General Stone Comparison
Synthetic vs. Simulant vs. Diamond Hybrid®
So what is the difference between synthetic diamonds, diamond simulants, and the Diamond Hybrid? To put it simply, lab-created diamonds are pure crystallized carbon diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as an earth-mined diamond. They are graded on the same scale as earth-mined diamonds with the ONLY difference being their point of origin (where it came from).
Terms used to describe lab-created diamonds include, but are not limited to, laboratory-grown diamonds, man-made diamonds, cultured diamonds, and pure grown diamonds. You may have also heard the term ‘Synthetic Diamonds’ to describe diamonds that are grown. However, this is a misleading term set forth by the earth mined diamond industry to imply that these grown diamonds are fake. This could not be further from the truth, and we will start seeing less and less of this term.
Diamond simulants, on the other hand, are created to mimic the look of natural diamonds, but contain zero diamond and are non-precious. Great examples of diamond simulants are Cubic Zirconia (CZ), Moissanite and White Topaz. These simulant stones are very inexpensive and contain no diamond.
The Diamond Hybrid is a rare blend of both technologies. It is comprised of both lab-created diamond and diamond simulate technology. We start with a porous crystal core that is not diamond and then infuse a form of lab-created diamond (carbon) on the outer layer. Because it’s not pure crystallized carbon and not 100% chemically identical to the earth-mined diamond it is still classified a simulant. We call it a "Hybrid" because it is using a blend of lab-created diamond and diamond simulate technology.
Below is a picture of a round cut lab created diamond (left) compared to the Diamond Hybrid (right).
| Properties | Earth-Mined Diamonds | Diamond Hybrid | Lab-Created Diamonds | Cubic Zirconia | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of Diamond Bonds | 100% solid | 85% in infused outer layer | 100% solid | 0% | 0% |
| MOHS Hardness Scale | 10 | 8.8 | 10 | 8.0-8.5 | 9.25 |
| Cut | Varies on cost | Ideal, Hearts and Arrows | Varies on cost | Varies on cost | Cut to correct its doubly refractive index |
| Color | D to F (colorless) to S to Z (yellow) | D to F - Colorless | Anywhere from D to F (colorless) to S to Z (yellow) | D - shows yellows and greens under UV light | I to J - Tinges of yellows, grays and greens |
| Clarity | Variable - Nearly always a birthmark | Internally flawless to VS2 | VS to SI | I to F | VS1 to VS2 |
| Carat Cost | Avg $5,000.00 | $295.00 |
Avg $3,500.00 |
$20.00 | $350.00 |
Diamond Hybrid vs. Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has been the most popular diamond alternative for years. Before the advent of superior and more durable man-made diamond coatings and cultured diamonds, cubic zirconia was the most common consumer choice for a more affordable diamond alternative.
MiaDonna has taken diamond alternative technology to a whole new level. The Diamond Hybrid consists of a non-precious core that is infused with an enhanced form of lab-created diamond giving our hybrid stone a hardness that is nearly three times greater than CZ, a brilliance and light play that is undecipherable from a natural diamond and a non-stick, non-porous surface that repels dirt and grime superbly. The end result is a diamond simulant that is far more brilliant, durable and diamond like than cubic zirconia could ever be.
Click here to see an Instagram post comparing the Hybrid to a CZ.
| Properties | Diamond Hybrid | Cubic Zirconia | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Averaging D to F (colorless) | D - shows yellows and greens under UV light | The Diamond Hybrid throws out the same color patterns as very fine earth-mined diamonds, both under short and long wave UV lights, indoors and outdoors. |
| Cut | Ideal, hearts and arrows, cut by hand | CZ (varies on cost) | The Diamond Hybrid throws out the same color patterns as very fine earth-mined diamonds, both under short and long wave UV lights, indoors and outdoors. |
| Index of Refraction | Analysis shows excellent averaging 2.24 | Avg. 2.15 - Gives off a glassy appearance | Analysis shows our Diamond Hybrid averages a refractive index nearly identical to a natural diamond giving our hybrid stones an incredibly realistic brilliance that is incomparable to any other simulant being produced in the diamond alternative industry. |
| SP3 Carbon Diamond Bonds (%) | 85% in its infused outer layer | 0% | Our hybrid stone contains 85% SP3 carbon diamond bonds in its infused outer layer. These are the same bonds that make up natural diamonds. |
| Clarity | IF to VS2 | IF | Each Diamond Hybrid comes with a technology verification card from the GIA certified Global Gemological Lab and is guaranteed to average a VVS1 to VS2 in clarity. The natural feathering that occurs in the applied diamond layer gives the hybrid stone a more desirable, realistic, natural diamond like appearance. |
| MOHS Hardness Scale | Overall hardness 8.8 / Outer layer 9.6 | 8.0 - 8.5 | While the infused lab-created diamond layer by itself has a hardness of 9.6, once infused with the core, the overall hardness of the entire stone is 8.8. This means our hybrid stone has a similar hardness as Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds. |
| Cuts Glass | Yes | Yes | Glass has a hardness of 5.5 on the MOHS scale. CZ is 8.5 and cuts glass. Cutting glass is not a good qualifier to identify quality products. |
| Polish/Symmetry | By diamond powder / Excellent | By diamond powder / Varies | The Diamond Hybrid has perfect symmetry and polish. |
Diamond Hybrid vs. Moissanite
Moissanite made its way onto the jewelry scene as a diamond alternative in the late 1990s. Synthetic Moissanite has some similarities to natural diamonds and is very hard on the Mohs Scale but has always been considered inferior with its I grade color and doubly refractive index. Moissanite failed to surpass its predecessor, cubic zirconia, in popularity before other superior man-made diamond technologies entered the market.
MiaDonna has taken diamond alternative technology to a whole new level. The Diamond Hybrid consist of a non-precious core that is infused with an enhanced form of lab-created diamond giving our hybrid stone superb hardness, a brilliance and light play that is undecipherable from a natural diamond and a non-stick, non-porous surface that repels dirt and grime superbly. The end result is a diamond simulant that is far more brilliant, affordable and realistically diamond like than Moissanite could ever be.
Below is a picture of a princess cut Moissanite stone (left) compared to the Diamond Hybrid (right).
| Properties | Diamond Hybrid | Moissanite | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | D to F Colorless | I to J Tinges of yellows, grays and greens | The Diamond Hybrid is far superior to Moissanite in color and it holds it superiority in larger carats as well as smaller carats. The larger you go with Moissanite the greener it will be. |
| Cut | Ideal, hearts and arrows cut to the highest standards | Cut to correct its doubly refractive index | The Diamond Hybrid will grade excellent to very good on the AGS cutting scale and are cut by hand, just like earth-mined diamonds. Moissanite needs to be cut differently than a natural diamond in an attempt to correct some of its blurred or duplicated appearance. |
| Index of Refraction | Analysis shows excellent averaging 2.24 | Avg, 2.67 | Analysis shows the Diamond Hybrid averages a refractive index nearly identical to a natural diamond giving our hybrid stones an incredibly realistic brilliance. Moissanite is significantly shinier when viewed next to a fine earth-mined diamond giving it an unnatural appearance. |
| Internal Crystal Structure | Face-Centered- Cubic/Singly refractive. Same as a diamond | Hexagonal/Doubly refractive | The crystal structure of the Diamond Hybrid is identical to an earth-mined diamond, giving it the same light play as a natural diamond. Moissanite's hexagonal structure creates bi-refringence a problem that splits light within the crystal giving it its doubly refractive blurry or fuzzy appearance. |
| Clarity | Internally FLawless to VS2 | VS1 to VS2 | Each Diamond Hybrid comes with a technology verification card from the GIA certified Global Gemological Lab and is guaranteed to average a VVS1 to VS2 in clarity. The natural feathering that occurs in the applied diamond layer gives the hybrid stone a more desirable, realistic, natural diamond like appearance. |
| Percentage of SP3 Carbon Diamond Bonds | 85% in its infused outer layer | 0% | The Diamond Hybrid contains 85% SP3 carbon diamond bonds in the infused outer layer when tested under Raman analysis. SP3 bonds are the same bonds that make up natural diamonds. Moissanite is made from silicon carbide and contains no SP3 bonds. |
| MOHS Hardness Scale | Overall hardness 8.8 / Outer layer 9.6 | 9.25 | While the infused lab-created diamond layer by itself has a hardness of 9.6, once infused with the core, the overall hardness of the entire stone is 8.8. This means our hybrid stone is as hard or even slightly harder than a natural Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald. |
| Cuts Glass | Yes | Yes | Glass has a hardness of 5.5 on the MOHS scale. CZ is 8.5 and cuts glass. Cutting glass is not a good qualifier to identify quality products. |
| Polish/Symmetry | By diamond powder. Excellent | By diamond powder. Varies | The Diamond Hybrid has perfect symmetry and polish. |
Diamond Hybrid vs. Earth Mined Diamonds
Earth-mined diamonds are undoubtedly the most beloved gemstone of all time. The breathtaking beauty and rare physical qualities of the diamond have inspired substantial advancements in the science of simulant and lab-created gem technologies. These technologies paved the way for successors to fulfill consumer demand for a superior man-made diamond alternative that is not only more affordable, but can be produced under ethical, eco-friendly conditions and guaranteed conflict-free.
Our Diamond Hybrid consists of a non precious core that is infused with an enhanced form of lab-created diamond, giving our hybrid stone increased hardness, a brilliance and light play that is undecipherable from a natural diamond and a non-stick, non-porous surface that repels dirt and grime just like a natural diamond. Our hybrid stone is more affordable, diamond like and natural looking than any in the industry next to grown diamonds which are also available at MiaDonna.
| Properties | Diamond Hybrid | Earth-Mined Diamonds | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | D to F Colorless | Average in today’s market is H to J | D to F colors are very rare in earth-mined diamonds and would be near $10,000.00 per carat which makes the Diamond Hybrid incredibly affordable at only 3% to 5% the cost of a natural diamond when comparing like colored stones. |
| Cut | Ideal, hearts and arrows cut by hand | Varies on cost | The Diamond Hybrid will grade excellent to very good on the AGS cutting scale and are cut just like earth-mined diamonds. In fact only 1 in every 1,000 natural diamonds that go to market will ever get to the same level of cut as every single hybrid stone. |
| Index of Refraction | Analysis shows excellent averaging 2.24 | 2.42 | Analysis shows the Diamond Hybrid averages a refractive index nearly identical to a natural diamond giving our hybrid stones an incredibly realistic, natural diamond brilliance. |
| Internal Crystal Structure | Face-Centered- Cubic/Singly refractive | Face-Centered-Cubic/Singly refractive | The Diamond Hybrid has the identical crystal structure of a mined diamond. Both the hybrid and a natural diamond handle light in the same way, singly refractive, which is why the hybrid possesses a natural, realistic appearance. |
| Clarity | Internally FLawless to VS2 | Varies - nearly always a birth mark | Each Diamond Hybrid comes with a technology verification card from the GIA certified Global Gemological Lab and is guaranteed to average a VVS1 to VS2 in clarity. The natural feathering that occurs in the applied diamond layer gives the hybrid stone a more desirable, realistic, natural diamond like appearance. |
| Percentage of SP3 Carbon DIamond Bonds | 85% outer layer | 100% | The Diamond Hybrid contains 85% of SP3 diamond carbon bonds in its infused outer layer as verified by Raman analysis. Only natural diamonds and our lab-created, grown diamonds are 100% solid diamond bonds. |
| MOHS Hardness Scale | Overall hardness 8.8 / Outer layer 9.6 | 10 | While the infused man-made diamond layer by itself has a hardness of 9.6, once infused with the core the overall hardness of the entire stone is 8.8. This means our hybrid stone has a similar hardness to Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds. Only our lab created, grown diamonds achieve the same hardness as a natural diamond's 10. |
| Cuts Glass | Yes | Yes | Glass has a hardness of 5.5 on the MOHS scale. CZ is 8.5 and cuts glass. Cutting glass is not a good qualifier to identify quality products. |
| Polish/Symmetry | By diamond powder - Excellent | By diamond powder - Varies | The Diamond Hybrid has perfect symmetry and polish. |
Lab-Created Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds
MiaDonna has always been at the forefront of diamond science and innovation, continually pushing boundaries by working with groundbreaking labs and scientists to improve lab-created diamond technology. Our lab-created diamonds (also referred to as man-made diamonds, grown diamonds, cultivated diamonds, and synthetic diamonds) are chemically, physically and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are an eco-friendly, conflict-free and an affordable alternative to earth-mined diamonds.
| Properties | Miadonna Lab-Created Diamonds | Earth-Mined Diamonds | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ( C ) Pure Carbon | ( C ) Pure Carbon | Both lab-created diamonds and earth-mined diamonds are made from 100% pure crystallized carbon. |
| Crystalline Structure | Face-Centered-Cubic / Singly Refractive | Face-Centered-Cubic / Singly Refractive | Both MiaDonna lab-created diamonds and earth-mined diamonds share an identical internal crystalline structure resulting in perfectly matched brilliance, fire and scintillation |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 | 2.42 | Both lab-created diamonds and earth-mined diamonds have the same density and will refract, or bend, light in the same manner, because of their identical chemical composition. |
| Fire (Light DIspersion) | 0.044 | 0.044 | When light enters a lab-created diamond the dispersion or separation of colored light that comes back out of the diamond is identical to earth-mined diamonds. |
| MOHS Hardness Rating | 10 | 10 | Lab-created diamond are pure carbon, just like earth-mined diamonds. As a result their hardness is identical. |
| Electron Density | 3.52 | 3.52 | The bulk density or electron density of both lab-created diamonds and earth-mined diamonds is identical and subsequently allow them to share the same specific gravity. |
| Polish | Diamond powder | Diamond powder | Both MiaDonna lab-created diamonds and earth-mined diamonds are polished with natural diamond powder to finish the outer surface of the diamond. |
| Production | Created in a laboratory with no toxic or harmful by-products | Open-pit strip mines and underground mines create large amounts of toxic waste | Earth-mined diamonds are produced in nature, but are limited by corrupt supply lines in order to inflate the price of the diamond. MiaDonna lab-created diamonds are produced in a modern day lab environment and, at a this point, are only limited by the technology used to grow them. |
| Price per carat for identical Cut, Clarity and Color | Lab-created diamonds cost up to 40% less than an earth-mined diamond equivalent. | Earth mined diamonds' pricing is dependent on cut, clarity and carat. Anywhere from $20,000 to $250,000 | Fancy colored diamonds are incredibly expensive, because they are so rare in nature. This allows for a significant price break when you purchase a fancy colored lab-created diamond. |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | No | MiaDonna lab-created diamonds are 100% eco-friendly - produced with no environmental toxins or damage. Earth-mined diamonds are incredibly destructive to the earth's outer crust and create toxic by-products from the use of mercury and cyanide that infiltrate surrounding watersheds and ecosystems. |
| Conflict-Free | Guaranteed conflict-free | Almost never produced ethically; Most hide behind the Kimberley process certification scheme | MiaDonna lab-created diamonds are 100% conflict-free and contribute to the rebuilding of damaged lives in Africa through The Greener Diamond Foundation. Earth-mined diamonds, regardless of African or Canadian origin, are conflict and are nearly all harvested under some sort of human rights violation. |
Lab-Created Gemstones vs. Mined Gemstones
MiaDonna offers the most awe inspiring, precision cut, rarest colored lab-created gemstones available. Scientifically cloned to mimic their natural cousins the Burmese “Pigeons Blood” Ruby, Columbian Emerald and the Ceylon Blue Sri Lankan Sapphire, MiaDonna lab-created gems are the finest on the planet. Optically, physically and chemically identical in every way to earth-mined gems, these precious gemstones are born in the most technologically advanced natural environment ever produced by man. The only difference between our lab-created gems and natural gems is the fact that these lab-created gems are considerably more affordable, eco friendly, produced ethically and require no mining or questionable labor practices.
| Ruby | Miadonna Lab-Created (Grown) Rubies | Earth-Mined Rubies |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 9 |
| Dispersion | 0.018 | 0.018 |
| Refractive Index | 1.766 | 1.766 |
| Quality/Grade | Finest Gem Grade | Varies on price |
| Conflict Free | Yes, Always | No |
| Price | $$ | $$$$$ |
| Emerald | Miadonna Lab-Created (Grown) Emeralds | Earth-Mined Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 8 |
| Dispersion | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Refractive Index | 1.576 | 1.576 |
| Quality/Grade | Finest Gem Grade | Varies on price |
| Conflict Free | Yes, Always | No |
| Price | $$ | $$$$$ |
| Sapphire | Miadonna Lab-Created (Grown) Sapphires | Earth-Mined Sapphires |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 9 |
| Dispersion | 0.018 | 0.018 |
| Refractive Index | 1.766 | 1.766 |
| Quality/Grade | Finest Gem Grade | Varies on price |
| Conflict Free | Yes, Always | No |
| Price | $$ | $$$$$ |
