The word fake instantly can make an item sound cheap or worthless. But this is not the case with fake diamonds. Better words are imitation or synthetic, since many of the so-called fake diamonds are made from other stones or gems or are man made. These are still high quality and appear much like real diamonds.
Cubic Zirconia
The most commonly bought imitation diamond currently on the market, cubic zirconia is not only used for diamonds, but it also is made to look like other gems. It is not as high quality as diamonds, and this is used in a less expensive type of jewelry.
Moissanite
The second closest to diamonds has similar properties: This stone can cut glass, it is very hard and much more expensive than other imitation diamonds. It is completely man made; you can tell if it is a moissanite because in lighting it has a greenish hue.
Russian Diamonds
The Russian diamonds are closest in type to cubic zirconia, however, they are better quality and more expensive. The quality is still not that of real diamonds, but they are a good substitute for real diamonds, and the cost is lower.
Diamond Nexus
A new synthetic diamond that currently is only available in the United States, the diamond nexus is also created in a lab. It is the closest stone to real diamonds on the market: It is almost as hard as a diamond, can cut glass and has almost the identical brightness.
White Sapphire
While white sapphires are a natural mineral, they are nowhere near as bright as diamonds. However, they are the second hardest mineral available, and a good-quality white sapphire imitates a diamond to the untrained eye.