What are synthetic diamonds?
Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory, and have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. The majority of synthetic diamonds are made for industrial purposes. In the last thirty years, gem-quality synthetic diamonds have been grown in Japan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and the United States in small quantities. Synthetic diamonds are generally produced using one of two methods. One method uses high pressure and high temperature (HPHT), and the other uses chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Synthetic diamonds are not to be confused with diamond simulants (such as cubic zirconia) which only look like diamonds. Diamond simulants, which can be natural or synthetic, have chemical compositions and physical and optical properties that are different from those of diamond. They can be readily identified by a trained gemologist or jeweler.
Real diamonds have been created naturally through intense levels of heat and pressure deep within the ground. All natural diamonds are thought to be between 70 million and 3 billion years old. They are mined, cut and polished by highly skilled craftsmen, and are not otherwise tampered with. Synthetic or ‘cultured’ diamonds are created in the laboratory. All synthetic or ‘cultured’ diamonds must legally be declared as such. Carat Lane offers only are real and natural diamonds. Back to top What are “conflict” diamonds? There exists an illegal trade in diamonds in several parts of the world, and the money is used to fund conflicts (war and other outrages). These diamonds are called conflict diamonds or blood diamonds. Carat Lane is vehemently opposed to this trade in every form. We strive to assure that every diamond we sell is ‘conflict-free’. Back to top Does all Carat Lane diamond jewellery come accompanied with a certificate? All diamonds used in our ‘Create Your Diamond Ring’ items a
