Natural, Enhanced, Manmade, Synthetic, Created etc

Synthetic Pink

It is all very confusing for those not “in the know”. Natural is relatively simple, this would be a gemstone that is entirely in its natural state other than being cut and polished.

Enhanced is a term used for natural gems that have been improved by man in a permanent way. This has been going on for over 100 years and is an accepted practice that doesn’t require mentioning to the public in most cases. An example of this would be the colour improvement in zircons in Victorian times. There are however some enhancements that do require description. An example would be the lasering of diamonds to remove inclusions (nature’s fingerprints). Travellers buying diamonds while on holiday in America for example, are often sold these without any declaration.

Manmade and synthetic gems are simple to define, though there are many terms used to try and detract from the fact that these are grown in a laboratory. Created or Kimberley are terms that are commonly met.