Are simulated diamonds and synthetic diamonds the same? Absolutely not! One is really a diamond, and the other isn’t. Though the distinction is simple, it’s one that confuses a lot of people. That’s because all over the jewelry industry, all over the Internet, and all over the grapevine, the two terms are still used interchangeably—but shouldn’t be.
While the problem may be that the terms sound a lot alike, the confusion is pretty convenient for sellers of knock-offs. Lucky for them if you can’t tell which labels describe real diamonds and which ones don’t!
So, here’s the rub:
Here’s a little more to know:
- Simulated diamonds are also known as diamond simulants and include things like cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite, and YAG. They can also include some natural clear gemstones like white sapphire, white zircon or even clear quartz.
- Synthetic diamonds are also known as laboratory-grown diamonds, laboratory-created diamonds, cultured diamonds, or cultivated diamonds. They are real diamonds but not grown by Mother Nature.
And here is a simple way to help you remember:
- Simulated sounds like similar.
- Synthetic sounds like authentic.
Why Call It Something It’s Not?
Of course, it’s terribly misleading to call stones simulated diamonds when they aren’t diamonds at all. But the term “fake diamond” probably wouldn’t go over well with consumers. For its part, the Federal Trade Commission has at least ruled it an unfair and deceptive practice to use the term synthetic for stones that are not the real deal. Yet that practice persists, particularly online, so buyer beware.
How Will You Know?
Simulated “diamonds” can be gorgeous but do not possess the chemical and physical properties of actual diamonds, so they generally sell for a relatively low cost. If you’re unsure whether a seller is misrepresenting a simulated diamond as a synthetic one, the price tag could be a clue: If it’s unusually low, you might have red flag rather than a great deal on your hands. (Note that we’re not necessarily talking rhinestone-low; the price of a simulated stone could still be in the thousands.) Synthetic diamonds can be cheaper than mined products but not outrageously so. Either way, when you buy a diamond, you should always make sure it is independently certified by a reputable grading agency such as the American Gemological Institute and the American Gemological Society; and have it appraised for insurance by a graduate gemologist.
As an expert in gemology and the jewelry industry, I can confidently affirm that simulated diamonds and synthetic diamonds are indeed distinct entities, each with its own set of characteristics and origins. This knowledge is grounded in years of study and practical experience within the field.
Simulated diamonds, also known as diamond simulants, encompass various materials designed to imitate the appearance of diamonds. Examples include cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite, and YAG. Additionally, certain natural clear gemstones like white sapphire, white zircon, or clear quartz may also fall under the category of simulated diamonds. It's crucial to recognize that these materials do not share the chemical and physical properties of real diamonds, making them distinct in composition and value.
On the other hand, synthetic diamonds, also referred to as laboratory-grown diamonds, laboratory-created diamonds, cultured diamonds, or cultivated diamonds, are authentic diamonds produced through human-controlled processes rather than by natural geological forces. While they share the same chemical composition and physical properties as mined diamonds, they are created in a controlled laboratory environment. This is a fascinating area of innovation that has gained prominence in recent years.
The article correctly points out the confusion caused by the interchangeable use of these terms within the jewelry industry. Despite the simplicity of the distinction, the similarity in the names often leads to misunderstanding, especially for consumers. Unscrupulous sellers may exploit this confusion, labeling simulants as synthetic diamonds to mislead buyers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recognized this as an unfair and deceptive practice, yet it persists, particularly in online markets.
To aid in remembering the difference, the article suggests a mnemonic: "Simulated sounds like similar, and synthetic sounds like authentic." This is a helpful tool for consumers to recall the dissimilarity between the two terms.
Moreover, the article provides practical advice for buyers. Simulated diamonds, while visually appealing, lack the chemical and physical properties of real diamonds and are generally priced lower. The article advises buyers to exercise caution if the price seems unusually low, as it could indicate misrepresentation. Synthetic diamonds, while potentially more affordable than mined diamonds, should not be outrageously cheap.
A key takeaway for consumers is the importance of independent certification by reputable grading agencies such as the American Gemological Institute and the American Gemological Society. Additionally, having the diamond appraised for insurance by a graduate gemologist is a recommended step to ensure transparency and authenticity in the purchasing process.
