No. Man-made or laboratory-grown diamonds are diamonds with essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds. Cubic zirconia (CZ), on the other hand, is a diamond simulant: it resembles a diamond but is a different material. Other diamond simulants include moissanite, YAG and gemstones such as clear quartz, white sapphire and zircon.
What is the difference between simulated and synthetic diamonds?
Simulated and synthetic diamonds are not the same. A synthetic diamond is a diamond grown in a laboratory. A simulant is another material used for its diamond-like appearance.
People sometimes understand the word “synthetic” to mean something that is not genuine. In the case of a synthetic diamond, it means the diamond was created in a laboratory rather than by natural processes within the Earth. The terms “synthetic” and “simulated” should not be used interchangeably.
Why the terminology matters when shopping
Because the words sound similar, it is easy to misunderstand a description. Look for a clear statement of what the stone is: a mined diamond, a laboratory-grown diamond or a named simulant such as cubic zirconia. If a listing is unclear, ask the seller before you buy.
Simulated and synthetic diamonds at a glance
- Diamond simulants: materials that resemble a diamond, including cubic zirconia, moissanite and YAG. Natural gemstones such as white zircon, white sapphire and clear quartz can also be used as substitutes. Think of “simulated” as “similar in appearance.”
- Synthetic diamonds: also called laboratory-grown or laboratory-created diamonds. They are diamonds, but they were not formed by natural processes within the Earth. The growing conditions can leave features that a gemological laboratory uses to identify their origin.
Why are they called simulated diamonds if they are not diamonds?
The term describes the resemblance, not the material. Cubic zirconia is zirconium oxide, whereas diamond is crystalline carbon. Being made in a laboratory does not make the two the same gemstone. GIA explains the difference between simulants and laboratory-grown diamonds.
The FTC’s jewelry advertising guidance calls for clear descriptions that distinguish imitation diamonds from mined and laboratory-grown diamonds. Check the description beside the particular stone you are considering, not just a general statement elsewhere on the website.
How can you tell the difference?
Diamond simulants can be beautiful, but they do not have the same chemical and physical properties as diamonds. Appearance or price alone will not reliably identify a stone, especially when shopping online. Ask for its material to be stated in writing and check any accompanying gemological report.
An independent gemological laboratory can identify the material and, where applicable, report on a diamond’s characteristics and laboratory-grown origin. An insurance valuation is a separate document; ask your insurer what it requires if you plan to insure the finished piece.
Heart In Diamond memorial diamonds are laboratory-grown diamonds made using carbon extracted from ashes or hair. Read about our creation process, or ask our team about optional independent gem certification.