WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NATURAL AND A SYNTHETIC DIAMOND?

A natural diamond forms through a geological process deep within the Earth, where high pressure and high temperature combine to bond carbon atoms into the unique diamond structure.                                       
The natural diamonds we find today formed up to 3 billion years ago, unlike synthetic diamonds, which are manufactured in factories, mainly in China and India, over a few days or weeks depending on size.

Although they have the same chemical properties, a synthetic diamond cannot be called a gemstone.

HOW ARE SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS MADE? 

As early as the 1950s, synthetic diamonds were successfully produced; among others, the Swedish company ASEA was first but failed to apply for patent protection, and General Electric took the idea. 

There are two different manufacturing methods.

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature), which mimics the natural process but starts with a synthetic diamond crystal. 

CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition), where a synthetic diamond grows through a methane gas reaction. 

Synthetic diamonds were initially used by industry; it is only in recent years that they have been used in jewelry.  

The largest manufacturers today are China and India.

IS A SYNTHETIC DIAMOND A GEMSTONE? 
A synthetic diamond is not a gemstone. To be called a gemstone, it must have been formed by nature.

WHY IS IT CALLED A SYNTHETIC DIAMOND? 

The Swedish Gemmological Association (SGRF), the Jewelry and Watch Industry Organization (S&K), and the Swedish Goldsmith Masters Association (GR) recommend that the word synthetic always be used as a prefix when referring to synthetic diamonds.

These guidelines follow the Swedish Standard SS-EN ISO 18323:2015, as well as CIBJO’s international guidelines. The Swedish Standard also permits the use of the term laboratory-grown diamond. 

WHAT IS A SO-CALLED ‘LAB-GROWN’ DIAMOND?  

It is an incorrect term for a SYNTHETIC DIAMOND.

Lab diamond and Man-made are examples of other unauthorized trade names.

This is false advertising and misleading to consumers; using unauthorized trade names can be punishable by law.

The correct term is SYNTHETIC DIAMOND or laboratory-grown diamond. 

CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SYNTHETIC AND A NATURAL DIAMOND?

Today, it is usually impossible to tell with the naked eye whether the diamond in front of us is natural or synthetic. However, there are many instruments at various price points that can distinguish between them.

WHICH IS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY – NATURAL DIAMONDS OR SYNTHETIC ONES? 

Producers of synthetic diamonds argue that they are more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds during the manufacturing process—is that true? 

NO, not necessarily:

Manufacturing synthetic diamonds requires large amounts of electricity over several weeks to maintain temperatures around 1,500 degrees Celsius. 

72% of synthetic diamond production takes place in China and India, countries where 62% and 74% respectively of the electricity grid’s power comes from coal combustion.

The amount of carbon dioxide emissions varies depending on the production method (CVD and HPHT) and energy source. 

Transparency is an issue regarding synthetic diamond manufacturing. There is no regulated oversight, and insight into the companies/factories is limited. 

Figures from the diamond mining industry are regulated, and they often hire third parties to monitor environmental impact and social effects.  

The social effects of the diamond mining industry are extensive. There is consensus that mining contributes significantly to economic growth, whereas synthetic diamond manufacturers do not contribute to the economy on the same scale.

IS THERE ANY CERTIFICATION FOR SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS? 

Both GIA, IGI, and HRD issue certificates for synthetic diamonds. 

HOW MUCH DOES A SYNTHETIC DIAMOND COST?

Information about pricing varies depending on different factors and players, BUT PRICES tend to be about 70-90% of a natural diamond’s value!

Currently, the value also appears to continue declining as new producers keep emerging. 

WHY ARE NATURAL DIAMONDS MORE VALUABLE THAN SYNTHETIC ONES? 

Natural diamonds are precious because they are gemstones with unique properties combined with their relative rarity. 

Since it is basically possible to produce unlimited synthetic diamonds, their pricing is entirely different. 

DO SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS HAVE ANY RESALE VALUE? 

Today, the secondary market for synthetic diamonds is very limited. Neither pawnshops, auction houses, nor secondhand sellers trade synthetic diamonds. 

Factories and industry continue to have use for synthetic diamonds.

In the long term, synthetic diamonds risk completely losing their value in the jewelry industry, just as synthetic rubies and sapphires have over the past century.

Text from the Goldsmiths' Industry Association Jewelry & Watches, 2025

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