Synthetic Diamonds: How Are They Different From Natural Or Mined Diamonds?
When many individuals think about diamonds, they usually consider them coming directly from diamond mines and heading to the jewelers from which they are purchased. However, this is usually not the case. Most diamonds undergo rigorous transformations in order to become what you see in the diamond jewelry case at your local jewelers. One type of diamond which does not come from the mines is a synthetic diamond, or lab-created diamond. The following will discuss synthetic diamonds and highlight how they differ from natural or mined diamonds.
What Are Synthetic Diamonds?
Synthetic diamonds are diamonds which are manmade as opposed to being found already created in diamond mines. The synthetic diamond is put together via laboratory technology. The first synthetic diamond was created by General Electric in 1955. Synthetic diamonds are not just for wearing as they are used for industrial purposes as well, such as for use in surgical instruments and cutting other diamonds.
How Do Synthetic Diamonds Differ From Natural or Mined Diamonds?
The main difference between synthetic diamonds and their natural counterparts is the way in which they are created. Whereas synthetic diamonds are created in a lab by those individuals who are well versed in diamond synthesis, natural or mined diamonds are found in the diamond mines already created, albeit they are in a rough form. The diamonds found within the diamond mines are collected and then taken to one of many locations where they are made presentable for sale through cutting and polishing.
How Are Synthetic Diamonds Created?
There are two main ways in which synthetic diamonds are created. These include the high pressure high temperature technique and the chemical vapor deposition method. The high pressure high temperature technique takes carbon and makes it into a diamond by using high pressure and high temperature to do so. With regard to the chemical vapor deposition, this method entails heating hydrocarbon gas in conjunction with a metal surface.
Whether to Choose a Natural Diamond or Synthetic Diamond?
When you are trying to decide whether to buy a natural diamond or synthetic diamond there are a few factors to consider. Some of these decision-making factors include cost, desired use for the diamond and preference of one diamond type over the other. In the end, both diamonds are true diamonds although they come into existence through two different methods of creation. Although there are ways to tell the difference between the two, they are both beautiful gemstones in their own right.
James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the diamond, jewelry, and appraising business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. www.diamondmarketwatch.com
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