If you’re in the market for a real lab-grown diamond, beware of tricky wording leading you to believe some diamond simulants are actually real lab-grown diamonds.
The confusion lies in the terminology. Synthetic diamonds are REAL diamonds grown in a lab. Diamond simulants, or simulated diamonds, are diamond imitators. They are not real diamonds but rather something that is used as a diamond substitute, such as CZ or cut glass.
There are lots of diamond simulant companies out there who write crafty wording to trick you into thinking they are selling real “man-made” diamonds for $200 per carat, when they are really inexpensive diamond simulants…in most cases, coated cubic zirconia.
Don’t get me wrong, many of these coated cubic zirconias, such as Diamalite Diamond Simulants, are excellent diamond substitutes. But the website wording should be clear and truthful rather than confusing. A reputable diamond simulant company is honest and upfront about what a product is so you can make a well-informed buying decision.
I once called a company to ask what exactly it was they were selling. I was told it was a “man-made diamond grown in a lab.” When I asked if it was a real synthetic diamond, he danced around his wording a bit, admitted there were some differences, but didn’t specify what they were. I could feel my blood beginning to boil as I heard this man deliberately trying to deceive me. This company continues to be one of the biggest offenders I’ve seen on the web. I feel sorry for the people who have fallen for this scheme.
So how can you avoid falling victim to these tricksters? Read carefully between the lines of crafty advertising copy. Watch out for bold phrases such as ”hybrid diamond,” “lab diamond” “created diamond” and “man-made diamond.” Look for the word “simulant” or “simulated” scarcely mentioned throughout the page, but not obvious. If you’re confused, call the company directly and ask for a straightforward answer of what exactly it is they are selling. What is it made of? etc. If you’re still confused or don’t feel comfortable with the answers you’re getting, hang up and move on.
If you want a genuine real diamond grown in a lab, look for common brand names such as Chatham and Gemesis. Call those companies directly for a list of reputable online retailers. And realize, a true synthetic diamond will cost thousands per carat. So if you’re buying what you think is a REAL lab-grown diamond and it’s $200 per carat, or $400 per carat…think again! If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
Author: Michelle M. Rahm is a GIA-trained Graduate Gemologist. She has been selling gemstones and jewelry online since 1997. Visit her websites JewelryImpressions.com and OurCustomWeddingRings.com
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