Conflict Free and Lab Created Diamonds
Education
Overview of Issues | Industry Facts
Lab-Created Diamonds
Is there a difference between “man-made,” “lab-created,” “lab-grown,” and “cultured” diamonds?
These terms are synonymous and all refer to real diamonds that have been produced above the earth’s surface in a lab, as opposed to below the surface of the earth by nature. Man-made, lab-created and cultured diamonds are identical to those taken from the earth.
What is the difference between lab-created diamonds and mined diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are chemically, optically and physically the same as mined diamonds. On appearance, the only way that a highly trained jeweler would be able to tell the difference between lab-created and mined diamonds is in the clarity of the diamond. Nature cannot produce a flawless diamond. Sometimes, a jeweler can identify a diamond as lab-created simply by its lack of blemish.
What does “simulant” mean?
Essentially, a simulant is a fake. Simulant is not the same thing as lab-created. Lab-created gems are chemically identical to their mined counterparts, whereas simulants merely look the same.
Do lab-created diamonds come in all shapes and colors?
Lab-created diamonds can be cut in any shape. Yellow and orange are the most common of colored lab-grown diamonds and pink and blue gems have recently hit the market. White diamonds continue to be a hard find, but are available. Colored lab-created diamonds currently offer the best value.
Are other lab-grown gems available?
Yes. C5 carries lab-created sapphires, rubies, alexandrites and emeralds. Like mined gems, quality can vary greatly. We carry only the highest grade lab-created gems.
Are colored cultured gems naturally vibrant?
Yes. The color of a cultured diamond is natural to the process and therefore, the gems do not need to be treated in order to be vibrant. This differs from the process of mined diamonds where the gems are often treated for color enhancement after being mined.
Are cultured diamonds certified?
Typically, man-made diamonds that are .25 carat and larger are laser inscribed and will come with a certificate of authenticity.
What is the process by which man-made diamonds are created?
There are two different processes for creating diamonds: Chemical Vapor Disposition (CVD) and High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT). Both processes result in a cultured diamonds that are chemically and structurally identical to a mined diamonds. The CVD method is less expensive and allows better control of impurities, but is a slow and tedious process. Few CVD diamonds are available for jewelry purposes whereas HPHT colored stones are taking an increasing percentage of the jewelry market.
Are cultured (lab-created) diamonds less expensive?
Cultured diamonds are typically less expensive than mined diamonds. When you take social and environmental impact into consideration, lab-grown diamonds are dramatically less costly. The colored stones are a particularly terrific value given the vibrancy of colors available.
Mined Gems
Does C5 carry any mined gems?
Yes. C5 carries both ethically mined and lab-created gems. C5 will help you determine if lab-grown or mined is the best option for you. There are supply limitations for both ethically sourced mined gems and lab-created gems.
Why does C5 carry mined diamonds?
Because the definition of “socially responsible” is subjective to a person’s values, C5 offers a variety of options for the conscientious consumer ranging from ethically mined diamonds to synthetic precious gems. We use only conflict-free diamonds and are participating in industry efforts to create standards around ethical sourcing.
What is Zultanite?
Zultanite is an ethically sourced gem from Turkey. Since 2005, this stunning gem has been commercially available, though in small quantities. C5 is one of only 40 retailers in the United States that carries Zultanite.
Depending on the light source, Zultanite shifts from a kiwi green to a purplish-pink. A khaki-green may be visible in daylight compared to cognac-pink in candle light. Canary flashes are noticeable under sunny skies, but a rich champagne color is seen under traditional indoor lighting. The magnificent color changes are clearly what make this gem so attractive for fine jewelry, but its other selling points are its rating of 7 on the Mohs scale and a refractive index of 1.70-1.75.
Custom Jewelry Services
How can C5 ensure that I am happy with my purchase?
Our unique and proven process of assessing your needs, taste and vision upfront guides us in serving you. You will also have the opportunity to approve the jewelry at multiple stages in the production process. We invite our clients to see the design rendering, wax mold and blank setting.
Can custom pieces be produced without meeting in person?
C5 has created beautiful custom pieces for clients from across the country. Whether we are able to meet in person or collaborate remotely, we always take a very personal approach. It is our goal to provide our clients with stunning, ethical jewelry that reflects their own personality and tastes.
What is the advantage of working with C5?
C5 is a leader in sustainable fine jewelry. We have developed relationships with a variety of companies offering outstanding alternatives to traditionally mined diamonds and other precious gems. Access to the best that the market has to offer coupled with superb attention to the needs of our clients means that you will have an excellent buying experience. C5 goes to great lengths to ensure that our jewelry has minimal social and environmental impact.
h4(#company_faq). Questions About C5
Can C5 produce any type of jewelry?
Yes. We have outstanding manufacturing partners who can create stunning jewelry for men and women. Though rings are the most popular request, we can produce earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and cuff links.
Where does the name C5 come from?
Diamonds and precious gems are typically valued by the 4 C’s: cut, carat, clarity, and color. C5 was founded on our belief that the social and environmental impact should also be a factor in determining the value of the gems and propose that consciousness be the 5th C. C5 stands for cut, carat, clarity, color AND consciousness.
In what ways is C5 a sustainable company?
We, at C5, are working hard to not only produce sustainable products, but also to operate our business in a sustainable way. All of our custom jewelry is made in the United States with recycled metals and either lab-created or ethically sourced gems. Our packaging is eco-friendly and made by a fair-trade certified company. We also ship using recycled materials and try to incorporate sustainable materials in our office like CFL bulbs and recycled carpeting.
We also produce an eco-jewelry cleaner. Nearly odorless and colorless, C5 jewelry restore is a non-toxic, biodegradable and enzymatic cleaner safe for your jewelry and the environment. This was an important step for us because creating the restore further demonstrated our commitment to the environment as well as our customers’ needs.
Where can I buy C5 jewelry?
C5 jewelry can be purchased at Sulusso.com.