Real and natural answer different questions

Real concerns the material. Natural concerns its origin. A useful product description tells you both, so you can understand what you are buying without relying on a vague word.

Diamond versus a simulant

A simulant resembles diamond but is made from another material. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are examples. Laboratory-grown diamond instead has essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamond.

Can appearance confirm origin?

A photograph or an unaided visual inspection does not reliably establish whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown. Specialist testing can distinguish growth origins and separate diamonds from simulants.

What to ask a seller

Request an explicit written statement of origin and the relevant laboratory report. Make sure the description of the mounted jewelry agrees with the description of its center stone. Our comparison guide is the next step if you are deciding between origins.