vs. Real Diamond

Woven in the fabric of human desire, a diamond symbolizes power, passion, and elegance. 

But with prices soaring higher than a hummingbird on helium, many of us are left wondering if we’re ever going to be able to afford that dream.

Meet its contender: American diamonds —a tempting alternative that’s here to steal your heart!

Guess what? They give you the same sparkle at a fraction of the cost. Well, not all that glitters come with the same story.

So, which will win your heart: American diamonds (sparkling, budget-friendly simulants) or real diamonds (natural or lab-grown treasures)?

Choosing between these ‘oh-so-tempting’ gems can feel like deciding between a whirlwind trip to Paris or a luxe staycation filled with indulgent perks. But hold your horses, because we’ll break it down for you!

Related Post: How To Identify Real Diamond?

What is American Diamond vs Real Diamond?

American Diamond vs Real Diamonds: Let’s pull back the curtains and learn about them in detail.

American diamonds are like Hollywood’s stand-ins—glamorous, convincing, and made to impress without breaking the bank.

Also known as cubic zirconia or faux bijoux, American diamonds are man-made, lab-born stones that look very similar to natural diamonds. It shares many of natural diamond’s optical properties — including high refractive index and dispersion — which gives it that characteristic of fire and brilliance.

Since these stones are created in laboratories, these beauties are predictable (in the best way). 

Among different American diamond benefits, the ones that stand out the most are its eco-friendliness and affordability.

Related Reading: What Is American Diamond?

Real diamonds are rare gifts from Earth’s depth (formed under immense pressure and heat for millions of years). 

They are like the VIPs of the gem world or you can say like that one friend who turns heads at every party — irresistible, timeless, and dripping with charm. 

Real diamonds are composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a unique crystal structure — resulting in exceptional hardiness, durability, and brilliance. Certified by the big leagues (GIA, IGI), these diamonds follow the 4Cs rule: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

Real diamonds are valued for their authenticity and rarity.

Related Article- What is a Costly Diamond or Platinum?

What Is The Difference Between An American Diamond and A Real Diamond?

Caught between the dazzling world of real diamonds and diamond alternatives?

Ah, we get it! Both shine bright, but how do you decide between luxury and practicality?

Let’s break it down—think of this as your insider’s guide to sparkle with a side of science, a pinch of ethics, and just a sprinkle of sass.

1. Material and Composition 

Here’s where it all starts—the very core (pun intended) of what makes these gems so different:

American Diamonds: Made of substances like cubic zirconia (zirconium dioxide) or moissanite (silicon carbide). Although similar to diamonds, these substances miss the depth complexity, and charm of natural diamonds.

Real Diamonds: Emerge from the Earth’s laboratory. These stones are carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral structure, forged for billions of years under extreme pressure and heat. This molecular structure contributes to their unmatched hardness and optical brilliance.

2. Cost Comparison

How much do American diamonds cost compared to real diamonds? Spoiler alert: your wallet’s going to have a strong opinion on this one.

American Diamonds: Significantly more affordable than natural diamonds. For instance, a 1-carat cubic zirconia could cost you less than a fancy dinner (you can make your guess). While moissanite might be a little bit more pricey but miles below real diamond.

Real Diamond: Rare and beautiful and priced almost like a small car.  Also, the price depends on the cut, clarity, color, and certification. Their higher cost reflects their rarity and enduring value.

Here is a small chart for you:

Related Article: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

3. Durability and Hardness

Let’s talk about diamond durability comparison—because no one wants a gem that calls it quits.

American Diamonds: Cubic zirconia scores 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite scores 9.25. This means these gorgeous stones are prone to everyday wear but are not invincible though.

Real Diamonds: The queens of durability. Scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth that you will ever lay your hands on. This makes them scratch-proof and perfect for heirloom jewelry. When we say “diamonds are forever”, we mean it.

4.  Sparkle and Brilliance

This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t.

American Diamonds: Cubic zirconia has a dispersion rate of 0.058 — which means they reflect rainbow extravaganza under bright lights. Pretty, but a little too “look at me.” 

Moissanite outshines diamonds in terms of flashiness (literally, it’s more refractive), but to some, it’s a little too much—like sequins at a black-tie event.

Real Diamonds: Gives you subtle, timeless sparkle and elegance with a balance of brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Think Audrey Hepburn, not Vegas Showgirl.

5. Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Your conscience matters, too.

American Diamonds: Made in labs which means no mines, no mess, and no bad karma. Conflict-free, eco-friendly, and guilt-free.

Real Diamonds: Not always the greenest option, though certifications like the Kimberley Process aim to ensure ethical sourcing.

What’s Your Sparkle Style?

How do I choose between American diamond vs real diamond? is a never-ending battle - and rightly so! Choosing between these two is like picking between a chic boutique stay and a luxury five-star hotel. Both have their perks—it’s all about what matters most to you.

American diamonds are for those budget-friendly lovelies who have a taste for fine jewelry. Real diamonds are for the romantics who love legacy, luxury, and timeless allure.

At Jewelove, we get it—every diamond has a story, and every individual too! Visit our store and find your piece of legacy today!

 Start Shopping

FAQ’s

What’s The Difference Between American Diamonds And Cubic Zirconia?

The term "American diamonds" is a catch-all for diamond simulants like cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite, both engineered to mimic real diamonds. CZ is affordable but less durable (8–8.5 Mohs scale), while moissanite is harder (9.25), more brilliant, and better for long-term use.

Are American Diamonds A Good Choice For Engagement Rings?

Thinking of popping the question with an American diamond? A fabulous idea—if you pick the right one. American diamonds, especially moissanite (affordable and stylish), are an excellent choice for couples who prioritize design flexibility and ethical sourcing, 

Do American Diamonds Last As Long As Real Diamonds?

With proper care and professional maintenance, American diamonds can maintain their beauty for generations