5 Best Fake Diamond Substitutes: A Buying Guide

Imagine a gem that sparkles just like a real diamond, but costs a tiny fraction of the price. Sounds amazing, right? Many people dream of owning beautiful, brilliant jewelry without the huge price tag. This dream often leads us to explore the world of “fake” diamonds. But choosing the best imitation can feel like navigating a maze.

Real diamonds are expensive and sometimes their sourcing raises concerns. This makes looking at alternatives very popular. However, the market is flooded with different materials like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and lab-grown stones. How do you know which one looks best? Which one lasts the longest? Picking the wrong material can leave you with a dull stone or one that scratches easily.

This post will shine a light on the most common fake diamond materials. We will break down what makes each one unique. By the end, you will know exactly which stone fits your style and budget perfectly. Get ready to understand the sparkle beyond the real thing!

Top Fake Diamond Material Recommendations

No. 1
DomeStar Fake Ice, 150PCS Fake Diamonds, Plastic Diamonds Acrylic Rocks Vase Fillers for...
  • Package includes 150 pcs clear acrylic ice rocks.
  • Acrylic ice rocks measurements vary at approximately 0.9" x 0.7" x 0.6" each. Every bag contains approx. 2 and 1/2 cups of fake ices (150 pcs) which can fill up a regular vase.
  • Every piece of our clear rocks is made of high-quality acrylic, odorless, with irregular shape and looked realistic, lightweight but stay sunken in water, well polished, no sharp angles or rough edges.
  • Our crushed ice cubes are widely implemented in wedding, table centerpieces, showcase, candle, fish tank decorations and perfectly used as photo shoot props, home ornaments, vase fillers, DIY supplies, etc.
No. 2
DomeStar 1,000PCS Diamond Decorations, Clear Fake Diamonds Vase Fillers Acrylic Crystal Gems for...
  • 5 Sizes - The package includes 1000 transparent acrylic crystal diamonds in various sizes: 0.24",0.3",0.4",0.7" and 1.2". These versatile diamonds can enhance the décor for any occasion.
  • Premium Quality - Crafted from premium transparent acrylic material, our diamond decorations are non-toxic and odor-free. Sprinkle wherever you want to create a lively and festive party atmosphere.
  • Elegant Appearance - Our fake diamonds boast a flawless size, offering multiple options for a realistic appearance. The fake diamonds are beautifully polished with no rough edges, exuding an exquisite and glittering charm.
  • Versatile Use - Perfect for weddings, table centerpieces, showcases, candles, fish tank decorations, photo shoot props, home ornaments, vase fillers, DIY projects, and more.
No. 3
Babenest Acrylic Diamond Fake Gems Vase Filler, 240pcs 3/4 Inch Faux Diamonds Crystals Jewels for...
  • Premium Quality: Babenest acrylic diamonds are made of acrylic crystal materials with vivid colors and reliable quality, realistic appearance and texture, nontoxic, and no peculiar smell. Our fake gems add some sparkle to an event or table while entertaining
  • Perfect For Home Decor: Acrylic gems are good for home decorations, add shining bling to your Christmas ornaments, vases. Suitable for handmade accessories like personalized ornaments. Clear faux diamonds add a glamorous look to any indoor or outdoor centerpieces
  • Wide Application: Babenest acrylic diamond gems reflect light beautifully. Sprinkle these fake diamonds on the places where you want to create a fun and festive party atmosphere, so that your event has a perfect fairy tale vision. suitable for wedding, bachelor party, bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower, graduations, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day, etc
  • Package Includes: There are 240 pieces of acrylic diamonds approximately 3/4 inch (20 millimeters) in diameter. Perfect for filling up a vase or scattering a few around some candles. please note these are faux diamonds and not real diamonds
No. 4
HANSGO 500PCS Diamonds, Mini Clear Fake Diamonds Acrylic Gems Table Scatter Crystals for Vase...
  • 💎Package Includes: 500PCS clear diamonds in a pack, each clear rhinestones diamond measures diameter is 10mm/ 0.39 inch. If you receive foggy diamonds, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service for replacement.
  • 💎Multiple Uses: just scatter these fake ice fake diamond on guest tables, add to a vase or centerpiece, or place anywhere you want to add a bit of Dazzle.
  • 💎Good Quality: differ from acrylic diamonds, these mini clear glass diamonds are made of clear glass material, free from peculiar smell, non- toxic and will not float in liquid.
  • 💎Sparkling Gems: fake crystals gems for craftsmade of clear glass material and smooth finish appearance polygonal, it is sparkling with different perspective, perfect wedding favors for guests.
No. 5
DomeStar 1000PCS Fake Ice, Acrylic Fake Diamonds Vase Filler Plastic Gems Clear Rocks for DIY craft...
  • 💎 1000 fake ice cubes, size: 0.5" - 1", material: acrylic.
  • 💎 The package filler shining in the sun, and have a good effect on the display decoration.
  • 💎 Ideal for photography props, food showcase displays, weddings and party decorations.
  • 💎 These ornament fillers are also very suitable for filling vases or doing various DIY.
No. 6
DomeStar Fake Ice, 150PCS Acrylic Fake Diamonds Vase Fillers Pink and Transparent Rocks Plastic Gems...
  • 💎 150 fake ice cubes, size: 0.5" - 1", material: acrylic.
  • 💎 The ice cubes shining in the sun, and have a good effect on the display decoration, breast cancer decorations.
  • 💎 Ideal for photography props, food showcase displays, weddings and party decorations.
  • 💎 It is also very suitable for filling vases or doing various DIY.
No. 7
Acrylic Diamond Fake Gems Vase Filler, Babenest 240pcs 3/4 Inch Faux Diamonds Crystals Jewels for...
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Babenest acrylic diamonds are made of acrylic crystal materials with vivid colors and reliable quality, realistic appearance and texture, nontoxic and no peculiar smell. Our fake gems add some sparkle to an event or table while entertaining
  • PERFECT FOR HOME DECOR: Acrylic gems are good for home decorations, add shining bling to your christmas ornaments, vases. Suitable for handmade accessories like personalized ornaments. Clear faux diamonds add a glamorous look to any indoor or outdoor centerpieces
  • WIDE APPLICATION: Babenest acrylic diamond gems reflect light beautifully. Sprinkle these fake diamonds on the places where you want to create a fun and festive party atmosphere, so that your event has a perfect fairy tale vision. suitable for wedding, bachelor party, bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower, graduations, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day, etc.
  • PACKAGE INCLUDES: There are 240 pieces of acrylic diamonds approximately 3/4 inch (20mm) in diameter. Perfect for filling up a vase or scattering a few around some candles. please note these are faux diamonds and not real diamonds
No. 8
ATREFUU 200Pcs Clear Fake Gemstones Including 100Pcs Plastic Fake Rocks and 100Pcs Fake Diamonds...
  • Material: Acrylic
  • Quantity: 200pcs containing 100pcs fake rocks and 100pcs fake diamonds
  • Ideal Combination: you will get both fake rocks and fake diamonds, which can be used multifunctionally to meet your different needs! Rock size: 1" * 0.6", Diamond size: 0.75" * 0.55".
  • Fine Workmanship: Made of acrylic, these fake gemstones can be used for a long time, perfect for decorating champagne buckets, dining tables and more.

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Fake Diamond Materials

Fake diamonds look stunning, but not all sparkle the same. Choosing the right material means getting the best look for your money. This guide helps you pick the perfect imitation stone for your jewelry.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for fake diamonds, look closely at these features. They tell you how real the stone will look.

  • Brilliance (Sparkle): How much white light the stone reflects. A good fake diamond shows lots of bright flashes.
  • Fire (Dispersion): This is the rainbow color you see when light hits the stone. Higher fire often means a more realistic diamond look.
  • Clarity: Real diamonds usually have tiny flaws. Perfect clarity in a fake stone can sometimes make it look *too* perfect and fake.
  • Cut and Polish: A well-cut stone has sharp facets (the flat surfaces). Good cutting maximizes the stone’s sparkle.

Important Materials in Fake Diamonds

Several materials mimic the look of real diamonds. Each one has pros and cons regarding durability and price.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

CZ is the most popular diamond simulant. It is affordable and very brilliant. However, CZ is softer than real diamond and can scratch or become cloudy over time with daily wear.

Moissanite

Moissanite is very hard, almost as hard as a real diamond. It shows more “fire” (rainbow flashes) than a natural diamond. Many people love its intense sparkle. It costs more than CZ but lasts much longer.

White Sapphire

White sapphires are natural gemstones. They look elegant but have less brilliance and fire than CZ or Moissanite. They are very durable, though.

Glass/Rhinestones

These are the least expensive options. They usually lack the sharp facets and deep sparkle needed for a convincing diamond look. They are best for costume jewelry.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of your fake diamond depends on how it is made and what it is set in.

Factors That Improve Quality:

  • Lab Testing: Stones tested in a lab often have better consistency and cut precision.
  • Hardness Rating (Mohs Scale): Higher numbers mean the stone resists scratching better. Moissanite scores very high here.
  • Setting Quality: A high-quality setting (like sterling silver or gold plating) makes the whole piece look more expensive.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

  • “Dulling”: Softer materials like CZ can get tiny scratches. This dulls the stone’s shine over time.
  • Poor Faceting: If the cuts are uneven or rounded, the stone will not reflect light properly. It will look flat.
  • Color Tint: Some lower-quality fakes might show a slight yellow or grey tint instead of pure white.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the jewelry. This helps you choose the right material.

Everyday Wear Jewelry:

For rings or bracelets worn daily, choose Moissanite or White Sapphire. Their hardness protects them from everyday bumps and scrapes.

Special Occasion Pieces:

If you only wear the piece for parties or photos, Cubic Zirconia works perfectly. You get maximum sparkle at a low cost.

Costume Jewelry:

For fun, temporary pieces, rhinestones or low-grade CZ provide a nice shine without a big investment.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fake Diamond Materials

Q: Which fake diamond looks the most like a real diamond?

A: Moissanite often looks the most convincing because of its extreme hardness and high brilliance.

Q: Will Cubic Zirconia (CZ) turn yellow over time?

A: CZ itself usually does not turn yellow, but the metal plating on the setting might wear off, making the whole piece look duller.

Q: How can I clean my fake diamonds to keep them sparkling?

A: Gently wash them with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a very soft toothbrush to scrub the back of the stone.

Q: Are Moissanites easily scratched?

A: No. Moissanite is very durable and resists scratching much better than CZ.

Q: Can a jeweler tell the difference between Moissanite and a real diamond?

A: Yes. Jewelers use special tools to test for thermal conductivity, which separates Moissanite from diamond.

Q: Is “diamond simulants” the same as “fake diamonds”?

A: Yes, they mean the same thing. They are materials that look like diamonds but are chemically different.

Q: What is the least expensive option?

A: Glass or crystal rhinestones are usually the cheapest materials available.

Q: Should I buy a fake diamond with visible flaws?

A: Usually, no. Flaws in a fake diamond are often signs of poor manufacturing, not realism.

Q: Does the metal setting affect the stone’s look?

A: Yes, a high-quality setting (like thick gold plating) makes even a cheaper stone look much better.

Q: How long should I expect a good quality CZ ring to last with regular wear?

A: A well-made CZ ring can look great for several years, but expect some surface scratching after two or three years of daily use.