GIA: Library: FAQ Detail Page

Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory, and have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Their physical and optical properties are virtually the same as natural diamonds. The majority of synthetic diamonds are made for industrial purposes. In the last thirty years, gem quality synthetic diamonds have been grown in Japan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and the United States in small quantities. Synthetic diamonds are generally produced using one of two methods. One method uses high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) and the other method uses chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Synthetic diamonds are not to be confused with diamond simulants (such as cubic zirconia) which only look like diamonds, and can be natural or made in a laboratory from a variety of materials. Diamond simulants have chemical compositions and physical and optical properties that are different from those of diamond. They can be readily identified by a trained gemologist or jeweler.

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