While almost everyone adores the look of diamonds, the cost associated with owning them is often prohibitive. Cubic zirconia (CZ) has enjoyed popularity as an inexpensive substitution in the past, but it is heavier and doesn't have the same brilliance. Larger CZs don't look genuine even to the naked eye. So how can someone obtain the fire and scintillation they desire without breaking the bank? The best way may be through a lab-created gem. Modern lab-produced stones are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, yet even better because they are flawless.
Lab produced stones, often called "cultured" diamonds, are the same carbon crystals that can be found in diamond mines. They have identical chemical, optical and physical properties to stones that occurred naturally, and this results in them having the same brilliance, sparkle, fire and scintillation. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades cultured gems by the same standards it uses for the mined ones. In fact, the GIA acknowledges that these ARE genuine diamonds. The only difference is the rating will describe the stones as "laboratory grown."
In nature, colored diamonds rarely occur. These are the result of certain impurities - nitrogen will create yellow, boron will create blue, and so forth. Because there are so few colored natural stones of high quality, they are quite expensive. However, lab produced stones are readily available in several different colors. In addition to being flawless, the cost for cultured colored diamonds is similar to the cost for colorless stones.
Like their counterparts, man-made diamonds can be purchased either loose, or already in jewelry settings. However, you are unlikely to find these cultured stones in most jewelry or department stores. They have only recently made an appearance on the market, and represent a very small part of the total diamond inventory out there.
Here are some differences to be aware of regarding man-made diamonds: 1. Most are 1-2 carats in weight. Larger stones are made, but are the exception, rather than the rule. 2. The majority of man-made stones are colored, rather than colorless - precisely the opposite of natural stones. 3. While experts can detect that these gems are man-made, special equipment is required to be sure. This equipment is very expensive. 4. It is far easier to find "matched pairs" of identical man-made stones for use in jewelry than it is when one is using natural gems.
If you are concerned that someone may try to pass off a created diamond you are interested in purchasing as "the real thing," rest assured that this scenario is not all that likely. Firstly, lab-grown diamond producers are very proud of the gems they are able to create. Secondly, cultured diamonds are absolutely genuine, not "cheap" imitations. Thirdly, the difference between natural and cultured is detectable. Finally, jewelers have every incentive to preserve the integrity of the natural diamond market. Thus, a jeweler will readily help you identify the stone in question.
Basically, opting for lab-grown diamonds will allow you to purchase more for less. However, this isn't a "champagne on a beer budget" scenario. You can expect to pay about one third less for cultured stones than for natural stones. Lab-produced stones can be easily found via the internet, and these sites proudly advertise that their offerings are "synthetics." But, similar to other online purchases, you'll want to investigate the vendor carefully prior to making your purchase.
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