Are Artificial Diamonds Right For You?

An artificial diamond is a diamond manufactured by a physical or chemical process in a laboratory. It is a three-dimensional fake diamond composed of carbon crystal. These synthetic diamonds are also known as manufactured diamonds, cultured diamonds, and synthetic-diamonds. The big question is: if you could purchase a synthetic diamond that gleamed just as much as a real diamond and at a much cheaper price would you? Sentiment aside, most would say yes. There are diamonds that are man-made out on the market that a non-jeweler, or someone who has no knowledge of gemology, would never be able to differentiate.

There are two kinds of artificial diamonds: cubic zirconia and moissanite. Even the experts have had problems telling the difference between a real diamond and a moissanite. As one well-known consumer conduct expert stated, “There is logic behind not paying a vast amount for authentic diamonds. Informal observers cannot tell the difference, and neither can the majority of pawnshop owners either.” Only professionals may catch the slight double-refractions due to the moissanite’s six-sided crystal structure.

If the intent of someone is to purchase a synthetic fancy diamond to deceive a loved one, it is not impossible. If an expert can hardly tell the difference, a loved one thrilled with the sparkle of a supposedly “real diamond” will not be any “worse for wear” for not knowing the difference. A popular rumor is that synthetic diamonds are just too perfect to be authentic. In a way, this is true. However, gemologists can discover faults in both artificial and real diamonds. In fact, the dissimilar imperfections can distinguish a diamond’s original source.

Many believe that the improved quality of synthetic diamonds endangers the legitimate diamond market. Annually 20 tons of natural diamonds are mined while 600 tons of artificial diamonds are produced every year. In defense of the genuine diamond market, the De Beers Diamond Company, is discovering means to distinguish between fake and real diamonds.