Designer Jewelry Experts

While almost everyone adores the look of diamonds, the cost associated with owning them is often prohibitive. Cubic zirconia (CZ) has enjoyed popularity as an inexpensive substitution in the past, but it is heavier and doesn’t have the same brilliance. Larger CZs don’t look genuine even to the naked eye. So how can someone obtain the fire and scintillation they desire without breaking the bank? The best way may be through a lab-created gem. Modern lab-produced stones are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, yet even better because they are flawless.

Carbon crystals with the same chemical, optical and physical properties as those stones that are found in mines, “cultured”, or man-made diamonds, provide the same brilliance, sparkle, fire and scintillation as their natural counterparts. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades cultured gems by the same standards it uses for natural ones, acknowledging that they are in fact diamonds. The primary difference is that the rating describes cultured stones as “laboratory grown.”

In nature, colored diamonds rarely occur. These are the result of certain impurities – nitrogen will create yellow, boron will create blue, and so forth. Because there are so few colored natural stones of high quality, they are quite expensive. However, lab produced stones are readily available in several different colors. In addition to being flawless, the cost for cultured colored diamonds is similar to the cost for colorless stones.

Man-made diamonds are available for purchase loose, or already set in jewelry of every kind. However, you probably won’t find these cultured stones in the majority of jewelry or department stores. They have only recently been released into the market, and still represent only a small fraction of the total diamonds available.

Regarding lab produced diamonds, here are some differences you should know about: 1. Typically, cultured stones are 1-2 carats in weight. While larger stones are made, they are less available. 2. Most man-made stones are colored, rather than colorless. This is exactly the opposite of natural diamonds. 3. Only experts can utilize very expensive special equipment in order to detect cultured gems to differentiate them from natural ones. 4. Finding “matched pairs” of natural stones for use in jewelry has historically been difficult, and thus, expensive. It is far easier to find matching identical stones in cultured gems.

If you are concerned that someone may try to pass off a created diamond you are interested in purchasing as “the real thing,” rest assured that this scenario is not all that likely. Firstly, lab-grown diamond producers are very proud of the gems they are able to create. Secondly, cultured diamonds are absolutely genuine, not “cheap” imitations. Thirdly, the difference between natural and cultured is detectable. Finally, jewelers have every incentive to preserve the integrity of the natural diamond market. Thus, a jeweler will readily help you identify the stone in question.

Basically, opting for lab-grown diamonds will allow you to purchase more for less. However, this isn’t a “champagne on a beer budget” scenario. You can expect to pay about one third less for cultured stones than for natural stones. Lab-produced stones can be easily found via the internet, and these sites proudly advertise that their offerings are “synthetics.” But, similar to other online purchases, you’ll want to investigate the vendor carefully prior to making your purchase.

Looking for quality diamonds at a reasonable price? The premiere producer of man-made diamonds, JewelNet.com, features certified loose stones and fine jewelry. Visit the website for a free e-book on Diamond Savings. SEO 2.0 Services

One Response to “How To Pay Less For Diamonds While Still Satisfying Your Taste For Quality”