Synthetic Diamonds Vs. Real Diamonds
This article is a comparative study of synthetic diamonds vs. real diamonds, where the differences and similarities existing between the two have been clearly explained. This will further help you to distinguish a real diamond from a synthetic diamond.
The demand for synthetic diamonds arose due to soaring prices of original diamonds. Purchasing real diamonds was not affordable by many, and for them, synthetic diamonds were a better alternative. Diamonds, when created in laboratories by artificial processes, are known as synthetic diamonds. It's definitely difficult for a common man to figure out the underlying differences, because physically, a real and a synthetic diamond appear almost the same. It's mostly due to the high price of original diamond that people resort to wearing synthetic diamonds.
A Comparative Study of Synthetic Diamonds Vs. Real Diamonds
Origin and Creation
Diamond forms naturally deep down in the crust of the Earth, that has been estimated at about 140-190 kilometers from the surface. This strata, known as the lithosphere, is the site where diamonds get crystallized, within the temperature range of 900-1300 C. The process through which synthetic diamonds are created in laboratories is entirely different from that taking place in nature. The techniques employed for creating synthetic diamonds are high pressure, high temperature, chemical vapor deposition (CVT), detonation of explosives and ultrasound cavitation. Amongst these four processes, high pressure, high temperature is the most widely used technique and is commonly known as HPHT process. These are highly sophisticated techniques that are carried out under controlled conditions to cultivate diamonds that look exactly like real diamonds.
Quality and Composition
People often have a misconception that synthetic diamonds are inferior in quality than original diamonds. If you compare synthetic diamonds and natural diamonds, then you will find that both have same chemical composition. The atomic arrangement of both are same and this why they exactly match each other. Differentiating an artificial diamond from a natural diamond by merely observing its external appeal is almost impossible. The same brilliance and fire exist in both. The only parameter through which they can be distinguished from each other is the color. Lab created diamonds or cultivated diamonds have a slight yellowish tinge in them due to different chemicals employed in processing them. Furthermore, the weight of synthetic diamonds is a little high when compared to a real diamond of same size. The flaws present in real diamonds are completely rectified in synthetic diamonds. In short, you can say that flaws are completely eliminated in lab created diamonds by the manufacturing techniques. Minor cracks and scratches are often present in real diamonds. Thus, synthetic diamonds are much superior than real diamonds based on clarity, cut and carat weight.
Price and Benefits
The price of synthetic diamonds is much lower than original diamonds. A comparative study has shown that natural diamonds cost 15% higher than synthetic diamonds. The higher price of original diamonds comes due to its mining and techniques incorporated to clear up flaws. All these processes increase the face value of original diamonds. Despite having so many advantages, people still prefer buying original diamonds because they have a high resale value. Synthetic diamonds, also known as simulated diamonds do not have any resale value, which is why they are substantially cheaper. Some well-known companies manufacturing synthetic diamonds are LifeGem, Apollo, DNEA Diamonds and Gemesis. Some common types of simulated diamonds include Glass Simulant, Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, etc.
I hope after reading this article, your doubts regarding synthetic diamonds and real diamonds have been cleared. Buying an original diamond is one time investment and it's indeed a gem to be treasured. Even though a synthetic diamond is a wonderful alternative for an original diamond, the latter has a value that cannot be compared to any other stone.
