Diamond FAQs

Q: What is your policy on ‘Ethical’ Diamonds?

The Kimberley Process (which addresses Conflict Diamonds) is flawed, and diamond mining itself is environmentally destructive. As such, we do not handle freshly mined diamonds at all, preferring instead to use synthetic stones. We will, however, use recycled diamonds upon request.

Q: Do you have white diamonds?

We do have some lab created white diamonds available. If none are listed for the product in which you have an interest, please inquire.

Q: Do Chatham Created Diamonds and natural gems have the same properties?

Yes. They have the same chemical, optical and physical properties as their natural counterparts. The only difference is that one came from the ground and the other from a laboratory.

Technical Comparison of Natural Diamonds vs. Chatham Created Diamonds

Technical Comparison of Emeralds and Rubies

Q: Are Chatham Created Diamonds synthetic?

Yes, but they are not ‘fake’ or ‘imitation’. They are real diamonds.

Q: How are these diamonds made?

Natural gemstones are crystals formed deep within the earth by heat and pressure. These diamonds are made by subjecting the same elements to the same heat and pressure.  The energy consumed in the lab process, however, is rather modest.  The growth chamber is only about 2x2 inches, so heating to 1300C is fairly easy, and pressure is created hydraulically, using little power.

Q: How can I tell the difference between natural and created diamonds?

Only a trained gemologist with sophisticated equipment can separate these diamonds from their natural counterparts through the study of inclusions and trapped crystal imperfections, which differentiate them from diamonds sourced elsewhere. It’s rather like a fingerprint. Created diamonds are distinct to their birthplace, just as natural diamonds from varying geographical locations are unique to theirs.

Q: Is a created diamond like a cultured pearl?

That’s a very good analogy. Just as we ‘seed’ an oyster to make a cultured pearl, created diamonds are started from a man-made seed. The culturing of a pearl starts with the implantation of a ball in an oyster’s mantel tissue. While that ball becomes the center of the resultant pearl, however, the diamond seed is later removed.

Q: Are the inclusions added to make the diamond seem more real?

No. They are a natural result of the process.

Q: Are Chatham Created Diamonds treated or color enhanced?

Chatham Created Blue and Yellow Diamonds are not treated. Chatham Pink Diamonds are treated, but they do not exhibit the unstable color characteristics seen in treated natural diamonds. Chatham stones will not fade, and will not change color, even at temperatures up to 300° C.

Q: Are Chatham Created Diamonds guaranteed?

Yes. They are guaranteed for life against chipping and breaking under ordinary circumstances.

Q: How do I know the quality of my diamond?

greenKarat obtains a grading report from The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) or Gemological Institute of America (GIA) on every diamond of ½ carat or more. This report is available for your review at their respective websites, and will be included when we send you your diamond ring.

Q: How can I be sure that my diamond isn’t really sourced from a mine, with all the social and environmental baggage that implies?

The grading labs inscribe the grading report number on your diamond (don’t worry, it’s so small you won’t notice it). That report attests that your diamond is ‘created’, which is the assurance you seek.

Q: Where can I learn more about buying a diamond?

We suggest that you visit the Consumer Education Department at the independent grading laboratory we use. Click this link, and a new browser window will open at their site, outside of greenKarat: http://www.eglusa.com/consumereducation.html.