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Mined diamonds are rare, expensive to dig out and expensive to buy. There are alternatives – man-made diamonds, also called synthetic or lab created stones. Understanding how to recognize a high quality cultured gem, however, takes some education.

Man-made gems are created in a lab, rather than in the earth. Instead of carbon molecules being heated and pressured for millenia, lab created diamonds are created under exacting conditions in a lab. They have the same molecular structure and their quality is determined by the same 4 Cs (caret, or weight, color, cut and clarity) method as that of natural stones. That being said, synthetic gems do come in low, medium and high grades.

Low grade synthetic stones are often sold in bulk and set in inexpensive settings. However, if you’re looking for your very young daughter’s first “diamond,” this would be a good choice. Between playtime, and just being a young girl, this gem is unlikely to survive childhood. A visit to your local discount store will provide plenty of choices. Medium qualities are those found on the jewelry shopping networks and again, are not usually set in 14 carat gold or other high quality settings. The very highest quality lab-created gems have been graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) since 2007 and are certified as to origin and quality. These creations are also put in settings that match their quality, or are sold as loose gems.

GIA certificates are important to get and retain, for the same reasons it is important to have documentation for other important purchases. Insurance companies will require these for coverage purposes and good jewelry becomes part of your estate.

It is interesting to note that a side by side comparison of mined and the top tier cultured diamonds reveals that the man-made stones have no internal flaws, unlike those from the earth, since the process is controlled from beginning to end.

Although the most desirable and expensive diamonds, man-made and otherwise, are colorless, or “clear,” individual preference might tilt to a colored gem. In nature, color is introduced into these stones through trace elements or natural radiation deep in the earth. These colored or “fancy colored” gems are very rare and very expensive.

In the lab, these stones can be “grown” in yellow, blue or white. Again, the introduction or exclusion of what goes into the pot means that creating a white jewel takes more time and more pressure. These factors account for the higher price for clear stones.

Lab-created diamonds can be an excellent option for the buyer looking for a lower-cost stone that nonetheless provides high quality and sparkle. It is important, however, to deal with reputable jewelers and insist on proper certification.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an SEO 2.0 researcher. He recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of man-made diamonds . They have been named the only eco-friendly cultured diamond producer, by EarthShare. They offer certified stones in 6 vibrant colors.

The idea of man-made diamonds dates back more than one hundred years, to early experiments inspired by a meteorite. With very recent scientific advancements, today’s synthetic diamonds are gem quality and are even recognized by the Gemological Institute of America.

Scientists “grow” them in a lab using techniques that replicate the conditions of nature, which normally occur hundreds of miles below the earth’s surface. Lab-created diamonds are the result of the same high pressure, high temperature and chemical vapor deposition, yet they are cultivated and ready to cut in less than five days.

Recent developments in the chemical vapor deposition process have perfected the method, allowing gem labs to grow perfectly beautiful stones. The differences between them, and their mined counterparts, are only detected by an expert’s careful examination. Its absence of inclusions, or flaws, is actually a desired characteristic, and its slightly different growth pattern is not detected by the naked eye of even a trained jeweler.

Recognizing the importance of the hardest substance known to man, scholars have long speculated on the possibility of manufacturing the stones for industrial purposes. The earliest man-made diamonds were synthetic, which means they possess the same chemical composition as the naturally mined gems.

In 1893, Dr. Henri Moissan discovered what appeared to be tiny diamonds on the surface of the ground where a meteorite had landed. He conducted an experiment using high heat, pressure and graphite. Over the years, scientists continued his work, perfecting the technique and documenting small successes.

In the 1970s, scientists in the Soviet Union took a German-discovered gemstone and applied extreme heat to create clear sparkling cubic crystals, named cubic zirconia. Because the result was not of the same chemical composition, but was similar in appearance, this was called a simulated process. After being mass marketed by Swarovski & Company in the 1980’s, the cubic zirconia became the first man-made alternative on the market.

Today’s synthetic diamond production produces stones up to 3 ct in size, and in colors of yellow, orange, and some pinks and blues. In nature, colored stones are rare, while in the lab, clear is more rare. A colored synthetic could save the buyer hundreds of dollars. Because they are grown in a controlled environment, it is also possible to create beautiful size and color-matched sets of jewelry that would be otherwise unobtainable.

Humane and environmentally ethical production further holds this new breed of diamond in high regard. As these jewels possess true beauty inside and out, wearers proudly and happily show off their sparkly jewels.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an SEO 2.0 researcher. He recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of lab-created diamonds . They have been named the only eco-friendly cultured diamond producer, by EarthShare. Whether you’re looking for a ring or a gift for someone special, they have it all – with certified stones in 6 colors.

De Beers, the world’s leading mined diamond manufacturer, announced in April that it will cut back on the amount of mining to extend the supply of naturally occurring stones. Apparently, the mines are becoming depleted, and this revelation should benefit synthetic diamond manufacturers and distributors. The purchase of man-made gems is likely to increase as the supply meets the demand. These man-made gems have the added advantage of being available at a lower price point, and in many of the coveted colors that are prohibitively expensive in the natural stones.

In 2008, De Beers mined 48 million carats in diamonds; that number is expected to drop to 40 million carats in 2011. It was recently reported that the company mined only 24 million carats in 2009, causing a financial loss of $743 million. In addition, no new deposits have been found for about 20 years. In order to extend the life of the mines, the manufacturer plans to cut production by 5% a year, over the next five years.

De Beers is responsible for 40% of rough diamond sales internationally. It is also responsible for 90% of the polishing of this precious jewel worldwide. It owns the largest mine in Surat, India (the diamond capital of the world), as well as the two largest mines in Africa.

Natural stones take thousands of years to form. In a lab, however, the jewels can be produced in about four days. Reports vary on how much money consumers will save by purchasing man-made gems. By some accounts, a 30% savings can be expected. Others say the savings could be as high as 80%, especially if the naturally occurring gems increase in price as production declines.

According to experts, there is no chemical or molecular distinction between these lab-created jewels and those that are mined. Under closer scrutiny, though, a gemologist could be able to tell the difference with very sophisticated equipment. One of the biggest differences is that synthetic stones will also have fewer occlusions (imperfections), so those with noticeable imperfections will be assumed to be natural. Until recently, the lab-created diamonds were usually smaller, with an average size of one carat or less. This is less true now, though there does still appear to be some difficulty in producing the “white” colorless jewels in any significant sizes.

The United States is the largest consumer of this gem in the word, but Eastern Asia is catching up quickly as the region’s taste is changing from precious jade stones to the more rare diamonds. Manufacturers of synthetic gems are expecting customers to have no problem accepting the cultured stones. Though many would prefer real diamonds, in this economy, that is still an unlikely option for many people – and man-made stones are the perfect alternative.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an SEO 2.0 researcher for a wide variety of industries. He recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of cultured diamonds . They have been named the only eco-friendly cultured diamond producer by EarthShare. They offer certified stones in 6 vibrant colors.

Diamonds are a must-have for any couple getting serious about the future of their relationship, and many say they are a girl’s best friend. That said, the political instability of central African countries where mining takes place, allegations of deadly child labor and the funding of wars with so called “blood diamonds” have greatly reduced the appetite for the gem. For the aficionado in the hopes of finding another solution, synthetic diamonds present all of the luster, cut, fire and prestige of the real thing without any of the socio-economic and political baggage. Man-made in labs, these gems are created through three different basic processes.

Perhaps the most famous means of creating these stones is through a method using a combination of high pressure and high temperature. An inner cell filled with a diamond grain is subjected to enormous pressures as well as temperatures in excess of 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure and heat surrounding the cell enable the grain to grow atom by atom, producing a complete gem.

Cultured stones may also be crafted via chemical vapor deposition. A mix of hydrocarbon gasses acts upon a microscopic diamond seed. The tiny shard interacts with the consistent onslaught of the carbon and over time the process forms a larger gem.

Some lab-created diamonds are formed as a result of a violent explosion. Contained within a metal chamber, pressure and temperature are combined to create carbon-laden explosives, depositing fragments known as “nano-crystals.” These crystals become the seeds for the high-pressure process mentioned above.

It is interesting to note that the carbon source is not restricted to nano-crystals or seeds. Many companies are now implementing the use of human hair or the ashes of cremated loved ones as a source of carbon. Growing a diamond around one of these deeply personal sources allows for a uniquely meaningful gem. As a pendant, a ring or just a keepsake, the departed are memorialized for posterity, while those celebrating a relationship have a meaningful piece that represents their mutual love and affection

Although not without cost, these processes allow for the creation and open sale of synthetic diamonds. Currently, the high price of these precious stones is controlled by syndicates that determine when and how they are sold in order to keep them rare and expensive. The appearance of the finished gems is identical to those that are mined except for a microscopic engraving that denotes man-made specimens, separating them from their naturally occurring counterparts.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an SEO 2.0 researcher. He recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of lab-created diamonds . They have been named the only eco-friendly cultured diamond producer by EarthShare. They offer certified stones in six vibrant colors.

Shopping for the perfect diamond can be an exciting experience. It can also be a confusing one. Cost and quality are major concerns for the average consumer. Synthetic (also known as man-made or cultured) diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking excellence and value because they are less expensive and colored stones are more available in larger sizes.

Unlike cubic zirconia, man-made diamonds are true diamonds, developed in a laboratory over a period of several days. The process imitates the growth of natural stones. They are grown in the same fashion as the naturally mined gemstones, but at a quicker pace. This controlled method allows for higher production numbers and lower costs. Synthetics have the same chemical structures and physical properties as those found in nature. Without advanced instruments, however, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Because these gems are available in an array of styles and sizes, the amount of savings varies. Consumers can expect to save at least ten percent by choosing cultured gems over natural ones. Usually found online rather than in traditional jewelry stores, some large suppliers have been known to offer savings up to fifty percent, with the average being around thirty percent.

Contrary to what is found in nature, synthetic colorless diamonds are rarer than colored ones. Because of this, the savings on colored synthetic stones is significant. Average savings can be as high as thirty-five percent or more. Labs can produce stones of varying colors, including yellows, pinks, and blues. This adds to the appeal for many people, as these colors are so rare in nature and are subsequently quite expensive.

It is rare to find white, or colorless, stones at weights above 1/2 carat, but they can be found as big as three carats. The generous size of colored gems adds to their appeal. Man-made stones can be purchased in an assortment of shapes. Similar to naturally mined ones, these prices vary according to cut. In many cases, industry standards determine the price of each cut, so consumers have options. This makes synthetics ideal for those who want the ideal round cut but can’t afford to go natural. Some colors are available only in certain cuts, while colorless stones come in a wide range of shapes.

Cultured diamonds are usually flawless, and are often produced from pieces of actual diamonds, perfected during the process. Any inherent flaw found in a lab-grown stone only adds to its distinctive look. As with natural ones, the quality of these can be graded and certified. This is a great perk for consumers who seek only the best.

By purchasing lab-made diamonds, consumers have a larger selection of exclusive designs. Color, style, and size can be customized to fit individual taste. More people are able to own beautiful, distinct pieces of jewelry, without having to break the bank. Diamond lovers are beginning to realize that quality and value can be synonymous.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an SEO 2.0 researcher for a wide variety of industries. He recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of cultured diamonds . They have been named the only eco-friendly cultured diamond producer, by EarthShare. They offer certified stones in 6 vibrant colors.

About 2.5 billion years ago microorganisms living in the oceans died and sank to the floor. After decomposition, what remained was pure carbon. When this carbon is put under intense pressure and extreme heat over thousands of years, the end result is crystals, better known as diamonds. When the process is interrupted by infusions of other elements such as sulfur or nitrogen, the crystals that are formed will be colored.

When the pressure and heating process is not perfectly even, but without inclusion of other elements, the end result is a “flawed” colorless, or often called white diamond. Whether the crystals formed are colored, flawed, or perfect, we do know this process creates the hardest crystals known to man.

Scientists formulated the process to create man-made or cultured diamonds years ago. In fact, most of the industrial diamonds currently in use are man-made. In 2004, scientists working at the Carnegie Institution’s Geophysical Laboratory, using a gas mixture, produced gems that were harder than other crystals. These lab created crystals were made in less than one day and are in fact, real diamonds.

When most people think of crystals they often envision white diamonds. As of October, 2007, there was no laboratory capable of creating colorless crystals, or as these they are commonly known, white diamonds. That problem has been solved now in 2010, but because the carbon has to be pure to create the “white” color, lab created crystals are primarily colored yellow diamonds (the easiest and least expensive to produce).

“Fancy colors,” such as blue and pink are being more available now as well. The yellow coloration is the result of nitrogen in the crystal structure. Laboratories can easily incorporate nitrogen into their gem creations, and do so because nitrogen is a catalyst which also significantly speeds up the growth of the gems. In nature, there are approximately 10,000 white diamonds for every yellow or fancy one, which is why the mined natural colored gems command a considerably higher per carat price.

Interestingly deformities in structure which occur during the formation of a crystal can also be the reason for the crystal’s color. Geologists have actually discovered the conditions and elements that produce yellow, purple or blue crystals however there is no reason or source found for chocolate or brown diamonds yet or for the rarely found pink ones. In order to produce those colors, irradiation is used, much as it has been used with topaz and other gems to create some of the stunning colors in those stones.

One of the benefits of man-made diamonds over natural crystals is that unlike natural diamonds which are rarely flawless, those that are created are formed in a controlled environment which makes it possible to consistently produce crystals of the highest quality, including flawless diamonds.

The differences between naturally mined crystals and synthetic ones are so minimal in appearance and quality that even jewelers and gem experts find it difficult to distinguish between the two even when they have sophisticated equipment.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed SEO 2.0 researcher of practices, products, and services for a variety of industries. For beautifully colored man made diamonds at competitive prices, he recommends Jewelnet.com.

It has often been said that diamonds are eternal. Taking millions of years to form in nature, they are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. It’s no wonder that they have become a symbol of enduring love and stability. Recent scientific advancements now allow for efficient production of jewelry-quality cultured, or man-made, diamonds. In some cases, these can be far more precious, unique and personalized keepsakes and heirlooms than mined stones.

Man-made stones are “grown” from a tiny seed of diamond, resulting in a flawless gem that is optically, chemically and physically identical to natural mined jewels. They are produced over a period of several weeks rather than millions of years. However, it is now possible to include carbon from sources as diverse as human hair and the ashes of the deceased.

This has led to the rise of synthetic stones that are produced using, for example, hair from the bride and groom of a wedding, or from the ashes of a beloved grandparent. While every gem is unique, these man-made stones are even more so, since the carbon which is used to produce them comes from a very specific source.

Besides the aforementioned uses in wedding bands and commemorative jewelry, these synthetic diamonds can serve as the ultimate Mother’s Day gift. A ring, bracelet or necklace with a center stone containing hair from each child will become a treasured keepsake, offering a degree of uniqueness which simply cannot be matched or repeated. In addition, those who want to commemorate a beloved cat, dog or other pet will be pleased to know that the pet’s hair or fur can also be used to create a cultured diamond.

Because diamonds are so enduring and beautiful, jewelry created as memorials to loved ones are a wonderful family heirloom. These pieces will be passed down for generations with a special heritage – not merely a cold rock like any other from the earth, but a part of friends, family members or pets that will endure for hundreds of years and a physical reminder that our loved ones never are truly gone as long as we remember them and hold them close in our hearts.

There is even a rising market for cultured diamonds created from the hair of celebrities. Many of these unique and eternal gems are being auctioned off to benefit charities or other public causes. Since all it takes is a small snip, gems made from famous performers such as Michael Jackson are already on the market. These unusual stones are becoming popular for use in charity fundraising – proceeds from sales of such celebrity commemorative jewelry going to important causes that the celebrity held dear. For those who have been touched deeply by a celebrity’s work, these unusual collectors’ items could be considered the ultimate way to honor them. These stones would also be an amazing gift for a loved one who is a huge fan.

These special cultured diamonds offer a unique way to show love and appreciation. No matter if the resulting jewelry is intended as a gift or for yourself, these amazing gems are a treasure that cannot be measured in mere material worth, and a memorial that will endure for hundreds of years.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All rights reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed SEO 2.0 researcher of best practices, products, and services for a wide variety of industries. He highly recommends JewelNet.com, the premiere producer of eco-friendly cultured diamonds named by EarthShare. They offer loose stones and bridal jewelry, pendants and earrings with certified stones in six vibrant colors.

For centuries, diamonds have been evaluated using the four Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat. However, recent innovations have allowed the addition of a fifth C: created. Thanks to innovations in modern chemistry and physics, it is now possible to create jewel-quality stones. These created gems are free of the defects and inclusions that are present in most mined stones.

The first C, “cut,” refers to how the diamond has been cut by a jeweler. Even the most beautiful gem starts out as a rough stone with no facets. The way in which a gem sparkles and reflects light is dependent on how the facets are cut into it. The cut is one of the largest determinants of a stone’s value. An excellent cut can turn a the right raw gem into a stone worth thousands or even millions of dollars, while a poor cut may ruin even an excellent gem. Since a cut cannot be undone and gemcutting takes years to master, the value of the cut cannot be underestimated.

The next two Cs, “clarity,” and “color” are determined by impurities in the gem’s crystal structure. Small mineral deposits that appear as darker spots in the stone, called inclusions, are common. Inclusions do not necessarily ruin a gem; very few mined stones are given a grade of “flawless,” and those few are incredibly expensive. Only the lowest clarity grades feature inclusions that are easily seen by the naked eye, and a good cut can help to conceal small inclusions and bring out the best of the stone.

The purest of diamonds have no tinge of color. “D” denotes colorless, and the grading goes all the way to Z for light yellow. The further down the alphabet you go, the less desirable and thus, less expensive, the stone becomes. However, the right concentration of mineral impurities within the stone can be a good thing! These can create the rare colored, or “fancy,” gems that feature attractive colors, including vibrant and intense yellows, pinks, champagnes and even deep blues like the famous Hope Diamond. The more vibrant or deep the color, the more valuable the gem becomes. Very few gem-quality mined diamonds achieve the “fancy” grade.

The final C used to grade mined stones is carat size. Carat denotes the weight of the stone, regardless of its dimensions, and is a standardized measure equal to .2 grams. During the 1800s, a few rare gems of over 100 carats were discovered in remote South African mines. However, most gems used in jewelry range from .25 carats to 5 carats in size. The largest stones in this range are quite rare and very expensive. Carat weight increases a gem’s price 10-20% for each step in size difference.

The fifth C, “created”, only applies to man-made stones. These cultured diamonds are produced in a lab by accelerating the natural processes which create gems. Man-made gems are free of inclusions because they are created under controlled conditions. However, most of them have vibrant colors that rival the most desirable and rarest mined “fancy” gems. They are indistinguishable from natural stones in their chemical makeup and optical qualities, and can be cut just like mined stones to provide the same luster, brilliance and scintillation.

Cultured gems are also created in first-world laboratories and minimize the ecological impact of mining and the social impact that comes from the sale of so-called “blood diamonds.” With all of these advantages, from quality to social concerns, it’s not surprising that man-made diamonds are quickly becoming very popular.

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If you’re in the market for high-quality diamonds that satisfy your taste for uniqueness, JewelNet.com is the premiere provider of eco-friendly created diamonds. They offer loose stones and bridal jewelry, pendants and earrings with certified stones in six vibrant colors. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services

There is often some confusion when looking for diamond jewelry because of the differences between natural diamonds, cultured diamonds, and cubic zirconia. There are some important differences between these choices that should be understood before looking for jewelry set with these gems. When choosing between cubic zirconia, cultured diamonds and natural diamonds, there are appearance and quality variations to consider, in addition to the cost variations between the three gem choices.

Diamond is a gem that naturally occurs as opposed to being man-made. Diamonds are mined from the earth, and are the hardest substance found in nature, being composed of a particular carbon atom formation. Many people prefer to buy diamond alternatives instead of natural diamonds because of the controversy surrounding natural diamond mining techniques. Cubic zirconia and cultured diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds.

There are some differences between cubic zirconia and natural diamonds, although they often appear similar. Cubic zirconia is optically flawless because it is synthesized, and it is very hard. clear white.

Although not nearly as hard as mined or cultured diamonds, it is still quite durable and is a low cost alternative to mined diamonds.

Another alternative to real diamonds is the cultured diamond. Cultured diamonds, which are often called lab grown diamonds, are made to be optically, physically and chemically identical to naturally mined diamonds. Cultured diamonds generally cost less than natural diamonds, but they are still much more costly than cubic zirconia or diamond hybrid. Cultured diamonds can come in various colors, but the most popular color is brilliant colorless white.

One type of natural diamond alternative which has distinct advantages over the other choices is the diamond hybrid. A crystalline core is covered with a layer of diamond to make a diamond hybrid. This produces a very hard and brilliant gem that looks very similar to a mined diamond in regards to light dispersion and index refraction. These hybrid diamonds do not become discolored over time, and when cut by an expert and polished, are absolutely brilliant.

While hybrid diamonds are more expensive than cubic zirconia, they are less expensive than natural or traditional cultured diamonds. These beautiful gems are becoming quite popular as an alternative to mined diamonds for those who want the beauty and sparkle of a diamond without the high price.

Sona Diamond custom jewelry is the world’s top-quality, Cultured Diamonds and they have a real diamond layer and the similar brilliance, clarity and created diamond hardness, to a natural diamond on the market today. http://www.SonaDiamondJewelry.com is a trusted online source of over 5000 affordable styles and consumer Ranked#1 in the World.

Artificial diamonds often look very similar to naturally mined diamonds, making it difficult for the average person to tell the difference between the two without consulting an expert. Depending on the variety of artificial diamond, they are often difficult to tell from natural diamonds because they have the same or similar chemical composition.

There are several different techniques that are used to create what are commonly referred to as artificial diamonds. In the case of cubic zirconium, the material itself is not the same, being made from the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. The process for making cubic zirconium creates a gem that can be totally colorless and optically perfect. It is quite beautiful and brilliant and more economical to purchase, but is not as hard as mined diamonds.

Another group of artificial diamonds is the cultured diamond. Lab grown diamonds is another term that is commonly used to refer to these gems. It often takes a gem professional to tell a cultured diamond from the real thing, since they can be almost indistinguishable visually and have the same chemical composition as a natural diamond. Artificial is not actually the best term to use to describe these gems, because although they are created by man, they are extremely similar in every way to mined diamonds.

Cultured diamonds are a popular jewelry option, and while they cost more than cubic zirconium, then still less expensive than naturally mined diamonds. In addition to the more affordable price, many people prefer artificial diamonds over natural diamonds because of the controversial monopoly in the natural diamond industry and the treatment of those who work in the diamond mines. purchasing artificial diamonds is considered by many to be a more humanitarian choice, as well as being a “greener” option, than buying natural diamonds.

Diamond hybrid is another popular type of artificial diamond that is becoming very popular. Diamond hybrids are optically similar to cultured diamonds, but are less expensive to buy. Diamond hybrids are very brilliant and hard, and are produced by covering a crystalline core with a natural diamond material layer. When expertly cut, the color, clarity and sparkle of the diamond hybrid can be hard to match.

Artificial diamonds represent a popular alternative to buying natural diamonds, although mined diamonds are sure to always remain a popular choice as well. When one considers the many advantages of artificial diamonds, it is obvious why they are often preferred by many people.

Sona Diamond custom jewelry is the world’s top-quality, Artificial Diamonds and they have a real diamond layer and the similar brilliance, clarity and created diamond hardness, to a natural diamond on the market today. http://www.SonaDiamondJewelry.com is a trusted online source of over 5000 affordable styles and consumer Ranked#1 in the World.