If you are interested in buying diamonds but aren’t sure what type you should be purchasing or what the difference between synthetic diamonds and real diamonds is, read on!
What is a synthetic diamond?
Synthetic diamonds, or man-made diamonds as they are also called, aren’t mined; instead, they are lab-created. There are many companies that specialize in creating synthetic diamonds, and those who have a range of conflict-free options, read this to learn more: Brilliant Earth reviews.
Synthetic diamonds have the same lattice structures you will find in a natural diamond. Since the same techniques and procedures were utilized to manufacture the synthetic diamond, which has the same structure as a natural diamond – which is a crystal lattice, the diamond is sometimes described as an exact replica of a natural diamond.
It takes the earth billions of years to create natural diamonds, which is one of the reasons that there is a high value placed on them.
So how do you make synthetic diamonds?
One of the best things about synthetic diamonds is that they are naturally conflict-free, but how are they made?
A natural diamond’s origins are more important than how a synthetic diamond is made. In order to create a diamond crystal, a scientist must subject carbon to extreme pressure and heat in a laboratory setting.
Chemical vapor deposition would be another method of creating synthetic diamonds. A little diamond crystal seed will be used in this technique, and it will be grown in layers.
The process is very cool, and you can learn more about it by checking out this video: Make Your Own Diamonds! | Earth Lab.
Can you tell the difference between a natural and synthetic diamond?
To the naked eye and someone who has purchased or been given a synthetic diamond – they will not be able to tell the difference. If you have access to the right specialist equipment, you will be able to tell.
The inclusions in natural and synthetic diamonds differ, so a person who is trained in diamonds will spot it immediately. To the naked eye, they look the same.
Does that mean a synthetic diamond is fake?
While the synthetic diamond comes from somewhere else and is effectively made in a lab – that doesn’t mean it is fake. Instead, the structure of both the natural diamond and synthetic is the same. In other words, the chemical properties and composition are identical.
It is worth keeping in mind, though, that since natural diamonds are created by the earth, they have flaws, and the formation is still one of a kind!
But, not all diamonds are conflict-free, so you need to make sure you know where yours come from. While the synthetic diamond might take a short time to make, natural diamonds have taken billions of years to create – so when buying, it is all about what you want!
Anything sparkly can make a great gift; here are some other ideas: Born 2 Impress Holiday Gift Guide- The Vintage Pearl Hand Stamped Jewelry.