Synthetic and simulant are 2 different things. Synthetic is a very loose term.
Lab grown Diamonds - Thoughts?
- Thread starter Minimalist_Chic
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This is going very off-topic. I think you should have just owned up to the fact that you yourself were the one who confused “simulant” with “synthetic.” This was made clear when you described synthetic diamonds as “man-made but [of] a different material.”
It’s frustrating that you’re trying to correct me on this topic, when I’m not in the wrong. Unless you can tell me how the definitions differ between a synthetic diamond versus a laboratory-grown diamond, I would say that you’re arguing with the fallacy of distinction without a difference.
Also, if you want to get defensive and debate with me, then I want you to know that, from a logical standpoint, your premise doesn’t support your conclusion.
I haven’t read anywhere that “synthetic” is a misleading term — especially from the customer perspective. The FTC simply regulates that sellers of man-made diamonds “must make it clear that the product is man-made by using ‘clear and conspicuous’ disclosure with the word diamond.”
As you said, the FTC is meant to protect consumers. Using your own assertions — if calling something a “synthetic diamond” is a more obvious signal to costumers that a diamond’s natural provenance is suspect, then that would actually be a better term than saying “laboratory-grown.”
On the flip side, if marketing a diamond as “laboratory-grown” makes the product seem more authentic or real, then your rationale for avoiding the term “synthetic” would actually be more beneficial to retailers than it would be to consumers. That would then run directly antithetical to the FTC’s mission.
Regardless, I as a customer am not confused at all about the difference between simulated and synthesized diamonds.
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I'm on the fence. However, I am not a fan at all of color lab grown diamonds, specifically in yellow, pink, and blue. The colors are too vibrant. To me, part of what makes earth mind diamonds so interesting on the fancy color spectrum is the variance and depth of the tone in the stone. For those, theyre one note and don't "blend" like white toned stones would.
This thread inspired me to purchase lab diamond studs. I just ordered them through James Allen & I feel really good about my decision. Obviously, I’ve saved at least half of what I would have paid had I chose natural diamonds but, above all, I feel that it was the right, ethical decision at this time.
I've purchased two items from them, the larger purchase was a 3.09 round I/VS2 stone for a pendant.
Very great experience and awesome customer service. Their prices posted are "wholesale" prices, just as they advertise, they don't mark up. I went to a local jeweler that deals with lab grown and he quoted higher for the same specs (from the same source - diamond foundry).
lab diamonds are beautiful and an incredible innovation. I do think the markup is high, it costs labs $300-$500 per carat. The technology has come a long way though since 2008! They were first produced at $4,000 per carat in 
source from last year: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-the-sparkling-rise-of-the-lab-grown-diamond
source from last year: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-the-sparkling-rise-of-the-lab-grown-diamond
Here you go, @PauseBreak ! Received today, one week earlier than anticipated. They are bright, white, and I love them
.92 &. 93 respectively, G VS2
.92 &. 93 respectively, G VS2
They look great! Very good stats esp. for earrings... Just wondering, is there a rating on the cut?
Thank you!
yes, here are the specs:
.93 ct & .92ct
Round Brilliant
Hearts & Arrows
F
VS2
Cut Grade: Ideal
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Table: 58.5%
Depth: 60.4%
Bf was on the checkout page for natural mined, but I stopped him and made him get lab grown instead. Personally, I have no attachment to the idea of something being billions of years old. On the contrary, I think lab grown symbolizes human brilliance, perseverance and awesome pursuit of science and technology. I may be biased as I work in a lab myself, and therefore have no negative connotations towards lab work. Price, of course, was a bonus.
I’d also note that the band and setting were done by a local jeweler, NOT Clean Origin from whom we purchased a loose stone. Once received, I noticed the right side prongs weren’t straight, but that has nothing to do with whether it’s lab or natural.
Anyway, here’s a few photos with different lighting. It’s GIA G and VS1 for reference.
Here is an article on natural vs. lab grown diamonds. It is not so much if it's "real" or not. It's that these lab grown diamonds are not rare, they can be created anytime (e.g. endless supply) and they will not retain their value. When China and India start producing them in their factories, the price will crash even further.
Consumers View Natural, Lab-Grown Diamonds Differently, Says De Beers – JCK (jckonline.com)
Consumers View Natural, Lab-Grown Diamonds Differently, Says De Beers – JCK (jckonline.com)
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