When considering the purchase of diamond jewelry, it is wise to understand the differences between a laboratory produced gem and a natural stone.
In the past, man-made diamonds were considered to be of inferior quality. Synthetic stones, often known as cubic zirconia, were frequently maligned by the jewelry industry. However, the latest technology allows scientists to produce gem-quality synthetics in laboratories across the country. Instead of taking millions of years, a lab produced gem may be created in a matter of days. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the leading research and grading body in gemology, legitimizes some of these lab grown stones as real diamonds.
There are two basic ways that man-made gems are created. HPHT (high pressure high temperature) is a process that has been used for several decades. While this method does simulate the natural way that mother earth makes these precious stones, and physically, visually, and chemically they are almost exactly the same as those found in the earth, these synthetic stones can be identified by a trained gemologist using standard gem-testing equipment.
The newer process, called CVD (chemical vapor deposition), grows gems at low pressure and relatively low temperatures. It produces crystals that are not only suitable for faceting for jewelry purposes: they are also "purer" than those grown the HPHT way, and are more 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.
A growing number of environmentalists and advocates of social responsibility are openly declaring a preference for lab produced stones, similar to how some segments of the population prefer faux fur to hides of animals. In many cases, it is difficult to know the exact sourcing of a natural stone. This is problematic because 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. In addition, mining processes are often damaging to the environment. Purchasing lab created stones removes the environmental concerns as well as the war and terrorism concerns, and saves on cost at the same time.
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.
If a jeweler is advertising "cultured" gems, they are probably created. As with 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 produced stones.
Whether due to the reduced cost, social and environmental concerns, or simply the pleasure of having a vividly colored stone that would otherwise be nearly impossible to procure, there are many excellent reasons why more and more people are purchasing and enjoying lab produced diamond jewelry.
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