Lab Created Diamonds
|
| Hardness | No Flaws | Refractive Index | Optical Properties | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamonds | 10.0 | Rare | 2.4 | Same | Same |
| HPHT Synthetic | 10.0 | Nearly | 2.4 | Same | Same |
| CVD Synthetic | 10.0 | Nearly | 2.4 | Same | Same |
The only difference between natural diamonds and synthetic diamonds are that synthetic diamonds contain practically no flaws (which is exceedingly rare in natural diamonds) and that colorless synthetic diamonds are virtually colorless (which is also exceedingly rare in natural diamonds).
HPHT and CVD diamonds can also be harder than even real diamonds – because they are almost completely flawless. The imperfections in real diamonds – outer and inner imperfections known as blemishes and inclusions – can have a minute impact on the hardness of the stones. And a natural diamond with a poor clarity rating can have increased risks for breaking and chipping.
Pros of Synthetic Lab Created Diamonds
Synthetic diamonds have a ton of pros, and the two top pros of these types of diamonds are that they are affordable and environmentally friendly. Other pros include:
- Availability. Fancy colored synthetic diamonds are available in colorless (white) and fancy colors. Fancy colors include canary yellow, orange, cognac, green, blue, pink and red.
- Styles. Synthetic diamonds are also available in a large selection of cuts and shapes, and they may be purchased loose or already fashioned into synthetic diamond rings.
- 100% Conflict Free. Synthetic diamonds are 100% conflict free!
Cons of Synthetic Lab Created Diamonds
The biggest con associated with lab grown diamonds is the high price tag of the colorless synthetic diamonds:
Colorless synthetic man-made diamonds are the most expensive to grow – they take the longest period of time to synthesize and only a few laboratories in the world have the time and equipment needed to grow them.
- A colorless synthetic diamond is on average priced higher than a colorless natural diamond – but if you want to be sure that you are buying a 100% eco-friendly and conflict free diamond ring, a colorless synthetic diamond is a great alternative to natural colorless diamonds.
- If your heart is set on a colorless diamond engagement ring but you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a ring made with diamond simulants - like Nexus Diamond simulants, moissanite or cubic zirconia – instead of diamond synthetics.
The other con associated with lab grown diamonds is size. Most fancy color synthetic diamonds are only available in sizes up to 2 carats (and usually only up to 1 carat for synthetic colorless diamonds).
If you are looking for a ring with a big bling factor, than you may want to look for natural or synthetic gemstones which are available in larger carat sizes – or opt for a ring made with 2 or 3 synthetic diamonds in the center instead of a solitaire style.
Prices and Value of Synthetic Diamonds
Below you will find the average price for 0.5 carat loose synthetic lab created diamonds vs. natural diamonds with comparable clarity, cut and color characteristics.
| Colorless | Blue | Yellow | Red | Pink | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPHT/CVD | $1,200 | $3,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $800 |
| Natural | $1,000 | $30,000 | $7,000 | $150,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
Prices for synthetic and natural diamonds will vary according to cut, color, carat and clarity – but as you can see from the table, you can save a huge amount of money with the purchase of a synthetic fancy color diamond as opposed to a natural fancy color diamond.
Shopping Tips for Synthetic Lab Created Diamonds
If you are searching for synthetic diamond rings or loose lab grown diamonds, keep these tips in mind:
Stick with companies which sell synthetic lab created diamonds that come with a certificate from a reputable laboratory like the GIA. The certificate will confirm that your diamond is indeed a synthetic diamond – and not a simulant – and it will provide a grade on the clarity, cut, polish and color. The certificate will also map out the diamond, which will come in handy if the diamond is ever lost or stolen.
Always double check that you are definitely purchasing lab grown diamonds which have the exact same characteristics as natural diamonds. While these diamonds are almost always called ‘synthetic’ or ‘created’ diamonds, some retailers may also use these terms for simulant diamonds. (Simulant diamonds look similar to real diamonds but do not have the same chemical/physical characteristics as natural diamonds).
Reputable synthetic diamond producers laser inscribe each of their diamonds with a microscopic serial number – which identifies the diamond as a lab produced synthetic diamond. If you see a synthetic diamond for sale without a laser inscribed number beware – you could be purchasing a cheap imitation.
Lab grown diamonds may either be purchased loose, or fashioned into synthetic diamond rings. If you buy the diamonds loose, you can work with a local jeweler to design a custom handmade ring. For synthetic diamond engagement rings or wedding rings, stick with companies that use eco-friendly metals too, to ensure that the environmentally friendly aspect of the rings are not lost.
Do you have questions or comments about synthetic lab created diamonds?
Send in your questions or comments here - or upload pics of your synthetic diamonds or created diamond rings to share with our viewers!
What Other Visitors Have Said
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Do Synthetic Diamonds Cloud Up?
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Do the synthetic diamonds eventually "cloud up" even after being cleaned like CZ do after a few years? I hear that there are fine cracks in the surface ...
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