Artificial diamonds; A buyer’s guide
It seems almost impossible to watch TV or open a newspaper without seeing something about man-made diamonds. For hundreds of years, science has tried to create a perfect synthetic diamond. Finally, 21st century technology has made that perspective a reality.
There are many reasons to buy synthetic diamonds rather than the mined variety. The prices charged for mined diamonds are, at best, an illusion. To put it more bluntly, Cecil Adams, in his award-winning newspaper column “The Straight Dope” says, “Diamonds are a scam, pure and simple.” Diamond prices are largely controlled by the DeBeers diamond cartel, and are not a fair reflection of the diamond shortage. Furthermore, studies show that one in three diamonds sold in the US today has been altered to artificially increase its value. Other studies have shown that, on average, a couple pays 40% more for their diamond engagement ring.
Beyond the misleading prices, there are the problems of “blood diamonds”, forced child labor and a myriad of other disturbing facts about diamonds.
Recently, socially conscious celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver, and Angelina Jolie have raised concerns about wearing only synthetic diamonds at the many gala events they attend.
Good synthetic diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from the mined variety, but without the baggage and cost thousands of dollars less. But which synthetic diamond is the best option?
There are many types of synthetic or artificial diamonds available. The options are numerous, but unbiased information is scarce. Here is an overview and comparison of synthetic diamonds that are currently not available on the market:
Cubic zirconia
The granddaddy of simulated diamonds, zircons are widely available. In their best examples, CZs are actually a pretty decent replica diamond. Unfortunately, merchandise-like availability and large differences in quality have made stone synonymous with inexpensive fashion jewelry. It may be a good option for cheap bling, but not for fine jewelry. There are many sources available, a decent one is: http://www.czfantasy.com
Russian diamonds
Including Russian Brilliants, Russian Stars and others, they are in fact nothing more than high quality cubic zircons. This is not mentioned prominently on their websites and they will only copy it when pressed, but that’s the fact. Russian diamond simulators are priced at around $ 280 per carat.
Russian diamonds are a selection of fine jewelry and are generally set in quality precious metal settings.
Russian Brilliants is one of the oldest and best sellers of “Russian Diamonds” available at: http://www.russianbrilliants.net
Moissanite
Moissanite is a laboratory created mineral that is a very good diamond simulator. Moissanite has been on the market as a fine jewelry option since the early 90’s and has gained quite a few fans. Moissanite is a hard mineral that, like diamond, cuts glass. However, there are a couple of minor downsides to moissanite. First of all, it is quite expensive (although it is still cheap compared to diamonds) it usually costs around $ 500 per carat for good samples.
Second, moissanite does not have the same optical qualities as diamond and there are several indicators that make it easy for an experienced practitioner to detect with the naked eye. Pure white moissanite is difficult to produce and will often appear slightly green when viewed in natural light. Additionally, moissanite has significantly higher luster and shine factors than natural diamond, making it appear “too bright” to some. However, overall, moissanite is a beautiful synthetic diamond option.
“Moissanite From the Sky” at http://www.fromthesky.com is a good source for fine moissanite jewelry.
Diamond Nexus
Diamond Nexus gemstones are the result of a relatively new scientific advancement in processing technique and have only recently become available in the United States.
Diamond Nexus gemstones are excellent diamond simulators and come very close to the properties of mined diamonds in many different points of comparison. They cut glass, being virtually identical to diamond on the Mohs scale (hardness). They refract perfect “hearts and arrows” and have brilliance and brilliance readings extremely close to flawless diamond.
Best of all, they are currently priced at an introductory price for the US market and are a bargain at $ 79 per caret. Diamond Nexus gemstones are only available in solid gold and precious metal settings.
Diamond Nexus is only available at Diamond Nexus Labs at: http://www.DiamondNexusLabs.com
White sapphire
Sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. They are, unlike the others in this review, a natural stone. However, its brilliance and brilliance are not up to the standards of diamond. However, quality white sapphires priced around $ 220 per carat are a good alternative to diamond.
A quality source is: http://www.TheNaturalSapphireCompany.com
Gemisis Cultivated Diamond
Gemisis diamonds are beautiful and almost perfect replica diamonds. Unfortunately, they are not available in a transparent white color, so they are not a good choice for traditional diamond settings. However, if it is a yellow, orange or pink diamond you are craving, Gemisis offers amazing options in beautiful precious metal fine jewelry embellishments.
Gemisis cultured diamonds are only available at: http://www.gemisis.com
Resume:
Synthetic diamonds offer many advantages over the mined variety. You can shop with confidence, knowing that you are getting exactly what you paid for and that you have not been a victim of diamond pricing ruse. If you are concerned about the world around you, you can have a clear conscience, knowing that your money has not contributed to the support of an abusive and unethical industry.
However, there are many synthetic diamond options, with varying degrees of quality. Take a little time to review the seller’s information to get a clear idea of the science behind the gemstones you are buying.
For my money, I think the best options are quality Moissanite stones or the new diamond simulating gemstones available from Diamond Nexus Labs.