Differentiating between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds can be challenging, even for experts, as they are nearly identical in chemical composition and appearance. Here are some methods used to distinguish them:
### 1. **Certification and Laser Inscription**
- The easiest way to identify a lab-grown diamond is through certification. Reputable diamond certification labs like GIA, IGI, or GCAL issue certificates that specify whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural.
- Many lab-grown diamonds come with a laser inscription on the girdle (outer edge) indicating their origin. A jeweler can read this with a magnifying tool.
### 2. **UV Fluorescence Test**
- Some lab-grown diamonds, especially those made with High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) methods, may exhibit a distinctive pattern under UV light. Natural diamonds tend to have a soft, blue fluorescence, while some lab-grown diamonds may fluoresce in different colors or show a blotchy pattern. However, this is not always reliable, as fluorescence varies widely.
### 3. **Growth Patterns and Inclusions**
- Lab-grown diamonds often have different internal growth patterns and inclusions than natural diamonds. For example, diamonds created with Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) can show parallel growth lines, while HPHT diamonds might contain metallic inclusions from the manufacturing process. Jewelers can spot these under a microscope.
### 4. **Phosphorescence in HPHT Diamonds**
- HPHT-grown diamonds can emit a glow (phosphorescence) that lasts a few seconds after exposure to UV light, while natural diamonds generally do not. Specialized equipment, like a diamond spectrometer, can detect this characteristic.
### 5. **Diamond Tester with Advanced Instruments**
- Standard diamond testers cannot differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds because both are pure carbon. However, advanced spectroscopic equipment, such as Raman spectroscopy or photoluminescence spectroscopy, can detect differences in the atomic structure, revealing a diamond’s origin.
### 6. **Price and Purchase Source**
- Lab-grown diamonds are generally 30-50% less expensive than natural diamonds of similar quality. If you’re suspicious about the source of a diamond, consult with a jeweler or check for reliable documentation to ensure you know what you’re buying.
### 7. **Advanced Lab Testing**
- Advanced testing in a gemological lab is the most foolproof method. Labs can conduct detailed analysis to detect the growth patterns, inclusions, and chemical impurities unique to lab-grown diamonds.
While many of these tests require specialized equipment, checking for a certificate from a reputable gemological lab is a quick and reliable way to confirm whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural.
How can I diffrenciate between Natural and Lab Grown diamonds?
