Man-Made Diamonds

These days when we talk about man-made diamonds, we are not talking about Zirconia or Moissanite, which were made to pass as diamonds. With the advent of technology and more importantly hard work put in by scientists over the years, quality gems can be produced in laboratories in a matter of a few days.

Since the discovery made in 1797 that diamond was nothing but pure carbon, many attempts have been made to prepare cheaper forms of this gemstone. These attempts have met with varied amounts of success. The earliest success was reported by Fredinand Frederic Henri Moissan, in 1893.

The method used by him involved heating charcoal at 4000 Centigrade, along with iron in a carbon crucible in an electric furnace wherein an electric arc was struck between the carbon rods inside blocks of lime. The molten iron rod was quickly cooled by submerging it into water.

The contraction caused due to sudden cooling was thought to be equivalent to the high pressure that caused the graphite to turn into diamond.

Single crystal perfect diamonds of about 2 carats can be made in a single day. It is interesting to note here that an average sized engagement ring is less than a carat. The scientists use a process known as the chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which grows diamond crystals one carbon atom at a time.

Russell Hemley of the Geophysical Laboratory at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and researchers belonging to Apollo Diamond, Boston have produced the largest and also some of the most flawless gems so far. Further, Carbon Power Electronics Consortium, Europe, which was led by Dutch company Element Six, has helped create a synthetic diamond diode.

Scientists have mastered the ability to grow 10 carat single crystals with color and quality that surpasses mined gemstones.

If you use synthetic diamonds, you will be joining the elite group of Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver, and Angelina Jolie who have made a vocal issue against mined gemstones and have worn only synthetic ones to all galas.

Russian diamonds are a good alternative. They are high quality cubic zirconias although none of the store owners will openly admit to this fact. They are available at USD 280 per carat.

Moissanites are also excellent diamond stimulants that are created in the lab. They have been available since the early 90's and are hugely popular. Although they are cheaper than mined stones, they are still considered expensive at USD 500 per carat. Further, they do not have the same optical qualities and hence can be easily identified by the naked eye of an experienced practitioner.

Diamond Nexus have only been recently made available in the United States and are a result of a fairly new scientific advancement in the processing technique. They match the qualities of a flawless mined gemstone very closely.

The hardness is virtually similar to that of a real stone and so are the radiance and brilliance readings. The best part is the fact that they are available at USD 79 per carat. Also, they are available in precious metal and gold settings only.

I agree that synthetic diamonds are not the real deal. However, you can rest assured that you are getting your money's worth. As per a survey conducted, it has been established that people pay about 40% more for an engagement ring than its actual price.

Further, there are also some social issues related with the mined gems, including terrible working environment and child labor. As a matter of fact, the mining industry is considered very unethical and abusive in nature. So not only will the synthetic diamonds be easier on your pockets, but they will also be easier on your conscience.