The main difference between a real diamond and a lab created is that a real
diamond is formed through the process of nature, and a lab created is man-made,
resulting in a substantial difference in cost. A real diamond is formed over millions
of years in the mantle of the earth, as carbon molecules are subject to high pressure
and high heat.  Volcanic activity brings the rough diamond closer to the surface,
where it is mined from depths of more than a thousand feet.  Diamond is valued for
its extremely hard and luminescent qualities.  On a scale of mineral hardness (mohs scale)
from 1-10, the diamond ranks 10.

The quality of a diamond is determined by examining "the four C´s," which are color,
clarity, carat weight, and cut.  The purest diamonds are colorless, reflecting white
light into a prism of color, called "fire." The highest quality diamonds range on
the industry´s color scale D-E, with D being perfectly colorless and rankings E through
Z indicating increasing amounts of yellow tones. Clarity is also ranked, using letters
and numbers, to note slight flaws and to qualify the value of each diamond. Jewelers
normally do not deal with diamonds that have flaws visible to the naked eye.  Carat
is the weight by which Diamonds are measured; one carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams.
Cut refers to the physical cut, not the shape, created by design and in relation
to the size and shape of the rough diamond.

Simulated diamonds are laboratory created, using various chemicals, heat, and high
pressure techniques. Perhaps the most well-known of the manufactured diamonds is
the cubic zirconia, also marketed as a Russian diamond. It ranks an 8.5 on the
mohs scale, so it is susceptible to chipping and scratching. Unfortunately,
overzealous production has cheapened cubic zirconias.  They are produced in such
mass quantity, some of which are low quality, that consumers are settling for what
amounts to costume jewelry.  Color and clarity are sacrificed, and some stones are
so extraordinarily large, they are obviously fake diamonds.  Another faux diamond
on the market is Moissanite.  Moissanite ranks 9.25 in hardness and ranks high
in color, but has a detectable double refraction and remains a high-priced alternative
to natural diamond.

A revolutionary technique has recently changed the face of the lab created,
literally.  It is called nanocrystalline diamond coating technology; high quality,
certified cubic zirconias are infused with lab created, genuine diamond.  This
technique creates a hardness of 9.7, so the gem is guaranteed never to chip,
crack, or scratch.  Made to precision in a controlled environment, the clarity
is consistently high and the color ranks "D". The ability to manufacture the
perfect size and shape for the perfect cut makes the process extremely cost
efficient. Testing confirms that the nanocrystalline diamond coating registers
as real diamond.  Consumers can expect to pay a tenth of the cost they would
in purchasing a natural diamond.

Since a variety of imitation diamonds rank high in color and clarity, durability
is an important quality to look for in artificial diamonds. The newest simulant
on the market is called Diamondelle. Using the nanocrystalline diamond coating
technology, it is the most durable with a mohs rank of 9.7, and comes with a
lifetime warrantee. If you are purchasing your diamonds for a lifetime, and
resale value is not an issue, then buying lab createds will save you a
significant amount of money.
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