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Learning Center  The Diamond Community The Argument of Cultured Diamonds
Cultured Diamonds | The Argument of Cultured Diamonds | Cultured diamonds or synthetic diamonds are making big waves in the diamond industry. De Beers, the world's largest diamond suppliers, echoed the sentiments of many among dealing with the diamond industry when they criticized the use of the term 'cultured'' for synthetic diamonds. According to De Beers the term 'cultured'' is misleading. Their reaction is not surprising, not because of the validity of the statement, but because of the 'threat'' that cultured diamonds pose against the industry that profits largely due to the exclusivity and high value of mined diamonds.
The sentiment against cultured diamonds became even more apparent when the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP) refused Gemesis application for membership. Gemesis is the first and largest synthetic diamond manufacturer there is. According to Chaim Even-Zohar who wrote a paper on Cultured Diamonds and the Industry's Combat Against Synthetic Gems, this was a wrong move on the part of CRJP since Gemesis has shown with its policies that it is not out to deceive people regarding the nature of the cultured and gems and has even taken measures, which aid in identifying synthetic diamonds. Gemesis has shown that it really is a company that wants be responsible. Even- Zohar believes that by rejecting Gemesis'' membership CRJP has increased the chance that there might be a commercial war between synthetic producers and miners in the future.
However, even with the negative reception of the major players in the diamond industry, cultured diamonds are still gaining popularity due to some very important advantages they bring. First advantage is of course the cost. Cultured diamonds are way less expensive than mined diamonds with cultured diamond prices ranging from 7% to 25% of their natural counterparts. The second advantage is the availability of colored synthetic diamonds. Naturally occurring diamonds with colors like intense yellow, orange, pink, blue and green are quite rare. People who are therefore looking for colored diamonds to adorn their jewelry will find that it is easier to find colored synthetic diamonds of good quality and value than it is to find a natural one. And the third advantage is that diamond buyers need not worry about the ethical issues regarding conflict or blood diamonds when they opt for cultured diamonds. It is well known that many diamonds in circulation might actually be conflict diamonds. Concerned buyers who want to help stop the conflict diamond trade usually do this by asking for certificates proving that a diamond is 'clean'. The method is not fool proof, however, and conflict diamonds are still in circulation and can be bought by unwary buyers. With synthetic diamonds buyers can be sure that their conscience is clean.
So for those who are planning on buying diamond jewelry in the near future, cultured diamonds should be included among your options unless the person you are giving it to has a clear preference for mined diamonds. After all, cultured diamonds are not only advantageous in many ways, but despite having to always be labeled as 'synthetic'' or ''artificial', is actually of the same chemical, physical, and structural properties as natural diamonds. Their only difference is that cultured diamonds are made in laboratories while natural diamonds are formed under the earth.
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