Jewelry Education

Synthetics and Simulants

This is an area where there seems to be considerable confusion. A synthetic gem, by definition, has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and the same physical & optical properties, as the natural gem it represents.

Most of us recall the vision of Superman taking a piece of coal and squeezing it so hard until it turned into a diamond. If only it were so simple! Diamonds are born 75 to 125 miles under the earth's surface in conditions of extreme temperatures and pressure. It must be Man's preoccupation with becoming rich, by recreating what Nature made at a fraction of its value, that conjures these fantasies.

Still today we hear various stories about man-made diamonds, as if a new discovery will cause a worldwide crash of the diamond market! The simple truth is that diamonds were first synthesized a long time ago by General Electric in 1955, who still produce diamond grit that is used today in industrial (mostly drilling) applications. The process has been reproduced in many laboratories around the world, including those in what used to be the Soviet Union, but the production costs exceed the price of comparable natural diamonds. The sizes they are able to reproduce in the rough (uncut material) is relatively small.

A simulant, is a wholly different material, that does not have the same make-up, structure, or properties, as its natural counterpart, and only imitates the natural gem. Synthetic cubic zirconia (CZ), rock crystal quartz, glass foilbacks, and recently, Moissanite, are a few that come to mind. Each one may look somewhat similar, but it will never rival diamond for its hardness, durability, toughness, beauty, brilliance, or monetary value; it is only an imposter!