It’s already common knowledge that diamonds aren’t as rare as once thought –but what’s a synthetic diamond and what’s the difference between a synthetic diamond and the “real” thing?

What’s the Difference between Natural and Synthetic Diamonds?
Image by Serendipity Diamonds

The synthetic diamond market is growing year after year, under a plethora of different names like “fake diamonds”, synthetic, artificial, simulated, and the mysterious “diamond enhancement” –but what does this mean for the diamond world as a whole? Are these lookalike rocks hurting an already ailing industry?

Diamonds were once viewed as unique, rare, and incredibly valuable. Today the jig is up –sort of. However, with so many diamonds on the market, why would anyone want to add to the excess with copycats?

Well, the popularity stems from the rising popularity of other manufactured gem stones, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. With the popularity of man-made gems people are more open to going the artificial route.

Why do Synthetic Diamonds Exist?

The majority of synthetic beautiful diamond rings for sale used in jewellery is increasing year over year, however the main use for synthetic diamonds is generally for industrial purposes like drill bits.

Beyond commercial uses, modern diamond processes allow for larger, chunkier stones which have seen a lot of growth in terms of popularity (and bling factor).

Artists like Beyoncé have raised the bar in terms of how large a rock can be worn on one’s ring finger without being considered gaudy.

Too Perfect

One common understanding in the diamond industry is that perfect diamonds are incredibly rare in the natural world, however synthetic diamonds appear to be flawless. In my opinion it’s that one quality that could turn over the diamond industry on its head and lower the value of natural “real” diamonds. This view isn’t held by everyone in the industry mind you, it depends who you ask.

Other Visual Attributes of Synthetic Diamonds

A large majority of artificially produced diamonds come out with a yellow hue. This colour is present due to the process with which the diamond was produced; a process called “High Pressure High Temperature”.

Other hues which are common among synthetic diamonds are blue, pink, and also green. These colours come as the result of additions to the precious gem stone, such as boron or the process of irradiation.

Rags to Riches

While synthetic diamonds are not preferred by the general consumer market, one key factor driving their consumer adoption is the present situation with the global economy.

Ladies love diamonds, that isn’t going to change anytime soon –however ladies are not stupid, either. Many are willing to choose synthetic diamonds because they do not want to bankrupt an uncertain future or add further strain on the newly-wed couple.

The cost savings of synthetic diamonds over the “real” thing could be the right factor to segway this current generation into a group that prefers artificially manufactured diamonds.

They’re still elegant, eye-catching, and the average person would not know a diamond was man-made without some serious observation (and likely the trained eye of a professional).

So it’s safe to say synthetic diamonds are not going anywhere –and if they’re going to hurt the diamond industry in any way, shape, or form as suggested by some in the know; I certainly hold the personal budgets of newly-weds all around the globe.

I say “bring on the clones!”.

 

This article is contributed by Media Buzzer

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