When it comes to buying diamond rings, more and more consumers are turning to Amazon for its vast selection, competitive prices, and convenience. However, the diamond market on Amazon is complex, with thousands of options ranging from real natural diamonds to synthetic lab-grown diamonds to convincing fake diamond simulants. It can be challenging for the average shopper to navigate this market to find the best diamond rings to suit their needs and budget.
One category that has become increasingly popular is fake diamond rings that look real. Many consumers are seeking the sparkle and beauty of diamonds without the hefty price tag, and some man-made diamond alternatives come incredibly close to matching the look of natural diamonds. In fact, the Gemological Institute of America found that some diamond simulants "could easily be mistaken for natural diamonds" based on visual appearance alone.
If you‘re a savvy shopper considering buying a diamond ring on Amazon, and you‘re open to fake diamond options that provide good value, then this guide is for you. I‘ll share expert insights on how to shop for diamonds on Amazon, distinguish between different types of real and fake diamonds, evaluate quality, compare prices, and find the most convincing fake diamond rings. Let‘s dive in!
Real, Lab-Grown, and Fake Diamonds on Amazon
First, it‘s important to understand the three main categories of diamonds you‘ll find on Amazon:
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Natural diamonds: These are real diamonds that were formed deep within the earth over millions of years and mined from the ground. They are valued for their rarity and are the most expensive type of diamonds.
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Lab-grown diamonds: Also known as synthetic diamonds, these are real diamonds with the same chemical composition as natural diamonds. The only difference is they are grown by scientists in a lab rather than by nature. Lab diamonds tend to cost 30-40% less than natural diamonds of similar size and quality.
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Diamond simulants: These are fake diamonds made of various materials like cubic zirconia, moissanite, white sapphire, or Swarovski crystal that closely resemble real diamonds to the naked eye. They have a similar sparkle and appearance as diamonds but cost a fraction of the price. For example, a 1 carat diamond simulant may cost $50-$200 while a natural diamond of the same size would cost $5000+.
On Amazon, you‘ll find all three types of diamonds from different sellers. Some popular options for real diamonds include the Amazon Collection, as well as established jewelry brands like Blue Nile and James Allen that sell on Amazon. For fake diamond rings, popular brands include MABELLA, EAMTI, and Maikun.
How to Spot Fake vs. Real Diamonds on Amazon
When shopping for diamond rings on Amazon, the most important thing is to carefully read the product title, description, and specifications. Reputable sellers will clearly disclose whether a diamond is natural, lab-grown, or a simulant. Here are some key terms to look out for:
Real diamond terms: natural, earth-created, mined, genuine, real
Lab-grown diamond terms: lab-created, synthetic, man-made, cultured
Diamond simulant terms: simulated, faux, fake, cubic zirconia, CZ, moissanite, alternative
If a listing does not explicitly say a diamond is natural or lab-grown, it is most likely a fake diamond. Listings for real diamonds should also include details on the diamond‘s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity grades, as well as any certifications or appraisals.
In contrast, fake diamond listings tend to focus more on the overall appearance rather than specific diamond grades. They often use phrases like "diamond simulant," "sparkles like a diamond," "diamond alternative," or "looks real to the naked eye."
Price is another indicator. If a diamond ring is priced suspiciously low compared to similar options, it is likely fake. Always comparison shop to get a sense of the going rates for different types and sizes of diamonds.
Pros and Cons of Buying Real Diamonds on Amazon
If you have your heart set on a real natural diamond ring and are considering buying on Amazon, it‘s important to weigh the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Access to a wide selection of diamonds and settings from various sellers
- Ability to easily compare prices and options from home
- Potential to find good deals, especially on pre-owned diamond jewelry
- Convenient delivery right to your door
- Options for free and easy returns in many cases
Cons:
- Cannot see the diamond in person before buying
- Risk of receiving a diamond that looks different than expected
- Potential for inconsistencies in diamond grading between sellers
- Less personalized customer service than a local jeweler
- Small risk of receiving counterfeit diamonds if not buying from a reputable seller
Overall, buying a real diamond ring on Amazon can be a good option if you do your research, buy from a well-established seller, review the return policy, and are comfortable with not seeing the diamond in person first. However, it does carry more risk than buying from a local jeweler you know and trust.
The Rise of Fake Diamond Rings That Look Real
In recent years, fake diamond rings have become increasingly sophisticated and popular among cost-conscious consumers. Modern diamond simulants like moissanite and high-quality cubic zirconia are extremely difficult to distinguish from real diamonds with the naked eye. In fact, a study by Diamond Nexus found that 90% of people could not tell the difference between a real diamond and a cubic zirconia simulant when viewed in person.
The appeal of fake diamond rings is getting the look and feel of a real diamond at a more affordable price. For example, a 1 carat moissanite simulant could cost around $600 compared to $5000+ for a natural diamond of the same size. For many shoppers, this 90% cost savings is well worth the trade-off of not having a "real" diamond.
Another benefit is not having to worry as much about loss or damage. With a fake diamond ring, there is less financial and emotional stress about the possibility of losing or damaging the stone compared to a precious natural diamond.
Fake diamond rings can be an especially good option for fashion jewelry that you may want to upgrade every few years, as well as for travelers or people with active lifestyles who don‘t want to risk wearing expensive fine jewelry every day. They are also popular as placeholder rings until a couple can afford to invest in fine diamond jewelry.
What to Look for When Buying Fake Diamond Rings on Amazon
If you‘re interested in exploring fake diamond ring options on Amazon, there are a few key things to look for to ensure you get a high-quality, convincing stone:
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Material: Look for advanced diamond simulants like moissanite or premium cubic zirconia that most closely match the optical properties of a real diamond. Avoid basic rhinestones or crystals.
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Cut: The cut is what gives a diamond its sparkle. Look for ideal round brilliant or princess cuts that are precisely faceted to maximize light return and sparkle.
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Color: Opt for colorless stones graded as D-F on the diamond color scale for the most diamond-like appearance. Avoid stones with yellow or grey tints.
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Clarity: Choose stones with no visible inclusions or blemishes that will be eye-clean like a high-clarity diamond. Flaws are more noticeable in simulants than real diamonds.
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Size: Take note of the carat weight of the center stone and ensure it aligns with your preferences. Fake diamonds are often larger than real diamonds since cost is less of a constraint.
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Setting: Consider what type of metal you prefer, such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, or sterling silver. 10K or 14K gold are most common and durable for fake diamond rings.
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Brand reputation: Check the overall rating and reviews of the Amazon seller to ensure they have a track record of delivering quality products and good customer service. Some top-rated fake diamond ring brands on Amazon include Maikun, EAMTI, and Diamond Nexus.
Price and Quality Comparison of Fake vs. Real Diamond Rings
To illustrate the difference in price and quality between fake and real diamond rings, let‘s compare two 1 carat round solitaire rings on Amazon:
Fake diamond ring: A 1 carat premium cubic zirconia solitaire ring in 14K white gold from EAMTI costs $99. It has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating with over 1,000 reviews, many of which rave about how much the stone looks like a real diamond and how impressive the quality is for the low price.
Real diamond ring: A 1 carat natural diamond solitaire ring in 14K white gold from the Amazon Collection costs $5,500. It has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating with a small number of reviews. The diamond is certified and graded as H color (near colorless), VS2 clarity (slightly included), and ideal cut.
As you can see, the fake diamond ring costs 98% less than the real diamond ring but still has great reviews attesting to its diamond-like appearance. For most shoppers, the difference in quality between these two rings would be difficult to detect without professional equipment.
Of course, there are also options in between these two extremes. You can find moissanite simulant rings in the $600-$1000 range, for example, which many consider the closest to a real diamond. There are also lab-created diamond rings that cost less than natural diamonds but still in the $1000s.
A key advantage of shopping on Amazon is the ability to easily compare prices and read reviews from past customers. I recommend comparing at least 3-5 options in your target price range to evaluate the differences in diamond simulant quality, ring setting, brand reputation, and customer experiences.
Top Fake Diamond Ring Picks on Amazon
If you‘re looking for a starting point in your search for the best fake diamond rings on Amazon, here are a few top-rated options I recommend checking out:
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EAMTI 925 Sterling Silver 3 Carat Round Cubic Zirconia Solitaire Ring ($30): With nearly 5,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, this bargain ring features a large, brilliant center stone and a classic solitaire setting. Reviewers love how much the stone sparkles and how it can pass for a real diamond.
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Maikun Swarovski Crystal Stud Earrings ($15): For a simple pair of diamond stud earring dupes, these Swarovski crystal studs are a steal at just $15. With a 4.7 star rating and over 2,000 reviews, customers rave about their comfortable fit and realistic diamond look.
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Mabella Sterling Silver 5 Carat Emerald Cut Cubic Zirconia Ring ($110): If you love the elegant look of an emerald cut diamond, this CZ version from Mabella is a great affordable alternative. The large 5 carat stone makes a bold statement, and the 4.3 star rating from nearly 200 reviews indicate it looks high-quality and expensive.
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AAAAA Simulated Diamond Necklace and Stud Earrings Set ($30): This tennis necklace and earring set uses the highest grade AAAAA cubic zirconia for the ultimate diamond lookalike. It has a 4.6 star rating with over 1,000 reviews praising the stunning sparkle and affordability.
Tips for Buying Fake Diamond Rings on Amazon
If you decide buying a fake diamond ring on Amazon is right for you, follow these tips for a smooth shopping experience:
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Read the description and specifications carefully to confirm the stone is a diamond simulant and the metal type of the setting.
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Check the brand‘s overall rating and read through both positive and negative reviews to look for any red flags or consistency issues.
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Review the sizing chart and measure your ring size before ordering to avoid the hassle of resizing.
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Verify the return policy and process so you know what to expect if you‘re not fully satisfied. Consider brands that offer 30+ day free returns.
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Compare prices of similar fake diamond rings to ensure you‘re getting a reasonable deal. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
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Manage your expectations that a fake diamond ring will not be 100% identical to a real diamond. However, to the naked eye, a high-quality simulant is indistinguishable.
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Consider the occasion and recipient. Fake diamond rings are great for fashion jewelry, travel, and everyday wear, but not ideal for an engagement ring or heirloom-quality jewelry.
Are Fake Diamond Rings Worth It?
Now that you know the key considerations for buying fake diamond rings on Amazon, you may be wondering if they are truly worth purchasing. The answer depends on your unique needs, preferences, and budget.
Fake diamond rings are absolutely worth it for the following scenarios:
- You want a ring you can wear daily without worrying about loss or damage
- You love the look of big diamond rings but can‘t afford the real deal
- You want to save up for a real diamond ring but want something sparkly to wear in the meantime
- You regularly like to change up your jewelry and don‘t want to invest in fine diamond rings
- You‘re on a tight budget but want a ring that will impress your friends and family
On the other hand, fake diamond rings are probably not the best choice if:
- You‘re shopping for an engagement ring or wedding ring meant to last a lifetime
- You have a sentimental attachment to having a genuine, natural diamond
- You want a ring that will become a valuable family heirloom to pass down
- You don‘t mind investing more for a smaller genuine diamond rather than a larger fake stone
- You want the confidence of knowing you have a real, certified diamond
Ultimately, only you can decide if saving hundreds or thousands of dollars on a fake diamond ring is worth it for your situation. But if you‘re open to considering diamond alternatives, Amazon offers some truly impressive options that come incredibly close to the real thing.
Conclusion
The world of diamond rings on Amazon is vast and complex, spanning real natural diamonds, synthetic lab diamonds, and convincing fake diamond simulants. If you‘re a savvy shopper on a budget, don‘t overlook the fake diamond category, which has come a long way in recent years in terms of quality and resemblance to genuine diamonds.
When shopping for fake diamond rings on Amazon, look for advanced simulant materials like moissanite or cubic zirconia, precision cuts, colorless stones, eye-clean clarity, and reputable brands with good reviews. You may be surprised at the level of sparkle and beauty you can get for a fraction of the cost of a mined diamond.
Of course, fake diamond rings aren‘t for everyone or every occasion. But for fashion jewelry, everyday wear, or as a placeholder until you can afford the real thing, Amazon offers a great selection of high-quality faux diamond rings to suit a range of styles and budgets. As long as you go in with reasonable expectations, compare your options, and choose thoughtfully, a fake diamond ring from Amazon could be the savvy choice for getting the most bling for your buck!
