Man-made Diamonds vs. Real Diamonds

The saying goes that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Technology has reached the point where high quality diamonds can be created in laboratories. Girls can now have a diverse group of sparkling friends.

Identification

Man-made diamonds are also called cultured diamonds. Man-made diamonds are not cubic zirconia.

Types

As in nature, laboratory diamonds can be made in different colors such as yellow, pink and blue.

TIme Frame

Man-made diamonds are produced in labs around the world in a matter of days. Natural diamonds take millions of years to form. South Africa produces 40 percent of the world's gem-quality diamonds.

Properties

Man-made diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds, according to the Gemological Institute of America. Laboratory diamonds and mined diamonds have identical properties.

Cost

Cultured diamonds are significantly cheaper than mined diamonds. According to Science Daily, a one-carat yellow diamond from nature would cost approximately $20,000, while a comparable man-made diamond would cost about $6,000.

References

• Gemesis.com
• MSN Money
• Science Daily