What Are Synthetic Diamonds?

The idea of man-made diamonds dates back more than one hundred years

, to early experiments inspired by a meteorite. With very recent scientific advancements, today's synthetic diamonds are gem quality and are even recognized by the Gemological Institute of America.

Scientists "grow" them in a lab using techniques that replicate the conditions of nature, which normally occur hundreds of miles below the earth's surface. Lab-created diamonds are the result of the same high pressure, high temperature and chemical vapor deposition, yet they are cultivated and ready to cut in less than five days.

Recent developments in the chemical vapor deposition process have perfected the method, allowing gem labs to grow perfectly beautiful stones. The differences between them, and their mined counterparts, are only detected by an expert's careful examination. Its absence of inclusions, or flaws, is actually a desired characteristic, and its slightly different growth pattern is not detected by the naked eye of even a trained jeweler.

Recognizing the importance of the hardest substance known to man, scholars have long speculated on the possibility of manufacturing the stones for industrial purposes. The earliest man-made diamonds were synthetic, which means they possess the same chemical composition as the naturally mined gems.

In 1893, Dr. Henri Moissan discovered what appeared to be tiny diamonds on the surface of the ground where a meteorite had landed. He conducted an experiment using high heat, pressure and graphite. Over the years, scientists continued his work, perfecting the technique and documenting small successes.

In the 1970s, scientists in the Soviet Union took a German-discovered gemstone and applied extreme heat to create clear sparkling cubic crystals, named cubic zirconia. Because the result was not of the same chemical composition, but was similar in appearance, this was called a simulated process. After being mass marketed by Swarovski & Company in the 1980's, the cubic zirconia became the first man-made alternative on the market.

Today's synthetic diamond production produces stones up to 3 ct in size, and in colors of yellow, orange, and some pinks and blues. In nature, colored stones are rare, while in the lab, clear is more rare. A colored synthetic could save the buyer hundreds of dollars. Because they are grown in a controlled environment, it is also possible to create beautiful size and color-matched sets of jewelry that would be otherwise unobtainable.

Humane and environmentally ethical production further holds this new breed of diamond in high regard. As these jewels possess true beauty inside and out, wearers proudly and happily show off their sparkly jewels.

by: Stephen Daniels

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