Scientists have had the ability to make micro fragments of diamond for many years now, for use in industrial applications; however, recent advances have yielded the ability to make gem quality specimens in a lab.

There are several manufacturing methods for gem grade diamonds. One of the most popular ways to make gem quality diamonds is using the cubic press method, in which the raw material is pressed against six anvils under enormous pressure, generating tremendous heat at the same time. Another popular method uses the BARS apparatus, which has a very tiny “synthesis capsule” of only two cubic centimeters (less than one inch ). The BARS apparatus is considered to be the most inexpensive device that can manufacture diamonds.

The lab devices used to create diamonds exert huge forces, in excess of 1500 degrees ºC (2732 ºF ). After being cut, lab created diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye, but there is a trick to telling the difference.

Firstly, man made diamonds only come in white, blue and yellow, so you can immediately discount all other colors as being natural. The next thing you can do is shine a UV light on them – natural diamonds don’t react to UV light. However, a man made diamond will take on a faint milky glow due to metal particles left over from the manufacturing process.

To a gem connoisseur, natural diamonds are preferred, and more valuable; however, to the average buyer, a man made gem will serve just as well – they still carry the same sparkle. Diamonds produced naturally in modern days are being etched via laser for quick identification and verification purposes, though the numbers are small enough that they require strong magnification to read.

Lab manufactured diamonds are also making the scene in some unlikely places, such as high tech optical devices, including lasers. Chances are you’ve already seen a synthetic diamond and just didn’t know it at the time.