Substitutes for a Diamond Engagement Ring

Today, a diamond engagement ring not only symbolises status and wealth but – thanks to De Beer’s highly successful advertising campaign – love and commitment. Thanks to their scarcity, the purchase of a diamond engagement ring has become a very expensive investment, which is why some people have started looking to more cost effective alternatives.

The Swarovski crystal is one such alternative, as it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between it and a genuine diamond. This crystal is highly adept at giving the impression of luxury, sophistication and elegance, and its eye-catching beauty can often be mistaken for a genuine diamond engagement ring.

Although commonly referred to as a simulated diamond or imitation diamond, in reality, Swarovski crystal isn’t a gemstone or even a crystal. Technically, it’s a form of glass that is made at high temperatures by melting silicon oxide powders with lead to form lead crystal. The exact process is patented by Swarovski. In order to produce a diamond-like effect, the crystal glass is precision cut and then polished again. The crystals are often further enhanced by coating the glass with an aurora borealis coating that gives the surface a rainbow-like appearance to simulate light dispersion from a diamond.

The primary advantage of this alternative to a diamond engagement ring is the price, for Swarovski crystal does not occur naturally, which means there can be a limitless supply. In contrast, natural diamonds are made very deep within the earth’s surface – where high temperatures and pressure exist naturally – thus making them more difficult to obtain and therefore more expensive.

However, if you choose the alternative, remember that genuine diamonds – which are graded on their colour, cut, clarity and carat – are made of carbon and have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. On the other hand, Swarovski crystal has a Mohs hardness between 6 and 7, which makes its susceptible to scratches and chipping from wear and tear. At the same time, it’s harder than standard glass. However, Swarovski crystal is not the only possible diamond substitution; other popular alternatives include cultured diamonds, cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Whichever gem or crystal you decide to use for your engagement ring, you can be sure that you will be provided with a beautiful sparkle. The choice will, on the whole, come down to the cost, with Swarovski crystal undoubtedly being the most cost effective alternative to a diamond engagement ring. You also have no need to feel embarrassed about a world renowned brand that is recognised for its stunning clarity and excellence.

Frederick Holm writes for the F&L Designer Guides, which hosts a thriving community of independent engagement ring designers in the UK. Inspired by their journey of discovery in search of a distinctive, one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring, F&L now celebrates the works of their favourite designers and helps promote the notion of "Go Bespoke" as a more imaginative and interesting alternative to the limitations of High Street shopping.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.