Man-made diamonds. Anyone know?

[lurkingaround]

I would like to replace update my engagement ring. Basically I fancy a bigger and better ring. But these are budget times, and I was wondering why not get a man-made diamond?

Apart from the fact that they are made in a lab, and are vastly cheaper than natural diamonds, is there any downside to getting one? Do they look different IRL?

Hi, I have several manufactured diamonds and they look amazing - can't tell the difference. They are still graded in the same way as natural diamonds, so get the best quality you can.

Sorry not sure but have seen QVC's diamonique range v highly rated on here if that might help?

Personally yes I can tell the difference. Not so much when they are new, it becomes much more obvious once they get a bit older. I worked in a jewellers for a few years so not saying everyone can see the difference, but anyone who knows their diamonds will recognise it for a fake. (bit like, I can't tell a designer handbag from a cheap knock-off but most of the people on S&B thread can!).

Depending on the manufacture, the gold might look a bit brassy IYSWIM.

But you can get zircona jewellery from many places, and if you choose the design carefully, then I think they are indistinguishable for day to day wear (the trick is in going bigger is not to go implausibly big; you want people to think it could be real).

This company has a good range of styles, and the fake stones are AFAIK among the better ones.

Thanks for that website.

RockChick, what happens to manmade diamonds with age? I don't mean fake diamonds or Zircon or diamonique. It's the same chemical as natural diamonds, it's all C4, so how do they age differently?

lurking, I saw a programe on those diamonds the other day - do you know where you can buy them?

I'm very interested in them, I want a copy of my engagment ring I can wear for work and some more pretty rings . My diamond buying days are gone for now.

How do they differ from cubic zirconia rings?

So far I've only come across USA sites. I may need to go to Boston later this year so i'm hoping. Let me have a look and I will link.

I really think like they're a fantastic option. Diamonds, guaranteed no blood, cheaper. Sounds too good to be true??

Here is one.
And here 's another one.

I'm sure there must be UK sellers, I haven't looked much so far [lazybones emoticon], hoping to buy when away, add to the glee of it all.

annie they are exactly the same molecule as real diamonds, carbon 4 (C4), made under lab conditions. So exactly the same structure, with no flaws. So it's a diamond. And if your diamond buying power is diminished don't they sound fab?

Good ole wikipedia

Zircon is an entirely different gem. Not related to diamonds except looks similar.

Hello, I am a jeweller and thought I'd give my tuppence worth.

Cubic zirconia is a very 'glassy' stone. For a diamond replica you are best looking at moissanite.

There is definitely a bigger market for moissanite in the US rather than here.

As with diamonds, the clarity, cut and size of the stone will dictate price but they are decidedly cheaper.

If you google moissanite jewellery or show us the ring you want to replicate I'll see what I can dig up.

Also to answer a question further up the thread.... synthesized diamonds tend to age in a similar way to diamond. If you treat it well it'll look fine if you don't it won't!
As with diamonds, the cut will dictate how it looks later down the line. (IE: Baguette cut needs a lot of cleaning as they collect dirt faster)

Cubic zirconia isn't as hard as diamond or synthesized diamond and sunlight can affect the coloration of the stone. It's also more likely to break/chip.

Oh thank you MrsC!

Would I not be better off with a manmade diamond than moissanite?

And lurking- they actually make synthesized diamonds with flaws (inclusions) to give a more realistic look. (I find this quite amusing for some reason!)

Wellllllll... it's up for much debate at the moment within trade circles.

Moissanite is a stone with it's own properties (but makes a good diaond replacement.) as such, it has a definite resale value etc.

Man made diamonds are relatively new to the market and nobody knows how they will fare later down the line. They can be quite expensive now but there's every chance that the market will become flooded with them and they'll become a lot cheaper.

To put into perspective, cubic zirconia jewellery was, at one point, quite unusual and new to retail eyes and so commanded a decent price. 10 years down the line the market was so saturated with it that you could pick it up for pennies.

I'd be tempted to stick with something that is a 'known entity' with a defined value and not spend a lot of money on something that could potentially be an absolute rip off.

But of course- that's just my opinion!! if you find something you like, it's worth bearing in mind but if you like a ring then you like a ring!!

Is there any cautions I should have if I go for moissanite? Like should I go for a particular cut, or size?

Or more to the point, should I avoid certain cuts or sizes of Moissanite?

The more I read the more daft I feel for buying natural diamonds.

I got a cubic zirconia ring years ago. It looked quite sparkly when it was new. But after a year or so it got quite dull. I've still got it somewhere but it looks like a piece chipped off a milk bottle now!!

No cautions as such, just go for preference and as with any other ring make sure it'll suit how you wear it. (Ie: for people who do a lot of housework or cleaners etc it would be silly to get something with high shoulders if you intend to wear it every day as it's a sure fire way of losing stones quickly!)

There's a certain je ne sais quoi about natural diamonds. It's lovely to have something that you know is a bit of a rarity etc but diamonds marketing (de beers) has been ridiculously successful. They advertised that 'Diamonds Are Forever' and the general public listened.
They also advised that people with heirloom diamond jewellery should hold onto it as it would increase in value and because there was less second hand diamonds being sold as a result it did drive up the price! Fulfilling their own prophecy.

In a way, the whole 'must have' diamonds thing is an entire con and we've all fallen for it. But it's so engrained in public consciousness that diamonds=wealth. prosperity etc that it's unlikely to change in the next few lifetimes.

I have a 1c Moissanite solitaire. It is beautiful and nobody has ever realised it's not a real diamond.

I totally agree mrsc, I'm one of those who find the fashion hard to resist, despite knowing the nonsense of it all. Advertising works!

How frustrating!!! I always value myself as an independent thinker but I'm a sucker for some good advertising lol!

Do most jewellers stock moissanite jewellery?

Epically brilliant thread :o I LOVE diamonds. Sadly money talks and mine says little nowadays.

I've had a diamonique ring and it was icky. Sent it back straight away - it was sooooo not like a real diamond. It didn't have the depth for a start.

Not in this country lurking. It seems to be more of an american phenomenon although most independent jewellers will be able to source it for you (as they deal directly with gem dealers whereas chains only hold what they have in stock.).

There does seem to be a fair few UK based websites and also amazon uk have some in stock. Not the ideal way to shop but if it's through amazon or similar at least you know the returns policy and trust the company etc

mrsc is moissanite created or natural? I see Charles and Conrald (?) on ebay selling created ones?