Natural, Synthetic and Imitation Diamond

In the past if something looked like a natural diamond, it probably was a diamond. Today, technology exists to create, alter, or simulate a diamond. The potential for uncertainty is boundless. For that reason, descriptive words take on great importance and must be used accurately. The Federal Trade Commission addresses nomenclature in its Guide for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries. Whether a diamond is natural, synthetic or imitation will have a bearing on its price. A natural diamond is more valuable than a synthetic with otherwise similar characteristics. A synthetic diamond will be more valuable than an imitation diamond. To create less confusion in the marketplace jewelers abide by the nomenclature put forth by the Federal Trade Commission.

Natural Diamonds

A diamond is the natural gem produced from carbon deep within the planet's lithosheric mantle over a period of millions of years. Diamonds are brought to the earth's upper crust by volcanic activity. The word diamond, alone, can only be used to describe a gemstone created by this natural process.

Synthetic or Lab-Created Diamonds

A synthetic diamond, while also made from pure carbon, is manufactured above ground in a factory setting. Man-made synthetic diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties of a natural diamond. It is pure carbon crystallized in an isometric system. Federal regulations allow the use of the terms "laboratory-grown", "laboratory-created, "(manufacturer name)-created, or "synthetic" to describe this product.

Imitation Diamonds

An imitation diamond does not share the same chemical properties as a natural diamond. An imitation diamond resembles a diamond but is not made of carbon. Typically they are made of glass, plastic, cubic zirconium, or silicon carbide, some are natural gems such as white garnet or white sapphires. These stimulants may not be identified as "laboratory-grown", "laboratory-created, "(manufacturer name)-created, or "synthetic".