Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
There are a lot of things to like about lab-grown diamonds. With a fiery, eye-catching sparkle, these stunning man-made gems are quite affordable and have a minimal environmental impact. But do they pass the same tests used to measure the quality of mined diamonds? Here's what you should know.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
While they are considered “natural,” traditional mined diamonds are the product of complex chemical reactions. Modern technology allows technicians to duplicate these reactions in a lab, using specialized equipment and responsibly sourced materials through complex processes, such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
Will a Lab-grown Diamond Pass a Diamond Test?
If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you will probably have seen all sorts of recommendations for determining if a diamond is real or cubic zirconia. From dropping the stone in water and checking its response to fog to heating the gem and testing its reaction to UV light, most DIY methods leave a lot to be desired.
If you really want to know if your diamond is real, it’s best to have it checked by jewelry experts. Because all authentic diamonds are very good conductors of heat, professionals usually check them with a special heat-resistance tester.
One example is called Electrical Conductivity which tests a diamond for nitrogen that develops naturally while the gem grows within the earth. Since some lab-made diamonds are formed using a seed of a finer quality, they can sometimes contain less nitrogen. In certain instances, this could cause a false negative; however, this does not mean the lab-grown diamond isn’t real. Regardless of any test result, lab-grown diamonds are always physically, optically and chemically identical to earth-mined diamonds.
Can People Spot the Difference?
To the naked eye, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from a mined diamond. This means friends, family and acquaintances will never know whether your diamond was mined from the earth or grown in a lab.
The only notable difference is that lab-made diamonds have microscopic inscriptions. That said, even the most experienced diamond expert is unable to identify a lab-grown diamond without highly specialized equipment because they are identical both optically, structurally and chemically to mined diamonds.
Listen to our podcast episode on Lab Grown Diamonds.
A Worthy Investment
Because they are virtually identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown gems offer the best of both worlds. You can still get that perfect engagement ring, with all the fire, shine and sparkle without any concerns over the human and environmental impact of purchasing a traditional mined diamond.
Not all jewelers maintain John Atencio’s unyielding integrity and adherence to the most demanding ethical and social standards, which include complying with the stringent Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), a global campaign aimed at ceasing the trade of "conflict diamonds" used to finance wars, human trafficking and other unethical activities.
Traditional mined diamonds are often linked to human rights and environmental issues. They also waste a substantial amount of energy during the extraction process. For just one carat of diamond mined, almost 6,000 pounds of mineral waste is generated. Mined diamonds also often result in worker injuries and other concerning human rights issues.
Lab-grown diamonds eliminate many of these concerns while duplicating the same fiery brilliance of natural mined gems. Always assessed by the famous 'Four Cs' (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), lab-grown diamonds are held to the same standards as mined diamonds. When cut and polished by master cutters, these man-made creations form beautifully faceted gems.
A Personal Choice
Everyone’s diamond search is different, and there’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to selecting a diamond for your jewelry. You may prefer traditional mined diamonds because you feel they hold a unique significance as one of nature's rare miracles. On the other hand, you may want a lab-grown diamond because you are on a tighter budget, care about the environment and appreciate the incredible progression of modern technology. Whatever the case, John Atencio can help you find the perfect diamond for your unique taste and needs.
If you're interested in an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, John Atencio offers an extensive selection of stunning lab-grown gems. Paired with an artfully crafted John Atencio setting, these gorgeous diamonds create an artistic expression of beauty and luxury at a price that will leave you smiling.
Browse our lab-created diamond search or make an appointment at one of our convenient locations, where our knowledgeable team will guide you to the exact right diamond for your special someone.
