Diamonds are one of the most precious and beautiful stones in the world of jewellery. They have been used to create jewellery since ancient times and remain popular today. But when buying diamonds, you need to be careful, as fakes are on the market. In this article, we will look at distinguishing natural from synthetic diamonds and choosing the right style and direction for using diamonds in jewellery.
Why is it important to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic ones?
Diamonds are stones that are mined from the depths of the Earth. They have unique physical and optical properties that attract the attention of jewellers and buyers worldwide. Synthetic diamonds are stones that are created in a laboratory. They have the same physical and optical properties as natural diamonds but are cheaper. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic ones to buy them at the right price and avoid buying fakes.
What are the main differences between them?
The main difference between natural and synthetic diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds are formed in the depths of the Earth under high pressure and temperature, while synthetic diamonds are created in the laboratory. Natural diamonds can also have natural inclusions that are not present in synthetic diamonds. In addition, natural diamonds can come in various shapes and sizes, while synthetic diamonds are created with specific parameters to closely resemble natural diamonds.
Physical characteristics of diamonds
Diamonds' three main physical characteristics are hardness, thermal conductivity, and refraction.
Rigidity is the ability of a material to resist scratches and abrasion. Diamonds are the hardest of all known materials. This means that they are very durable and not subject to abrasion.
Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to transfer heat. Diamonds are the best heat conductors of all materials. They can spread heat quickly and evenly, making them helpful in building high-tech appliances.
Refraction is the ability of a material to change the direction of light passing through it. Diamonds have very high refraction, which makes them very shiny and bright.
Methods for Determining a natural diamond
There are several methods for determining natural diamonds.
A magnifying glass is a special one that allows you to magnify the image of a diamond. This allows you to see its inclusions and other features that may indicate its origin.
A UV lamp is a unique lamp that emits ultraviolet light. This allows you to see the fluorescence of the diamond, which can also indicate its origin.
Spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the spectrum of light reflected from a diamond. This can help determine its origin and other characteristics.
Features of synthetic diamonds
Regarding diamond jewellery, it is essential to remember that not all diamonds on the market are natural. Some synthetic diamonds are created in the laboratory and have their characteristics.
How synthetic diamonds are created
Synthetic diamonds are created by mimicking the same natural processes that lead to the formation of diamonds in terrestrial conditions. They are produced in special laboratories where, under high pressure and high temperature, the carbon contained in graphite turns into a diamond.
What are the types of synthetic diamonds?
Several types of synthetic diamonds can differ in their characteristics and quality:
HPHT diamonds (High Pressure, High Temperature) are created at high pressure and temperature. They may look like natural diamonds but often have less clarity and color.
CVD diamonds (Chemical Vapor Deposition) are created using chemical deposition. They are of high clarity and are more affordable, but have less hardness than natural diamonds.
How to distinguish a natural diamond from a synthetic one
When choosing jewellery with diamonds, it is essential to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic ones to avoid falling for scammers. Several signs can help with this:
Inclusions: Natural diamonds contain natural inclusions, which may appear as small black dots, gas bubbles, or other imperfections. Synthetic diamonds, on the other hand, can be evident and free from such inclusions.
Colour: Natural diamonds can vary from colourless to yellow, brown, or grey. Synthetic diamonds generally do not have this variety of colours and may be more uniform.
Size: Synthetic diamonds can be larger than natural diamonds because
of how they are created under controlled conditions and may not face size limitations associated with natural formation.
Conclusion
Diamonds are a beautiful, precious stone symbol of love, fidelity, and eternity. They attract attention with their brilliance and beauty, and therefore it is not surprising that they have become a popular decoration.
However, when buying diamonds, it is essential to know how to distinguish a natural stone from a synthetic one to not become a victim of scammers. Many manufacturers of synthetic diamonds create stones that are almost indistinguishable from natural diamonds but at a much lower cost.
To avoid fakes, it is essential to buy diamonds only from reliable sellers who provide detailed information about the stone, its origin, certificates, etc. In addition, you can contact professional jewellery appraisers who can carry out the necessary tests and provide purchase recommendations.
Finally, knowing how to properly care for diamonds to maintain their beauty and brilliance for years to come is essential. It is recommended to clean them from dirt and traces of cosmetics, store them in special packages, and not wear them during heavy work.
Diamonds are not only jewellery but also a symbol of eternity and beauty. Learning about the characteristics of diamonds and how to determine their authenticity will help you make the right choice when buying, and proper care of them will help maintain their beauty for many years.
