Synthetic vs Natural Diamond

How does a Lab created diamond compare to a natural one for a wearer?

Appearance and care: Same in both cases

A lab created diamond will look exactly the same as a natural one under normal conditions ie normal light and no magnification. So NO jeweler or non-gemologist can make out the difference between a natural and lab created diamond unless the inclusions are big enough to see with the naked eye. The brilliance, fire, scintillation, and the radiance will be exactly the same in both.

Colorless Synthetic Diamond

It is 10 on the Moh’s scale which is the same as a natural diamond (hardest known substance to us). This means that it will last you for the same time as a natural one (forever) and not get scratched. Both the diamonds have the same chemical composition and molecular structure which means that a lab-created diamond will also chip in the same fashion as a natural one and requires the same kind of care.

Diamond creating machine

You can expose it to ultrasonic cleaning in the same way as a natural diamond and most of all you can put it in all of the same settings as a natural diamond.

Inclusions: Difference

The important thing that you should be aware of is that a lab-created diamond will have 'inclusions' which are 'lab created'. You can expect black specs (flux) or carbon inclusions of various sizes and un-natural shape whereas in a natural diamond you can expect natural inclusions such as a feather (small crack like appearance) etc. or regular natural black or dark inclusions.

4 C’s: Few differences

They both have their own system of grading clarity. An IF (Internally Flawless) Lab created, untreated, colorless diamond over 30 points is almost as rare as a natural counterpart. As the size increases in either, the rate per carat of the stone also increases.

CVD Diamond plates

The color, cut and weight in either of the two diamonds is judged on the same basis. You would buy either of the two diamonds keeping these 4Cs in mind.

Treatment: Practically the same

Diamonds of any sort are treated for 2 major reasons… to improve the color or to remove or hide the inclusions.

Color Enhancement: Usually done by exposing the diamond into a controlled high pressure high temperature (HTHP) environment. It is usually performed on select diamonds in near colorless or slightly brownish color (G to N color usually) to make them colorless or near colorless. This ‘moves’ some of the molecular misbalance in the diamond to ‘correct’ the color. It can be performed on only select diamond types. Both Lab created diamonds as well as some natural diamonds are treated in this way. The treatment is permanent and can be detected by gemological tools and sometimes by the loupe as well.

Lab-created diamond in fancy color

Hiding the inclusions: This is done in order to hide or ‘burn’ the inclusions inside a diamond. It is usually done by drilling a hole into the diamond by controlled laser and ‘burning’ out the inclusion. The laser drill hole is a permanent ‘line’ inside the diamond and is very much legal if declared in the clarity report.

Sometimes the drilled hole or the burned out cavity is filled with a transparent substance (with a high refractive index) so as to make the cavity ‘lost’. This filling is not permanent and should definitely be declared because stones with filling cannot be graded correctly. Many lab created diamonds are treated by laser drilling because they tend to have large carbon inclusions. Many lower clarity grade natural diamonds are also treated in this way. The laser drill marks are easy to see under a microscope or a loupe.

CVD Synthetic Diamond- Uncut

Resale value: Definitely not the same

For a natural diamond, you may not have too many difficulties in selling it in any part of the world. However, as of now, there is a very small market for synthetic diamonds. Please be aware that the amount of money that you are spending on a lab created diamond may not get its return for you if you ever want to sell it off again. Learn the resale, return, exchange and upgrade policy of the store that you are buying from. There is a tremendous cost difference between diamonds created by the CVD (Carbon Vapor Deposition) method and the HTHP (High Temperature High Pressure) method। This difference may not count to as much when you buy your diamond but it will matter when you go out to sell it.

Jewelry made with synthetic diamonds

You should know what is the return for your money in the future so be aware of the return, exchange and upgrade policies before buying even a lab-created diamond. The re-sale value of a real diamond is definitely way more than that of a lab created one so be sure of where you are putting your money.

Jewelry made of Lab-created Diamonds

You can get your diamonds appraised at GIA or several other appraisal bodies so be sure to do so when you buy a large diamond whether it be natural or created.

To pool in content for the Jewelry Design Depot, please write to me at surbhi.s.gupta@gmail.com

The reality behind Oscar Jewels

Good insight on those jewels worn on the glamor night.

Jewelry for an Interview

Jewelry for Men... formal situation:

1. Watch: Wear a conservative watch. Something that is not flashy, bright or flamboyant. A simple leather or silver metal with a simple practical dial is a good idea.
2. Earrings: If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative even though usually, removing earrings is the safest. Especially for conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your industry to see what is acceptable.
3. Rings and bracelets: Make sure it is not something that would distract the interviewer or yourself. Keep it simple and minimal.
   

As a general rule, you want to present an intermediate attitude between who you are and what is expected of you. Not too bold or outstanding but not too laid back. Dress with confidence but do not over-dress. Judge your industry and designation and dress accordingly.

Jewelry / accessories for Women... formal situation:

1. Watch: Wear a conservative watch. Not a thick strap and no flashy colors or dial. The watch size should be in proportion to your wrist size visually. You may also choose not to wear a watch at all depending upon your attitude and other means of measuring time if you need it.
   
2. Scarves: Scarf styles and other accessories come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning towards the conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry such as law or medicine etc.
   
3. Jewelry: A classic approach is usually safer than trends. You can experiment a bit with the rings and bracelet but anything on the neck or ears has to be something that compliments your face without distracting from your expressions. No dangles and no glitter should be the rule. Simple gold or diamond or even a mild touch of color could look good.
   

Your styles should be comfortable and sensible. Be who you are... you want to present the nicer more acceptable you. Simple gold or well coordinated colored stone jewelry is a good wear. Do not wear anything too glittery or flamboyant and stay away from fakes. It is better not to wear adornment rather than mess it.
It should reflect your personality to the extent which makes you suitable for the designation you are applying for.
If you decide to wear a chain or a neck-wear make sure the visual weight is well balanced with a set of smart earrings if required. Heavy earrings do NOT sit well with a heavy neckwear. Your jewelry should not be cumbersome. Once again, no dangles and no noisy jewelry. Go for the classic or for minimalistic if you are not sure.

All the best. For personalized comments on jewelry styles that would suit you, simply write to me at surbhi.s.gupta@gmail.com along with a recent photo in the hair do that you would like to wear to an interview.

Coming up soon... "what jewelry style for my face cut".