Simulated Diamonds – The Differences Between Natural and Lab Created Diamonds
Simulated Diamonds – The Differences Between Natural and Lab Created Diamonds
Simulated diamonds are synthetic alternatives to natural diamonds. They can be found in a variety of forms such as cubic zirconia and moissanite.
They are made in lab settings using advanced technology that mimics the processes that create diamonds under the earth. These simulants are chemically identical to mined diamonds and look just as dazzling.
Cost
If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond-like gemstone to adorn your jewelry, you have lots of options. But it’s also important to understand the differences between natural mined diamonds and lab created synthetic simulated diamonds, so you can make an informed decision about which stone is right for your needs.
In order to determine whether a stone is a simulant or not, you’ll need to look at the chemical makeup and optical properties of each gem. While some simulants, such as cubic zirconia, are made to mimic the look of a diamond, others, like moissanite, are not.
Moissanite is a durable and affordable alternative to CZ, and can be made in several different sizes, colors, and shapes. It’s a good choice for those who want to splurge on a large, dazzling diamond but aren’t ready to pay top dollar for it.
Cubic zirconia is another popular simulated diamond, but it’s not as high quality as moissanite or lab created synthetic diamonds. It’s only hard enough to withstand the pressure of wear and tear. It also has a lower clarity rating than natural and lab-created diamonds, so it doesn’t reflect as much light or sparkle quite as well as a real stone.
The main difference between moissanite and lab-created synthetic diamonds is that they’re grown in laboratories. The process involves increasing a seed inside a special chamber where a chemical reaction occurs. Then, the diamond grows slowly until it reaches its final size.
Lab created synthetic diamonds are typically produced through two methods: HPHT and CVD. These processes mimic the way that diamonds are formed by causing extreme pressure and heat to deposit carbon on a diamond seed crystal.
They take longer to produce, however, so the end product may not be as brilliant and flashy as a real diamond. These diamonds also have a slightly lower value than a real one, and they don’t retain their value the way that natural stones do.
Regardless of the type of gemstone you choose, it’s always best to choose a diamond that’s worth its weight in gold or platinum. This way, you won’t have to worry about depreciating your investment, and you’ll be able to get more money back on the original purchase should you decide to sell your ring in the future.
Clarity
Simulated diamonds are a wonderful alternative to natural and lab created diamonds, and they provide a great value for anyone on a budget. However, not all simulated diamonds are the same and there are some major differences in both appearance and quality that you should be aware of before making your final purchase decision.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating lab created synthetic simulated diamonds is their clarity. In order to determine a diamond’s clarity grade, experts look at the stone face-up under 10x magnification and use a microscope to view internal imperfections. The size, nature, number, location, and relief of inclusions all play a role in the diamond’s clarity rating.
In general, a lower Clarity grade means that the diamond has more imperfections than a higher Clarity grade. In addition, the larger the inclusions are, the more impact they will have on the overall beauty of the diamond.
Another way to assess a diamond’s clarity is to see whether the stone exhibits luster and sparkle. The luster is a result of the way light interacts with the crystal structure within the stone. The more luster a diamond exhibits, the more it will appear brighter and sparklier to the naked eye.
Some simulants – including moissanite, cubic zirconia, and white sapphire – lack luster, but some, such as Nexus Diamond, offer a high level of sparkle. If you’re interested in a simulated diamond with luster and fire, make sure to choose the right simulant for your style preferences and budget.
There are several types of simulated diamonds, but the most popular are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white sapphire. Cubic zirconia is the most widely used diamond substitute, and it’s a popular choice for engagement rings because of its affordability and durability.
Moissanite is also a popular option and has a midrange Clarity grade. It is not as durable or as beautiful as a diamond, but it can be found at a lower price point than other simulated diamonds and does not discolor over time like cubic zirconia does.
Finally, white sapphire is a more expensive and rare alternative to diamonds that has a moderate Clarity grade. It can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it is an excellent choice for engagement rings.
Color
Synthetic simulated diamonds such as cubic zirconia, moissanite and YAG are man-made gemstones that look similar to diamonds. The stones are made by mixing different materials in a lab. These stones do not have the same brilliance or clarity as natural diamonds.
Simulated diamonds can be a good option for many couples who are not willing to pay for a naturally mined diamond. They are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds and can be a great way to save money without sacrificing the elegance of a natural diamond.
If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable engagement ring, lab created synthetic simulated diamonds can be a great choice. They can offer a similar aesthetic to natural diamonds but cost significantly less and come with minimal environmental impact.
These diamond simulants are also ethically sourced because they are not mined from the Earth with human-labor. This means they are more environmentally friendly than organic diamonds which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Cubic Zirconia is a man-made crystalline form of zirconium dioxide that’s typically produced in China and Thailand. However, questions have arisen about the conditions of factory workers in those countries.
Moissanite is a crystalline form of silicon carbide that’s manufactured in a laboratory. It was first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan when he was studying a meteorite that fell to the Earth. It’s incredibly rare to find real moissanite, so lab created versions are the norm today.
They are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, meaning that only a gemological lab with advanced testing equipment can authoritatively determine the difference between a synthetic and a naturally mined diamond. GIA issues a special Synthetic Diamond Grading Report to distinguish lab-created diamonds from natural ones.
These reports are printed on a special paper and then applied to the stone’s girdle, which is laser inscribed with the report number. The girdle is also stamped with the word “lab grown” to let the consumer know that the diamond is not a naturally mined diamond.
There are 4 important factors to consider when determining if the diamond you’re buying is a simulated or lab-grown diamond: appearance, about, cost and ethics. By ensuring that you are making an informed decision, you can be confident that you’re buying the right diamond for your budget and style needs.
Weight
Lab created synthetic simulated diamonds are a wonderful option for those looking to save money or those who want an environmentally friendly way to buy a diamond. However, it is important to understand that simulated diamonds can vary significantly in their quality and appearance, so it’s best to shop around before you make a decision.
Cubic Zirconia: One of the most popular simulated diamonds is cubic zirconia, also known as CZ. This simulated diamond is made from a mixture of ceramic materials that are heated to extremely high temperatures and crystallized into diamond-like crystals. It has a higher density than natural diamonds, so it will appear smaller than a real diamond of the same carat weight.
Moissanite: Another simulated diamond is moissanite, which is created from silicon carbide and can be found in a wide range of color and hardness. Originally, this mineral was a naturally occurring stone but supply was limited, so scientists created a man-made version that could be commercially viable.
It is a very popular alternative to natural diamonds for engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry because it’s affordable, environmentally friendly, and has the same look as a natural diamond. There are several different kinds of simulated diamonds available, but the two most common are moissanite and cubic zirconia.
These synthetic diamonds are created through a scientific process that mimics the process of how natural diamonds form underground. The chemical reaction and temperature conditions replicate those of a deep mine, which drastically speed up the creation process and use half the energy needed to extract a diamond from the ground.
Unlike natural diamonds, these simulated diamonds are incredibly durable and will not crack or chip easily. They are also more resistant to heat and pressure, so they will not fade over time like natural diamonds.
In fact, these simulated diamonds are so durable that they can last for over 100 years! They are often used in engraved watches and other jewelry, because they’re extremely attractive and come in a variety of shapes.
In addition to moissanite and cubic zirconia, simulated diamonds are available in many other styles, including rhinestones, garnets, and opals. In order to determine which type of simulated diamond is the right fit for you, it’s important to consider what you want in your engagement ring. It’s always a good idea to ask a reputable jeweler for guidance and advice when it comes to choosing the right simulated diamond for your jewelry needs.
Simulated Diamonds – The Differences Between Natural and Lab Created Diamonds