There are a variety of terms and names that are used to identify gems that have diamond-like qualities but are not natural, earth-mined diamonds.  They are man-made diamonds.  Bluntly, they may be referred to as fake diamonds, imitation, or artificial diamonds. Commercially, they are often described as cultured, cultivated, or faux diamonds.  Technically, they are lab-created or lab-generated diamonds. The term "synthetic" is also used, but "simulated diamond" is the proper term for a gem that most closely resembles a natural diamond.

Because of the great variety of terminology and vast amount of jewelry available, it can be confusing to determine which are high quality, simulated diamonds. It helps to understand the following:

BASIC ELEMENTS: Almost all man-made diamonds are produced with polycrystalline, which is a molecular composition of crystals. The variance in quality is mainly in the makeup and in the tools and techniques used to cut the gems.  The higher the production standards, the more closely the gem will compare to real, mined diamond.  A new technology, described as "nanocrystalline diamond coating" is a process by which the entire surface of the man-made gem is coated with genuine, lab-created diamond, giving it the identical optical and physical properties of a natural diamond.

QUALITY: Because of the different production grades, simulated diamonds can be ranked high, medium, or low in quality. The value is often indicated in the way in which the gems are set and sold.  High quality gems are placed in high quality settings, made of solid gold or platinum.  Low quality gems are typically placed in settings that are made of thin electroplated material that is not durable.  An example of low quality, synthetic gems can be found on costume jewelry racks in department stores. A mid-grade stone can be distinguished from a natural diamond, by the trained eye, whereas high grade gems are undistinguishable from mined diamonds, without a jeweler´s looking glass. Also, high quality simulated gems should come with a certificate. 

COST: Accordingly, the cost is often an indicator as to the quality of the jewelry.  Jewelry off the store rack, costing $10.00 to $20.00, may be more affordable, but it will not hold up over time; the settings will tarnish and chip, and the stones will scratch and lose luster.  Mid-grade stones are usually set in sterling silver, with pieces selling under $100.00.  High quality gems are mounted in solid gold and platinum, and the pieces are often referred to as "fine jewelry."  High quality simulant jewelry will usually cost over $100.00 and should come with certification.

So, simulated diamonds are high quality gems that closely resemble real diamonds, yet cost considerably less.  Understanding the basic elements, quality gradation, and cost aspects will help you choose the jewelry that is right for you.  If you are looking for fashion sparkle without everyday durability, you can spend less and shop off the rack. If you purchase mid-grade simulated diamonds, you may fool a few people into believing they are natural diamonds, but the settings may not last a lifetime.  You can expect to pay more for high quality, simulated diamond jewelry, but you can also expect the pieces to last a lifetime.  Since simulated diamonds are much less expensive than mined diamonds, you can save money by purchasing simulated engagement and wedding rings.  High quality stimulants produced with nanocrystalline diamond coating technology have even fooled jewelers, because the gems have the identical optical and physical properties of a natural diamond. Simulated diamonds also come with the assurance that the earth was not disrupted nor lives endangered, as is all too common in the third-world mining process.