What is synthetic diamond?

To begin with, it's important to emphasize thata "synthetic" diamond is a real diamond. The word "synthetic" can indeed be misleading, giving the illusion that diamonds are synthetically manufactured. But this is not the case! 

So why are they called synthetic diamonds? Or cultured diamonds? Simply because they are manufactured in laboratories. Composed entirely of carbon, science is now capable of reproducing a diamond in the same proportions. In the end, whatever you call it, whether synthetic or natural, it's still a real diamond.

1. How is a synthetic diamond made?

Synthetic diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds. natural diamondextracted from mines. The only difference is that it has been created by human hands, in specialized laboratories. 

There are several methods for making synthetic diamond: 

- The first is the HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) method. This method is used to reproduce as closely as possible the conditions in which diamonds come to life in the earth. A diamond fragment is inserted into a press, which gradually grows thanks to the heat and pressure generated. 

- The second method is CVD (chemical vapor deposition). Here, a diamond is grown on a plate in successive layers using a carbonaceous gas. This process can take several weeks, but generally gives a more accomplished result in terms of hardness and brilliance than the HPHT method. 

It should be noted that in France, the term "diamant de synthèse" (synthetic diamond) is compulsory for lab-grown diamonds.

Why use a synthetic diamond instead of a natural diamond?

You don't know what stone to choose for an engagement ringYou don't know which stone to choose for an engagement ring, but you think a diamond would please your loved one. Then comes the ultimate question: should I choose a synthetic diamond or a natural diamond to adorn my jewel or my engagement ring ?

At Paulette, we only use synthetic, laboratory-grown diamonds. This choice is purely ethical, since the extraction of natural diamonds worldwide is an ecological and human disaster. It takes no less than 1,000 tonnes of rock to extract 1 gram of diamond. That's why we've turned to the inevitable synthetic diamond, which is certainly energy-intensive to manufacture, but far less so than mining. 

The major advantages of synthetic diamond :

- Traceability: synthetic diamonds are produced in laboratories in France, Europe or Asia (depending on stone size and weight).

- Its beauty: as brilliant and sparkling as a natural diamond.

- Affordability: affordable compared to natural diamonds. 

The special features of synthetic diamonds will no longer hold any secrets for you! And if you're still hesitating about a colored stone such as garnetgarnet sapphire or even tourmalineOur sales consultants will be delighted to discuss them with you in our Lyon and Paris boutiques. We look forward to hearing from you!

Other articles you may be interested in:

Stone symbolismThe different shapes of stonesGemology glossaryThe engagement ringThe solitaire ringOther types of engagement ringsThe different settingsOur stones