Aspects

• Synthetic diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory and are exactly the same on an atomic level as natural diamonds. Because they are "grown" in a lab instead of in nature there are some distinctive features that make synthetic diamonds appear different from natural diamonds, but only to the well-trained eye. Natural diamonds are produced deep within the earth under high temperatures and pressures. While more than 65 percent of the world's diamonds come from Africa, they may be mined in Russia, South America or Israel.
  
  

Considerations

• Synthetic diamonds are made in labs that mimic the natural way of creating diamonds by putting them under high pressure at high temperatures that reach up to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. Synthetic diamonds, however, tend to lack the natural flaws that natural diamonds have, such as small cracks in the stone. On the other hand, synthetic diamonds may contain black flecks or little pieces of carbon in them. The type of flaws a diamond has is a good indication of whether it is a natural or synthetic stone.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Many people believe that synthetic diamonds are inferior in quality to natural diamonds. However, synthetic and natural diamonds have the same chemical composition. They can be on par in regards to brilliance, radiance and fire. The only visual differences are the differences in flaws, and a slight difference in color. Man-made diamonds often have a slight yellow tint. Synthetic diamonds are denser and therefore slightly heavier.
  
  

Benefits

• Synthetic diamonds cost about 15 percent less than natural diamonds as they can be easily produced in large quantities. In addition, synthetic diamonds are made practically ready to sell, while natural diamonds must be mined, cleaned and cut before they are even close to being able to be sold. Synthetic diamonds don't promote illicit diamond trade, which are often mined by forced labor or stolen from legitimate diamond producers. Many people consider natural diamonds a good investment since they hold their resale value.
  
  

Purchase

• Synthetic diamonds are also called cultivated, man-made or cultures. Some of the makers of synthetic diamonds include: Apollo, Gemesis, LifeGem and DNEA Diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are different from simulated diamonds. White sapphire, quartz and cubic zirconia may look like diamonds, but they don't have the same physical properties as natural diamonds. Moissanite, which many people can mistake for a diamond, is not marketed as a diamond simulant, though jewelers who sell it often compare its features to that of a diamond.