Not all diamonds are formed naturally. Laboratory grown diamonds or LGDs, sometimes also referred to as artificial diamonds or synthetic diamonds, are made of a man-made material that possesses the same chemical composition and the same basic crystal structure as a natural diamond. There are two...
Here, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber, and carbon atoms from a carbon-rich gas, typically methane, are ionized and deposited onto it. As these carbon atoms accumulate, they crystallize, forming diamond layer by layer. This method allows for meticulous control over the diamond's ...
In this article, we will track a diamond from the time it is formed to when it reaches the Earth's surface. We will also examine the artificial rarity created by the diamond cartel, De Beers, and briefly discuss the properties of these gems. First, we'll discuss carbon, the element beh...
If that sounds complex, it very much is. Finding the difference between a natural and a synthetic diamond is an in-depth process whereby gemologists using specialized equipment rely on subtle nuances to differentiate the two. For example, natural diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen, while ...
Additionally, real diamonds may have inclusions—tiny internal imperfections formed during the diamond’s creation. Imitation stones tend to be flawless. What Is a Fake Diamond? A fake diamond, also known as adiamond simulant, is a stone that mimics the appearance of a real diamond but does no...
Finding the difference between a natural and a synthetic diamond is an in-depth process whereby gemologists using specialized equipment rely on subtle nuances to differentiate the two. For example, natural diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen, while lab-grown alternatives do not. There's also...
In cutting, a minuscule groove is incised into the surface of the diamond, and a cleaving iron is inserted into the groove. With a quick, forceful blow, the diamond should split perfectly along its naturally occurring planes. The lapidary determines further cuts by marking them off on the ...
While glass is naturally scratch resistant, most plastics are not. To compensate, manufacturers have developed a variety of ways to apply optically clear hard films to the lens. Films are made of materials such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) and polycrystalline diamond. Through a process of ioniza...
The altered identity of these stones is considered to be "natural."Waxed river stones: These stones were rounded and smoothed naturally by river water. People in China collected these stones and treated their surface with wax to make them look smooth and shiny. They were then marketed as "...
Clarity is key when it comes to showcasing a gemstone’s sparkle and color. The clarity that is deemed acceptable varies for colored gemstones. Aquamarine, blue topaz and citrine naturally have fewer inclusions, while other gemstones, like emeralds and rubies, tend to have a higher rate of ac...