Mined diamonds are rare, expensive to dig out and expensive to buy. There are alternatives - man-made diamonds, also called synthetic or lab created stones. Understanding how to recognize a high quality cultured gem, however, takes some education.

Man-made gems are created in a lab, rather than in the earth. Instead of carbon molecules being heated and pressured for millenia, lab created diamonds are created under exacting conditions in a lab. They have the same molecular structure and their quality is determined by the same 4 Cs (caret, or weight, color, cut and clarity) method as that of natural stones. That being said, synthetic gems do come in low, medium and high grades.

Low grade synthetic stones are often sold in bulk and set in inexpensive settings. However, if you're looking for your very young daughter's first "diamond," this would be a good choice. Between playtime, and just being a young girl, this gem is unlikely to survive childhood. A visit to your local discount store will provide plenty of choices. Medium qualities are those found on the jewelry shopping networks and again, are not usually set in 14 carat gold or other high quality settings. The very highest quality lab-created gems have been graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) since 2007 and are certified as to origin and quality. These creations are also put in settings that match their quality, or are sold as loose gems.

GIA certificates are important to get and retain, for the same reasons it is important to have documentation for other important purchases. Insurance companies will require these for coverage purposes and good jewelry becomes part of your estate.

It is interesting to note that a side by side comparison of mined and the top tier cultured diamonds reveals that the man-made stones have no internal flaws, unlike those from the earth, since the process is controlled from beginning to end.

Although the most desirable and expensive diamonds, man-made and otherwise, are colorless, or "clear," individual preference might tilt to a colored gem. In nature, color is introduced into these stones through trace elements or natural radiation deep in the earth. These colored or "fancy colored" gems are very rare and very expensive.

In the lab, these stones can be "grown" in yellow, blue or white. Again, the introduction or exclusion of what goes into the pot means that creating a white jewel takes more time and more pressure. These factors account for the higher price for clear stones.

Lab-created diamonds can be an excellent option for the buyer looking for a lower-cost stone that nonetheless provides high quality and sparkle. It is important, however, to deal with reputable jewelers and insist on proper certification.