Detecting Lab-Created Diamonds

Lab-grown or synthetic diamonds are currently in vogue for their affordability, ethical production, and traceability compared to mined diamonds. Concerned about authenticity? Fear not! Lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from mined ones, possessing identical molecular and physical properties. However, this similarity makes identification challenging, especially when jewelers attempt to sell lab-grown diamonds at mined-diamond prices.

Familiarize Yourself with Different Names for Lab-Grown Diamonds. While many jewelers offer lab-grown diamonds alongside mined ones, they may use various terms interchangeably. Some common terms for lab-grown diamonds include:

• Lab-made
• Lab-created
• Synthetic
• Cultured
• Created

Consult Reputable Jewelers to Verify the Diamond's Origin. Whether opting for a lab-grown or mined diamond, it's crucial to rely on trusted jewelers. A reputable jeweler will furnish you with a comprehensive report detailing the diamond's provenance, ensuring transparency in your purchase. If a jeweler hesitates to provide documentation or demands blind trust, seek another vendor.

• Seek out jewelers certified by gemological authorities, such as the Gemological Institute of America, or inquire about their affiliations with professional associations.

Request an Independent Grading Report for the Diamond. Your jeweler should furnish you with an independent report detailing the diamond's origin. For lab-grown diamonds, the report should explicitly state its origin and the certifying laboratory. Additionally, these reports typically include the 4Cs assessment—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—providing comprehensive information about the stone.

• If a jeweler is unable or unwilling to provide this information, consider seeking another vendor.

Avoid Relying Solely on Visual Inspection to Identify Lab-Grown Diamonds. Advances in lab-grown diamond technology have made it virtually impossible to visually distinguish between lab-grown and mined diamonds. Both possess identical physical and molecular properties, rendering lab-grown diamonds virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.

• Early lab-grown diamonds from the 1970s may exhibit a yellowish hue due to less refined laboratory techniques.

Utilize a Magnifying Glass to Identify Laser Inscriptions. Examine the diamond's girdle—the widest part—with a magnifying glass. Lab-grown diamonds typically feature laser inscriptions denoting the certifying laboratory and a unique report number. Mined diamonds may bear diamond grades or serial numbers on the girdle.

• If you observe any inscriptions or numbers, inquire with the jeweler for further details or conduct online research. Visit the laboratory's website and input the report number to access the corresponding report.

Avoid Using Price Alone as a Determining Factor. While lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than mined ones, price alone is not indicative of a diamond's origin. A low price doesn't necessarily signify a lab-grown diamond, as quality variations among mined diamonds can lead to price disparities. Therefore, it's essential to patronize an honest jeweler who provides transparent information about your purchase.

• Emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency when selecting a jeweler.

Utilize a UV Screener to Detect Fluorescence. Employ a UV tester to examine the diamond's fluorescence. Under UV light, a mined diamond emits a blue hue, whereas a lab-grown diamond appears red.

• Be prepared if a jeweler lacks a UV screener; these devices are often costly, reaching tens of thousands of dollars in price.

Employ an Infrared Spectrometer to Identify Type IIa Diamonds. Differentiate between type Ia and type IIa diamonds using an infrared spectrometer. While most mined diamonds are type Ia, the majority of lab-grown diamonds are type IIa. Due to the high cost of equipment, consulting a gemologist to analyze and grade the diamond is necessary.

• Note that type IIa diamonds account for less than 2% of mined diamonds, offering a non-definitive indicator.

Engage an Independent Appraiser for Diamond Evaluation. Verify the origin of your diamond by enlisting the services of an independent appraiser such as the Gemological Institute of America. These professionals utilize advanced technology to assess the diamond's provenance and quality, providing a detailed report for a fee of approximately $100.

• If interested in the diamond's value, request the appraiser to include a valuation. This information can also be useful for insurance purposes.

• Due to their creation process lacking imperfections, lab-grown diamonds often exhibit higher clarity levels compared to mined diamonds.