Sustainability | Overview of Issues
Sustainability | Lab-Created Diamonds
Overview of Issues | Lab-Created Diamonds | Industry Facts | Resources
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 cultured diamonds that are chemically and structurally identical to 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.
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.