Can You Tell If A Diamond Is Lab Grown

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultivated diamonds, are created in controlled laboratory environments that replicate the natural diamond-growing process. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds because they are composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystalline structure.

There are primarily two methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The HPHT method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the Earth, using high pressure and temperature to transform carbon into diamond. The CVD process involves introducing carbon-rich gas into a chamber where the carbon atoms attach to a small diamond seed crystal, gradually building a larger diamond.

It’s important to understand that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They possess the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), fire, and brilliance as natural diamonds. The key difference lies in their origin and age: natural diamonds formed billions of years ago through geological processes, while lab diamonds are created in a matter of weeks.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, allowing customers to make choices aligned with their preferences, values, and budget considerations.

Visual Identification: Can You See the Difference?

To the naked eye, it is virtually impossible to distinguish between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond. Even skilled jewelers cannot reliably tell them apart through visual inspection alone. Both types of diamonds exhibit the same optical properties, including brilliance, fire, and scintillation when properly cut.

Some myths suggest that lab-grown diamonds are “too perfect” or lack the inclusions found in natural diamonds. However, lab diamonds can also have inclusions and varying clarity grades, though the types of inclusions may differ slightly from those in natural diamonds. For instance, lab-grown diamonds might have metallic inclusions from the growth process, while natural diamonds might contain mineral inclusions from their formation environment.

Under magnification, certain growth patterns might provide clues about a diamond’s origin. Natural diamonds typically grow in an octahedral pattern, while lab-grown diamonds might show different growth structures depending on the creation method. HPHT diamonds often have cube-like growth patterns, while CVD diamonds may show layered growth structures. However, these differences are subtle and generally require significant expertise and specialized equipment to detect.

Color distribution can sometimes offer hints—natural diamonds typically have color concentrations in specific zones, while lab diamonds might have more uniform or different patterns of color distribution. Again, these differences are not readily apparent to consumers and require professional analysis.

The bottom line is that if someone claims they can easily spot a lab-grown diamond with the naked eye or a simple jeweler’s loupe, they are likely mistaken. The visual similarities between natural and lab diamonds are a testament to the technological advancements in diamond creation.

Professional Detection Tools and Methods

While visual identification is unreliable, gemologists and diamond laboratories have developed sophisticated instruments to identify lab-grown diamonds with certainty. These tools analyze specific properties that differ between natural and lab-grown diamonds due to their distinct formation processes.

One common detection method involves examining the diamond’s fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Natural and lab-grown diamonds often exhibit different fluorescence patterns. Additionally, spectroscopic analysis can detect different trace elements and structural characteristics unique to each type of diamond.

The DiamondSure™ and DiamondView™ are specialized instruments developed by the De Beers Group that can identify synthetic diamonds. The DiamondSure tests a diamond’s transparency to short-wave ultraviolet light, while the DiamondView captures fluorescence images that reveal growth patterns indicative of lab creation.

Another advanced tool is the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), which can identify certain types of lab-grown diamonds based on their nitrogen configuration. Similarly, Photoluminescence spectroscopy can detect specific optical centers in diamonds that indicate laboratory growth.

For HPHT diamonds specifically, tests for magnetic properties can be revealing, as these diamonds sometimes retain ferromagnetic inclusions from the metal catalysts used in their creation process. Meanwhile, CVD diamonds may have distinctive features that can be identified through specialized imaging techniques.

These sophisticated detection methods are typically available only at major gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), or through specialized equipment at high-end jewelry establishments. At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we ensure all our diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, come with proper certification indicating their origin.

Diamond Certification and Disclosure

In today’s jewelry market, transparency is paramount, and reputable jewelers always disclose whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown. This disclosure is not just an ethical practice but a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including the United States where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates clear disclosure of a diamond’s origin.

Diamond certification plays a crucial role in this transparency. Major gemological laboratories like the GIA, IGI, and GCAL have developed specific grading reports for lab-grown diamonds. These certificates look similar to those for natural diamonds but explicitly state that the diamond is laboratory-grown and may use slightly different terminology for grading categories.

The GIA, for instance, issues Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports that use the same D-to-Z color scale and clarity scale as for natural diamonds but include the statement “Laboratory-Grown” on the certificate. Similarly, the IGI offers Laboratory Grown Diamond Reports that provide comprehensive details about the diamond’s characteristics while clearly indicating its origin.

Many lab-grown diamonds also feature microscopic inscriptions on their girdles, visible under magnification, that identify them as laboratory-created. These inscriptions typically include a report number and sometimes the words “lab-grown” or “laboratory-created.”

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, all our lab-grown diamonds come with proper certification from respected gemological laboratories, providing our customers with complete confidence in their purchase. We believe in full disclosure and education, helping customers understand exactly what they’re buying and the value it represents.

Price Differences Between Natural and Lab Diamonds

One of the most noticeable differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds is their price point. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost about 30-40% less than natural diamonds of equivalent size and quality. This substantial price difference often serves as an immediate indicator of a diamond’s origin when comparing similar stones.

The price disparity stems from several factors. Natural diamonds are the result of billions of years of geological processes and are considered rare resources with finite supply. Their extraction involves significant mining operations, which add to their cost. Additionally, the natural diamond industry has established supply chains and value structures that have evolved over centuries.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in a matter of weeks, and as technology improves, production costs continue to decrease. The laboratory creation process eliminates the need for extensive mining operations and can be scaled to meet demand, resulting in lower overall costs.

It’s worth noting that while lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, they may not retain value in the same way as natural diamonds. Natural diamonds have historically maintained some resale value, though they typically sell for less than their purchase price on the secondary market. The resale market for lab-grown diamonds is still developing, and their long-term value retention is less established.

For many consumers, especially those seeking larger stones or higher clarity grades, the price advantage of lab-grown diamonds makes them an attractive option. A couple might be able to purchase a significantly larger or higher-quality lab-grown diamond for the same budget as a smaller natural diamond.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we understand that budget considerations are important for our customers, especially those shopping for engagement rings. We offer transparent pricing on both our natural and lab-grown diamond collections, helping customers make informed decisions based on their preferences and financial parameters.

Buying Guide: Making an Informed Decision

When deciding between natural and lab-grown diamonds, consider these key factors to make an informed choice that aligns with your values, preferences, and budget:

Budget Considerations: If maximizing size and quality for your budget is your priority, lab-grown diamonds offer significant advantages. You can typically get a 30-40% larger lab-grown diamond compared to a natural diamond at the same price point.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns: Lab-grown diamonds generally have a smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds, requiring less land disruption and water usage. They also eliminate concerns about potential conflict diamonds. However, it’s worth noting that many natural diamond producers now adhere to strict ethical and environmental standards.

Symbolic and Emotional Value: Some people prefer natural diamonds for their ancient origin and the symbolism of something formed over billions of years. Others appreciate the technological innovation represented by lab-grown diamonds and their reduced environmental impact.

Long-term Value Considerations: Natural diamonds have a more established resale market and history of value retention, though neither natural nor lab-grown diamonds should be considered primarily as investments. Consider how important potential resale value is to your decision.

Quality and Certification: Regardless of origin, look for proper certification from reputable laboratories like GIA or IGI. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds should be evaluated on the same quality criteria: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (the 4Cs).

Disclosure and Transparency: Work with jewelers who are transparent about their diamonds’ origins. Reputable jewelers like Emerson Fine Jewelry always provide clear information about whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown.

Ultimately, there is no universal “right choice” between natural and lab-grown diamonds. The best decision depends on your personal priorities and values. What matters most is that you’re fully informed about what you’re purchasing and that the diamond brings joy to its wearer.

Visit us at Emerson Fine Jewelry to explore both our natural and lab-grown diamond collections. Our expert staff can help guide you through the selection process, providing all the information you need to make a choice that’s perfect for you or your loved one.

Conclusion

Can you tell if a diamond is lab-grown? Without specialized equipment and expertise, the answer is generally no. Lab-grown and natural diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical, making visual distinction nearly impossible. The surest ways to identify a lab-grown diamond are through professional gemological testing, proper certification, and disclosure from reputable jewelers.

As lab-grown diamonds continue to gain popularity in the jewelry market, the technology used to create and identify them also advances. What remains constant is the importance of transparency in the industry and the personal value that diamonds hold for their owners, regardless of origin.

Whether you choose a natural diamond formed deep within the Earth over billions of years or a lab-grown diamond created through human innovation, what matters most is the meaning behind the stone and the joy it brings. Both options offer genuine diamond beauty and can serve as powerful symbols of commitment, celebration, or personal milestone.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we’re proud to offer both natural and lab-grown diamond options, each with proper certification and expert guidance to help you make the choice that best suits your values, preferences, and budget.