Have you ever walked into a jewelry store and wondered, Is this diamond real? If so, it’s not your fault! With all the news about synthetic diamonds in the news these days, it’s no wonder consumers are confused about what exactly makes a diamond real or fake. This blog post will clear up some of those questions by answering two important questions: Is a CVD diamond real? And if so, how does it compare to other types of diamonds?
Diamond Myths
A diamond is forever. Diamonds sparkle. A bigger diamond is better. All diamonds are equal. All of these statements have one thing in common—they’re myths. But are there any truths about diamonds? Yes, and here’s what you need to know about them all. For example, a diamond isn’t just a piece of carbon with four perfectly-formed sides that happen to be attached at 90 degree angles. It’s much more than that. The reason why CVD diamond are considered real gems is because they meet certain standards when it comes to clarity, cut and color grades; which means that every stone on your ring looks exactly like it should look for its size (e.g., colorless). To top it off, CVD diamonds are created by growing each gem atom by atom instead of slicing up rough stones into smaller pieces—allowing you to get a larger diamond for less money!
Cut (Shapes)
When you’re buying a diamond, cut is always going to be one of your top considerations. But what exactly does that mean? Well, when we say cut, what we’re talking about is symmetry. A good cut diamond will be symmetrical on all sides—and more important than just being symmetrical, it will also exhibit an optical phenomenon known as brilliance.
A stone that exhibits brilliance will shine light in a way that makes it seem as if it reflects off each facet with its own inner fire; brilliant stones appear far more lustrous and sparkly because they do precisely that! So, how can you tell if a diamond has been well-cut? The easiest way is to look at how well-defined its facets are. The better defined they are, the better quality your stone will be (and vice versa). If your gem looks like it was smashed into shape by something heavy rather than shaped by a skilled cutter, then chances are it was poorly cut.
Carat Weight
The carat weight of a diamond refers to its overall size and is determined by dividing a diamond’s mass by 100. It is sometimes referred to as simply karat, and should not be confused with karat gold, which refers to gold that has been alloyed with other metals. For example, 10K gold means that 10 parts of 24-karat gold are alloyed with 16 parts of another metal (usually copper).
CVD diamonds weigh significantly less than mined diamonds. Because they’re grown in a lab, they have very little in common with natural gems. Because there is no standard for grading them, it can be difficult to compare them accurately against mined diamonds. To make matters worse, some sellers use terms like double extra light or ultra light to describe their products. These terms aren’t standardized either and can mean different things depending on who you ask. If you’re shopping for cvd diamond, don’t let words like these confuse you—instead focus on things like color grade and clarity grade instead of carat weight alone.
Conflict Free
Diamonds have historically been associated with conflict, so much so that some countries ban their import. With that in mind, do you really want a conflict diamond? Consider Canadian diamonds for their ethical and eco-friendly reputation. Many people associate Canadian diamonds with De Beers but, in fact, Canada is home to two of its own diamond producers — BHP Billiton and Dominion Diamond Corporation. CVD (Canadian produced and processed) diamonds provide an alternative option for consumers who are looking for diamonds that are both ethical and beautiful.
Because they’re lab-created rather than mined from a mine or cut from a mine’s production waste, there’s no chance of any violent history attached to them as compared to traditional mined diamonds. And unlike most mined diamonds, which come from Africa, CVD diamond are made right here in North America. So if you’re looking for a conflict-free diamond without sacrificing quality or beauty, look into Canadian diamonds. They’re not only ethically sourced; they’re also environmentally friendly!
Cost per carat
To ensure you’re getting a quality stone, you’ll want to find a reliable retailer or wholesaler that can guarantee you won’t have a fake on your hands. Ask for certifications, like those offered by AGS Laboratories and International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certification services test for diamond authenticity and will be able to give you peace of mind about your purchase. In general, expect to pay more for certified stones. Which run from $3 per carat up into hundreds per carat depending on certification than you would for uncertified ones.
If you’re looking at loose stones, then expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per carat. As with all things related to luxury goods, however, these prices are negotiable based on size and other factors. For example, if you’re buying larger rough CVD gems. Expect to pay significantly less than what you would for smaller pieces. The average price per carat will also vary depending on where you live; generally speaking, North American buyers should expect to pay higher premiums than their European counterparts. This makes sense given how much labor goes into cutting rough CVD gems versus working with pre-cut synthetic diamonds. Be sure to do your research before purchasing!
