What are synthetic diamonds really? Why has this massive campaign in favor of synthetic diamonds originated?

To begin with, at Manuel Spinosa Jewellery we make our position clear in favor of natural diamonds: the only ones we offer to our customers and professionals. In our Jewelry and Boutique workshop, you will never find a diamond that is not formed by nature, which are checked by the high technology we use, and if applicable, certified by accredited laboratories; that being said, let's see how they are formed:

*Natural Diamond: A natural diamond is a precious stone composed of crystallized carbon. The formation of natural diamonds is a complex process that occurs on Earth at depths of over 150 kilometers under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. During this process, carbon slowly crystallizes into diamond. Natural diamonds are found in mines around the world and are classified based on their size, shape, color, and clarity. The rarity and quality of natural diamonds make them highly valued and desired.

Synthetic Diamond: Synthetic diamonds are those that are created through technology and are grown in a laboratory. Synthetic diamonds are achieved through high pressures and temperatures, imitating the geological process of natural diamonds, and are known as HPHT diamonds - High Pressure ~ High Temperature. There is another type of synthetic diamond in which the CVD - Chemical Vapor Deposition process does not require high temperatures or pressures and consists of obtaining diamonds from a mixture of hydrocarbon gases.

Similitudes:

Both are rocks composed of carbon, which means that they have similar properties in terms of hardness and durability. Natural and synthetic diamonds can also be cut and polished to improve their brightness and appearance. Additionally, both types of diamonds can be used in industry, including in cutting and polishing tools due to their high resistance to abrasion.

Differences:

The main difference between a natural diamond and a synthetic diamond is their origin. A natural diamond is formed naturally in the Earth at extreme depths, while a synthetic diamond is created in a laboratory by simulating high pressure and temperature conditions.

Another important difference is their value. Natural diamonds are rare and have a high value due to their beauty and scarcity, while synthetic diamonds can be mass produced and are not as valuable as natural diamonds.

Natural Diamond vs Synthetic Diamond:

Natural: There is controversy surrounding natural diamonds due to conflicts related to their extraction, especially in African countries. The diamond industry has taken steps to address these issues, such as implementing the Kimberley Process, which prohibits the export of this gem in conflict countries. There are now accredited laboratories where they allow us  to enquiry for the country origin of a  specific diamond.

Synthetic: Why do many companies selling synthetic diamonds market them as "ethical"? It seems to be more of a marketing issue to influence consumers to make them more commercially appealing and affordable to a larger number of potential consumers. Additionally, the entry of synthetic diamonds into the market has led to significant scams attempting to pass off synthetic diamonds as natural diamonds, contradicting the "ethical" label.

Natural: Countries like Canada, Russia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and many others are some of the main diamond producing countries and have never used them to subsidize any wars. Ethics are inherent to natural diamonds today, as they are only traded under rigorous measures and controls of origin and certification.

Synthetic: Mass marketing wants to introduce synthetic diamonds as "ecological". The creation of lab-grown diamonds requires a significant amount of energy and non-recycled materials. In general, it is estimated that the production of a one-carat synthetic diamond requires around 250 kilowatt-hours of energy, which is equivalent to about 20 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, the production of synthetic diamonds requires the use of a large amount of non-renewable materials, such as gases and metals, which are consumed in the creation process. These materials are generally extracted and produced through processes that can have a negative impact on the environment.

Natural Diamonds

Synthetic Diamonds
Investment       Solid investment guaranteed in the medium and long term. They maintain and may exceed their value and appreciation over time. They are always accepted at auction houses and second-hand jewelry stores.                      Not a secure investment. Mass production can lower their value. They are not accepted as collateral or value at auction houses or second-hand jewelry stores.
Ethics

They follow rigorous origin and certification controls. One can be sure of their origin.

They lead to the use of deception and sometimes fraudulent sales when attempting to pass laboratory diamonds as natural diamonds. They are unethically mixed with natural diamonds on the market. A certificate confirming their origin must be obtained, and a professional jeweler should be consulted.

Ecology

Natural geological process.Requires a large amount of non-renewable materials. Polluting CO2 emissions.

Future of Synthetic Diamonds: At Manuel Spinosa Jewellery, we believe that laboratory-grown diamonds will occupy a place in the jewelry market but will never replace natural diamonds, and will be marketed as an alternative product in terms of price, similar to synthetic sapphires and rubies. Although we do not sell any type of synthetic diamond at Manuel Spinosa Jewellery, we are always willing to advise our clients and are equipped with the most advanced technologies to distinguish between a natural diamond and a laboratory-grown diamond.