Synthetics
Once the true composition of a diamond was recognized in the 1800’s, scientists have tried to replicate a diamond in laboratories. Initial success didn’t come until the early to mid 1950’s when a non-gem-quality diamond was created. These diamonds, though not gem quality, have found themselves marketable. They are used in many devices so their electronics won’t over heat, the diamonds are smashed into a fine polishing dust for natural diamonds, the diamonds are used on construction tools and even found themselves on spacecrafts as windows. Synthetics must be sold as lab creations.
Currently gem-quality-synthetic diamonds have been produced but yet are very rare.
Diamond Simulates:
Diamond simulants are minerals that only resemble diamonds but the physical, chemical and optical properties are different than a diamond. Some of these minerals are natural minerals like; colorless sapphires; quartz and heat-treated colorless zircon. The famous and dethroned diamond simulant is Cubic Zirconia (CZ for short). The CZ was dethroned in the 1990’s when synthetic Moissanite (MOYSS-uh-nite) hit the market. Moissanite is a crystal form of silcon carbide and the natural version is found in meteorites.
Quick Facts on Cubic Zirconia:
Most recognized #1 diamond stimulant
CZ possesses good body color
Slightly more fire than a diamond
Does not hold beauty forever, will turn milky
Usually inclusion free
Sold under names such as: Diamonique, Diamond Z, Curcani, Russian Brilliance
Fun Fact:
FTC Guidelines on Treatment, Synthetics and Simulant Diamonds.
Effective April 10, 2001 Guidelines pertaining to processes mentioned on this page, or processes not mentioned will appear in these FTC sections:
23.13 - Disclosing existence of artificial coloring, infusing, coating...
23.22 - Deceptions or Deceiving as to gemstones.
23.23 - Misuse of natural gemstone names like "Ruby", "Emerald", "gemstone", "birthstone"... 23.24 - Misuse of the words "real," "genuine," "natural," "precious," etc.
23.25 - Misuse of the word "gem."23.26 - Misuse of the words "flawless," "perfect," etc.
http://ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm
While in the 1900’s Moissanite was being used as an abrasive it wasn’t thought as a diamond simulant. It is extremely hard to tell a natural diamond from a Moissanite cut diamond if you are not trained to find the small differences. The differences can be found two ways:
Doubling Effect
Synthetic moissanite is a doubly refractive mineral which means a single ray of light passing through is slowed down, bent and split into two rays as it passes though the medium. This means that the doubling is not apparent when the stone is viewed though the table. Tilt the stone slightly and look at the culet and the other pavilion facets through one of the crown facets and won’t be seen through the table.
Diamond-Moissanite Tester
Since none of the other diamond simulants approach the thermal conductivity of a diamond, traditional diamond testers have measured the loss of heat from a probe to distinguish simulants from diamonds. The most convenient way to test for moissanite is to use a moissanite tester. A moissanite tester puts an electrical current into the gemstone, and then measures how well the stone conducts the electricity as compared to a diamond.
Quick Facts on Synthetic Moissanite:
Henri Moissan discovered
Only minute quantities found in nature
Introduced in 1998
Similar hardness to diamonds
Conducts heat in the same manner as diamond
Need a moissanite tester
Not colorless, I-K range
Look through the crown at an angle to see the doubling
We can not forget about the next contender. While Swarovski Crystals are generally used in rings, you will see them in accessories and wrist watches. Here are some quick facts:
Swarovski Crystal:
Lead-oxide produces brilliant glass
Crystals are vulnerable to scratching
Small stones are most practical
Lead makes it soft
Sells beads and stones around the world
How To Detect Treatment, Synthetic, or Simulated Diamonds:
Synthetic Diamonds often have internal characteristics, color zoning and fluorescence that differ from natural diamonds. Synthetic moissanite, like mentioned above, has a doubling effect.
Fancy colored diamonds can only be positively distinguished from color-treated diamonds in a laboratory of gemologists using their advanced instruments. The only real fancy diamond that will have a hard time being distinguished is the green diamond. The green diamond was, or could have been exposed to heat, pressure and irradiation naturally.