What is a Gemesis Cultured Diamond?

Quite simply, a cultured diamond is a diamond that is grown in a very tightly controlled laboratory environment under conditions that emulate those in which mined diamonds are grown deep under the earth's surface. Starting with a diamond seed and a separate source of carbon, extreme pressures and temperatures are applied so that the carbon source transforms and grows atom-by atom and layer-by-layer on the diamond seed. The result? A fancy color rough, laboratory-grown diamond that can be cut and polished for use in jewelry just as is a rough diamond produced in nature.

How do Laboratory-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds Compare?

- Both have the same physical, chemical and optical properties.
- Both have the same hardness, specific gravity,  refractive index and dispersion factor.
- Both are polished using the same equipment and techniques.
- Both have the same brilliance, sparkle, fire and scintillation.
- Both are in fact Diamond.

How do Laboratory-Grown Diamonds and Diamond Imitations Compare?

They don't. Diamond imitations, such as cubic zirconium, laboratory created moissanite, and diamond coated materials, are not in fact Diamond. These imitations are called "simulants" in the industry. They do not have the same properties. They do not have the same features. They do not have the same characteristics. They are polished differently. They are graded differently. And, most importantly, they do not have the same scintillating beauty.

Why are the terms "Cultured" and "Laboratory-Grown" used?

Gemesis wants to be absolutely certain that it distinguishes diamonds grown by man from those grown in nature. "Cultured" is a term that has been used for many years to describe pearls that are engineered by man. That is, where man has found a way to recreate nature's process, so Gemesis uses "Cultured" and "Laboratory-Grown" to describe accurately the origin of these diamonds. The term "synthetic" is sometimes used to describe diamonds grown by man. However, it is often incorrectly interpreted as meaning "fake" and, thus, is misleading. Even worse, the term "synthetic" may be used by some to describe stones that aren't actually diamond. However, both "Cultured" and "Laboratory-Grown" fairly and clearly describe this unique jewelry product.

How is a Laboratory-Grown Diamond Graded?

All diamonds, whether natural or laboratory-grown, are graded according to the same strict standards of the Gemological Institute of America for clarity, cut, carat weight and color - the very familiar 4 C's. As further certification and to distinguish its cultured diamonds from those mined in nature, Gemesis insists that its stones are properly identified.

Why does Gemesis Exclusively Grow Color Diamonds?

Some of the world's most famous natural diamonds are of fancy color. With exceptional beauty and rarity, these diamonds have been associated with many intriguing figures in history from Louis XIV and his precious Tavernier Blue, which later was re-cut as the infamous Hope Diamond, to Catherine the Great and her unique blue-green Orlov. None can forget the stunning pear shape yellow diamond worn in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Today, fancy color diamonds are more visible than ever...pink and yellow diamond engagement rings worn by celebrities and a pumpkin color diamond ring worn by an actress who received an Oscar. A survey of contemporary fashion magazines will confirm the extent to which the world's leading jewelry designers have embraced the allure of fancy color diamonds. With such enduring interest, there should be little doubt why Gemesis concentrates its production on colors.

What Colors does Gemesis Produce?

Gemesis has the capability to produce its cultured diamonds in a wide range of colors and even in colorless form. However, it limits its production currently to the most popular fashion hues of vivid and intense yellow and orange. These laboratory-grown diamonds are often superior to mined fancy diamonds in the same color range.

How are Gemesis Laboratory-Grown Diamonds priced?

Gemesis prices its cultured diamonds to make them readily accessible to a much greater number of consumers that is the case with natural color diamonds. In fact, a comparable natural stone of the same weight, shape, cut, clarity and color would command a price four to five times greater than a Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond. This represents a rare value for the consumer and is part of what makes the Gemesis story so compelling.