Clear and colorless alternatives diamonds (Response post)

This is in response to @Tiffys album regarding diamonds (located at http://imgur.com/gallery/8qcno).

There was some interesting discussion in the comments about diamond alternatives, with a lot people proudly sharing their stories and opinions. A lot of you liked colored stones in jewelry and such, and that's great. These, however, are colorless alternatives that you can choose if you still want a diamond feel or look but don't want the diamond itself.

Disclaimer! I am not an expert by any means. I have, however, done some research in the past about diamonds and alternatives, and I find it interesting and love sharing it.

Moissanite

This one got a lot of attention on the other page, so I'll deal with it first.

Hardness - 9.5
Refractive index - 2.654 - 2.967
Approx price per carat - $500 (compared to $7000 for diamond of similar quality)

Moissanite is Silicon Carbide. It was originally discovered by Henri Moissan while analyzing meteorites. He mistakenly identified them as diamonds. Because most of these stones originate in space, natural moissanite is extremely rare.

However, laboratory creation of gemstone quality stones was perfected (and patented) in the 1980. Charles & Colvard claim to be the sole worldwide source of gemstone moissanite. However, it is probable that their patent will expire in 2015.

Pros:
- The hardness is second only to diamond, exceeding sapphire, ruby, CZ, etc.
- Optical properties of moissanite often exceed those of diamonds
- C&C claims that only stones with an equivalent of SI (slightly included) clarity or better are marketed for gemstones.
- Though stones are available in a variety of colors, a majority are colorless or near-colorless, if that is what you want.
- Larger sizes are available for less $$.

Cons:
- some people consider the high refraction to produce colorful fire that looks overdone or gaudy (I've seen it compared to a disco ball)
- In some lighting, even colorless stones will have a green-grey tinge. These two cons are less apparent in smaller stones (under a carat).
- the faceting pattern is different between diamonds and moissanite, highlighting each stones unique properties. Those who are familiar with different patterns will know something is amiss.
- Charles and Colvard hold the patent for gemstone quality stones. This, similar to De Beers, could mean an artificial inflation of prices.
- Sellers may attempt to sell these as diamonds, or sell cheaper stones as these.

compared to diamond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXH87oLmFmQ#t=10

White sapphire

Hardness - 9
Refractive index - 1.76 - 1.77
Price per carat - varies ($100 - $1000 on average, depending on source)

Sapphires are gemstones made from aluminum oxide, and are part of a larger family of stones called corundum. Trace amounts of other elements lead to the familiar blue color, or red in the case of rubies. Without these other elements, the stone itself will be clear and colorless.

Sapphires become white in 2 ways. 1) A light-colored (yellow or near colorless) stone is treated to become colorless 2) stones are lab-created without trace contamination

Pros:
- They lack the green tint often found in moissanite. Sapphires tend to be more "icy"
-Still considerably hard, and more chip-proof than a diamond.
- Less expensive.
- There are lab-grown options, which offer a nearly flawless, colorless, conflict free gemstone.
- There is a rainbow of colors, if you want something other than colorless.

Cons:
- Lots of sparkle, but less color than other diamond alternatives.
- They are less scratch-resistant than diamonds, and may become cloudy over time.

compared to moissanite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPMDrLWtqpk

Cubic Zirconia

This is currently the most popular diamond alternative.

Hardness - 8.5
Refractive index - 2.176
Price per carat - $5 - $20

CZ is a crystal formed from zirconium dioxide (not to be confused with zircon). CZ is lab-created in order to be flawless and colorless. During it's creation, CZ is stabilized with other molecules in order to give it durability and visual properties that are close to diamond. Commercial production of CZ began in the 1970s, and the market has grown in such a way that CZ can now be mass produced and sold at a reduced price.

Pros:
- Still relatively hard.
- Though it has a lower refractive index than diamond, CZ has a higher dispersion, meaning that it will produce a more intense prismatic fire.
- Truly colorless and flawless
- Lab created so it is conflict free and mass produced.
- Inexpensive

Cons:
- Scratches more easily than diamonds, moissanite or sapphire.
- It is less resistant to heat, meaning that it will shatter or cloud (this is fine for day-to-day use, but jewelers may have a more difficult time altering the pieces)
- Surface impurities mean that it will attract dirt and oils more quickly than diamonds will.

White topaz

Hardness - 8
Refractive index - 1.61 - 1.64
Price per carat - varies (colorless is less then colored, around $100)

Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, and is colorless when lacking other trace minerals. Similar to gemstone diamond, it is a naturally occurring, mined stone.

Pros:
- Topaz is a natural stone and can be graded for color and clarity in a way that is similar to diamonds and other natural stones.
- Typically, colorful (golden, blue or pink) topaz is considered more valuable, so colorless stones will be less expensive.

Cons:
- less scratch-resistant than other diamond alternatives.
- It has a lower refractive index, meaning less light return, sparkle and fire.

From left to right: CZ, white sapphire, moissanite, and diamond (poor topaz)

Source dump:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moissanite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topaz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_zirconia
http://www.brilliantearth.com/news/moissanite-vs-diamond/
http://www.callagold.com/diamonds/white-sapphires-vs-diamonds-engagement-rings/
http://www.charlesandcolvard.com/uploads/WIM-NewCopyVI.pdf
http://www.moimoi.com.au/pageContent.aspx?id=7
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-white-sapphire.htm
http://www.callagold.com/wedding-rings/cz-vs-diamond-for-your-engagement-ring/
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Cubic_Zirconia_vs_Diamond

Pet Tax

I don't have a cat, but this is a sugar glider. She's shy.

Anyways, these are just alternatives. If it is a gift, discuss with your partner the value of each, and come to an agreement together. Be open and honest, and don't try to claim that the stones are something that they are not. If it helps, you can think of the stones as unique and valuable themselves, and not as an alternative to something else. Each of these, as well as diamonds, have their own valuable characteristics. After looking at them, if you still like diamond, there are ethical options! Just, be proud of your decision!

Next by request: Emerald http://imgur.com/gallery/vD0DE

TL;DR - There are unique and valuable colorless alternatives to diamonds. Do some research, be prepared and purchase something you are proud of.