Lab Created Vs. Natural Diamonds – Is There A Difference?
Understanding the difference between a man-made, or cultured, diamond and a natural stone from a mine is wise when you are considering a jewelry purchase.
Old methods of synthetically creating diamonds produced stones that were far inferior to natural gems. Cubic zirconia, as they are often called, were looked down upon by the jewelry industry. However, modern technology now allows scientists to produce gem-quality cultured diamonds in laboratories all over the world. Lab created stones take a matter of days to grow, rather than the millions of years that are required by nature. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the leading research and grading body in gemology, recognizes some of these lab produced stones as real diamonds.
Two basic methods are used to create man-made gems. HPHT (high pressure high temperature) is a decades-old process that simulates the natural way that mother earth makes these precious gems. Physically, visually, and chemically the resulting stones are are almost exactly the same as those found in the earth. However, these synthetic stones can be identified by a trained gemologist using standard gem-testing equipment.
Chemical Vapor Deposition, or CVD, is a newer process that grows gems at low pressure and relatively low temperatures. The resulting crystals are not merely suitable for faceting for jewelry purposes; they are also “purer” than those grown the HPHT way, and are quite difficult to detect.
The most obvious reason for purchasing created gems is to save money. However, the amount saved will vary based on the type of stone selected. Color or “fancy” diamonds, which are extremely rare in nature, are far more available via lab created gems. While this ready availability lowers the price as compared to natural stones, high quality man-made gems are certainly not priced as inexpensively as cubic zirconia.
There is a strong movement of environmentalists and social activists who are openly declaring a preference for lab produced stones, similar to how some segments of the population prefer faux fur to hides of animals. Frequently, it is difficult to know the exact sourcing of a natural stone. As gems mined in war zones to raise money for civil wars and terrorism, commonly referred to as “blood diamonds,” comprise up to ten percent of the total supply, this is a concern for many people. What’s more, mining processes are often quite damaging to the environment. Choosing lab created stones instead is a way to ensure that the purchase won’t contribute to war, terrorism, or environmental degradation while also saving on costs.
If the authenticity of a stone is in question, there are some basic methods that can help determine whether a stone is natural or created. One sure sign of a lab produced gem will be a lower price. Another tip-off is color. Most natural colored diamonds are not as brightly or vividly colored as those that are synthetically produced. Also, most natural stones contain small mineral deposits called inclusions. These show up as dark spots under a jeweler’s loupe. While flawless natural stones do exist, they are rare and quite expensive. A lack of inclusions may call the source of the gem into question, but is not a way to conclusively prove that the stone was man-made.
Jewelers who advertise “cultured” gems likely offer man-made stones. Similar to cultured pearls, this is a code word which means man has interfered with the natural process. Any reputable jeweler will be happy to inform customers as to which pieces contain lab created gems.
More and more people are purchasing and enjoying lab created diamond jewelry, and there are lots of great reasons for them to do so — including the reduced cost, social and environmental concerns, and the pleasure of having a vividly colored stone of their very own.
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