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Simulated stones, like cubic zirconia, white sapphire, moissanite, zircon, rutile, spinel, and synthetic garnet, merely mimic the appearance of diamonds.
Are Lab Diamonds the same as Synthetic Diamonds?
Lab diamonds are not synthetic diamonds. They look just like natural diamonds and share the same properties, with the only difference being their origin: lab diamonds are created in a lab, whereas natural diamonds form within the Earth. On the other hand, synthetic diamonds are alternative stones such as spinel and cubic zirconia.
What is a Natural Diamond?
Naturally occurring diamonds are composed of carbon and are the hardest natural substance on Earth. These diamonds form over one to three billion years at least 85 miles beneath the Earth’s mantle, under extreme pressure and temperature. They then travel to the surface via molten rock, where they are mined, refined, and transformed into beautiful jewelry or utilized for industrial purposes. Learn more about how diamonds form.
What is a Lab Diamond?
Lab-created or man-made diamonds are produced under high pressure and temperature conditions similar to those found in nature. A diamond seed is exposed to these extreme lab conditions, resulting in the seed crystallizing into a full rough diamond within weeks. The rough diamond is then cut and polished, with the final product having the same chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond.
Lab vs. Simulated Diamonds
Simulated diamonds are not true natural diamonds as they are either manufactured or chemically altered. Examples include cubic zirconia, white sapphire, moissanite, zircon, rutile, spinel, and synthetic garnet.
Lab-grown diamonds, however, share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, despite being created by humans in a lab environment.
Though simulated diamonds chemically differ from natural ones, and lab-grown diamonds don’t naturally occur, both are considerably less expensive while still possessing diamond-like optical properties.
Benefits of Buying Natural and Lab Diamonds
Benefits of Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds offer several advantages, especially for engagement rings:
- A natural diamond’s value tends to increase over time, acting as a good investment, especially for larger diamonds or those with perfect clarity and color.
- The market for natural diamonds has a long history, leading to more stable pricing over time.
- Rare natural diamonds, such as fancy-colored ones, especially canary yellow, pink, and blue, are often considered investment-grade and may appreciate more quickly in value.
Benefits of Lab Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, created through advanced technology in controlled environments, offer unique advantages:
- They possess the same chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, thanks to their similar formation conditions.
- Shorter supply chains reduce costs for consumers, making lab diamonds a more affordable alternative.
- The controlled lab environment ensures rapid growth, providing consumers with a wide selection.
- Lab-grown diamonds have a lesser environmental impact, ensuring more transparency and fewer middlemen.
Durability & Certification
Natural diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them ideal for everyday wear. Lab diamonds, rating 9.25, are also highly durable, making both options excellent for engagement rings.
GIA Certification
Founded in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s leading authority on certified diamonds. GIA’s non-profit status ensures unbiased reports detailing a diamond’s origin and any treatments, and grading based on the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. Despite challenges in finding GIA-certified diamonds below 0.20 carats, a GIA-certified natural diamond engagement ring ensures clarity in your purchase.
IGI Certification
Since its inception in 1975, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) has globally headquartered labs that authenticate colored stones, jewelry, and lab-grown diamonds. Most consumers only recognize visual appeal in diamonds, but trained specialists use IGI certification to accurately classify and authenticate diamonds. At Artful Bracelets, all lab/synthetic diamond purchases include IGI certification.
Which is better: GIA or IGI Diamond Certification?
While both GIA and IGI certifications are renowned, GIA certification is more widely used within the natural diamond industry and among jewelers. However, both employ the same grading principles, ensuring reliable assessments.
Identifying Natural and Lab Diamonds
Man-made diamonds often have recognizable features that can help in identification:
- Thermal conductivity tests can reveal diamond authenticity, as natural diamonds conduct heat while some lab diamonds do not.
- Lab-created diamonds often have fewer or no inclusions due to their controlled creation environment.
- Lab conditions enable the production of diamonds without the impurities typical in natural stones.
very colorless, giving them a bright white appearance that captures light to enhance their sparkle.
- Lastly, the price is a crucial indicator. If the diamond is priced significantly lower (up to 75% less than a natural diamond), it’s likely not a natural diamond.
At Artful Bracelets, we exclusively use natural diamonds, which are tested by GIA-trained graduate gemologists. These gemologists utilize calibrated equipment capable of accurately distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds. Additionally, all our diamonds come with GIA certificates to confirm their authenticity.
For a more budget-conscious option, we offer IGI certified lab diamonds, which are also guaranteed to be conflict-free like our natural diamonds. It’s important to note that lab-grown diamonds possess the same visual, physical, and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
Choosing between natural, lab-grown, or simulated diamonds ultimately comes down to personal preference. The key is ensuring the diamond is certified by a reputable gemologist, so you know what you’re paying for.
FAQs
What is a synthetic diamond?
Synthetic diamonds resemble real diamonds but have different chemical compositions. Unlike earth-mined diamonds, which are primarily made from carbon, synthetic diamonds can be composed of materials such as spinel, cubic zirconia, white sapphire, and moissanite.
Are lab diamonds the same as synthetic diamonds?
No, lab diamonds are different from synthetic diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The principal difference is that lab diamonds are created in a lab environment, whereas natural diamonds are mined from the earth.
What is a natural diamond?
Natural diamonds are formed from carbon deep within the earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and temperature. Recognized as the hardest natural substance on earth, they are mined and used in fine jewelry. Natural diamonds are also symbolic of strength and love.
What are the benefits of buying natural diamonds?
Natural diamonds maintain their value over time, even accounting for inflation, and have more stable pricing compared to lab-grown diamonds. The value of uniquely colored natural diamonds, such as canary yellow, red, pink, and blue diamonds, appreciates more quickly. They are also ideal for engagement rings due to their exceptional durability and stunning appearance.
How do I identify a natural diamond from a lab diamond?
The price can be a strong indicator, as natural diamonds are generally more expensive than lab-grown ones. Additionally, an authenticity certificate from a trusted jeweler or brand can help you determine if a diamond is natural or lab-grown.
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