Diamond Synthetics vs. Simulants

Welcome to The Clear Cut Classroom where we take deep dives into all things diamonds (and jewelry)!  Today we are talking about the difference between diamond synthetics and simulants!

You probably have heard of the terms synthetic or simulants when it comes to diamonds. Turns out they are both the same thing. But to really understand what they are, we need to understand their differences compared to natural diamonds. 

Natural diamonds come from beneath earth and have been there for many years, like a lot. There are no new natural diamonds to be made, what exists now is what has always existed!

Lab grown diamonds mimic a natural diamond but done in man-made ways within a few days rather than waiting a billion years (literally). There are two ways to lab grow diamonds, like CVD (chemical vapor deposition) or HPHT (high pressure high temperature). And that’s what synthetic diamonds are, essentially the same thing and interchangeable by name. For a quick vocab lesson, synthetic means: “made by chemical synthesis especially to imitate a natural product”, thank you Google. 

Diamond Compound vs. Graphite Compound

It’s good to have this knowledge, especially if you are in the market for a diamond and confused about lab growns. 

Now within lab grown diamonds, we have simulants which are either cubic zirconia or moissanites. They are not the same chemical compound of diamonds, so they are simulating the diamond look.

Various Diamond Simulants

To tell the way between diamond simulants, synthetics and natural diamonds, we have the right machinery to be able to catch the difference. Here at the Clear Cut, our gemologists inspect the differences under microscope to check for inclusions. Today's technology has improved and synthetic diamonds are emerging to be more available than before. 

It's important to be ready with all you need to know, and at The Clear Cut we take pride in being all-natural ;) But! There are some benefits to lab grown diamond, like our travel ring program! We provide a free lab grown travel ring when you get your custom made natural diamond engagement ring, so you can still be blinged out whenever you feel more comfortable not wearing the real deal!