At Little Treasury Jewelers, we pride ourselves on our expertise and dedication to quality. One question that often arises in the world of fine jewelry is whether a jeweler can tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds. This topic is both fascinating and important for anyone considering purchasing a diamond. In this blog, we’ll delve into the nuances of lab grown diamonds, their characteristics, and how expert jewelers distinguish them from their natural counterparts.
Characteristics of Lab Grown Diamonds
Identical to Natural Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds share the same properties as natural diamonds, including:
- Hardness: Both have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: Both have the same refractive index, resulting in identical brilliance and sparkle.
- Chemical Composition: Both are composed of pure carbon in a crystalline structure.
Subtle Differences
Despite their similarities, there are subtle differences that can help jewelers identify lab grown diamonds:
- Inclusions and Blemishes: Lab grown diamonds often have different types of inclusions compared to natural diamonds. For example, HPHT diamonds may show metallic inclusions, while CVD diamonds might have distinctive growth patterns.
- Fluorescence: Some lab grown diamonds exhibit stronger fluorescence under UV light than natural diamonds.
How Jewelers Identify Lab Grown Diamonds
Visual Inspection
Experienced jewelers begin with a visual inspection using a jeweler's loupe or microscope. They look for specific inclusion patterns and growth characteristics that are indicative of lab grown diamonds.
Advanced Tools and Techniques
To accurately differentiate between lab grown and natural diamonds, jewelers use advanced tools and techniques:
- Diamond Testers: These devices measure thermal and electrical conductivity. While both types of diamonds typically pass standard tests, more advanced testers can help identify subtle differences.
- Spectroscopy: This method analyzes the light absorption and emission properties of diamonds. Lab grown diamonds can exhibit unique spectral lines that natural diamonds do not.
- Photoluminescence: This technique involves exposing the diamond to UV light and analyzing the resulting light emission. Lab grown diamonds often show specific photoluminescence patterns.
The Role of Certification
Certification plays a crucial role in distinguishing lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds. Reputable gemological institutes provide comprehensive certificates that detail the diamond's characteristics, ensuring transparency and trust. Here’s how certification helps in identifying lab grown diamonds:
Gemological Institutes
Institutes such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are recognized worldwide for their stringent grading standards and expertise. These institutions provide detailed certificates for both natural and lab grown diamonds, ensuring that buyers receive accurate and reliable information about their purchase.
Certificate Details
- Diamond Characteristics: The certificates from these institutes include detailed information about the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. This standardized assessment allows buyers to compare diamonds objectively.
- Origin Specification: Importantly, these certificates specify whether the diamond is natural or lab grown. This clarity is essential for buyers to make informed decisions and understand the origin of their diamond.
Laser Inscription
Many lab grown diamonds are laser inscribed with a unique identification number on the girdle, which can be seen under magnification. This number corresponds to the diamond’s certificate, providing a direct link between the physical diamond and its documented characteristics.
To further ensure transparency, many lab grown diamonds are inscribed with the words "lab grown". This inscription is discreetly placed on the diamond’s girdle and can be viewed under magnification. It provides an immediate visual confirmation of the diamond’s origin.
Importance of Certification
Trust and Reliability
Certification from reputable gemological institutes provides a foundation of trust and reliability. Buyers can be confident that their diamond has been rigorously evaluated and its characteristics accurately documented.
Market Value
Certified diamonds, whether natural or lab grown, generally hold better market value due to the assurance of quality and authenticity provided by the certification. This is particularly important for investment purposes and resale value.
Conclusion
So, can a jeweler tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds? The answer is yes, with the right tools and expertise. At Little Treasury Jewelers, our knowledgeable staff and advanced techniques ensure that we can accurately identify and certify every diamond we sell. We are proud to partner with reputable gemological institutes like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These institutions provide detailed certificates for both natural and lab grown diamonds, outlining their characteristics and specifying their origin. This collaboration offers an additional layer of assurance, ensuring the quality and authenticity of our diamonds.
Explore our exquisite selection of both natural and lab grown diamonds at Little Treasury Jewelers. For personalized assistance, contact us or visit our store to experience our exceptional service and expertise.