How To Tell Lab Grown VS Natural Diamond

Diamonds, those dazzling symbols of love and luxury, have captivated humanity for centuries. But with the advent of lab-grown diamonds, the market has become more nuanced. Distinguishing between a natural diamond forged deep within the Earth and a lab-created gem can be challenging, even for seasoned jewelers. This article will guide you through the key methods used to differentiate these two sparkling wonders. Let explore how to tell lab grown vs natural diamond 

The Origin Story: Earth vs. Lab
The fundamental difference lies in their origin. Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in controlled laboratory environments using processes that mimic these natural conditions. While their chemical composition is identical – pure carbon – their formation processes leave subtle, yet detectable, differences.  

Visual Inspection: A First Glance
While the naked eye often struggles to discern the difference, a trained jeweler using magnification can sometimes spot subtle clues.

Inclusions: Natural diamonds often contain inclusions, tiny imperfections trapped during their formation. Lab-grown diamonds, while they can also have inclusions, tend to have different types and patterns. For example, some lab-grown diamonds might exhibit metallic inclusions from the growth process.  
Growth Patterns: Natural diamonds typically display irregular growth patterns, while lab-grown diamonds may exhibit more consistent, directional growth lines.
However, visual inspection alone is rarely conclusive.

Advanced Testing: Unveiling the Truth
To definitively identify a diamond’s origin, specialized equipment and techniques are essential.

Spectroscopic Analysis: This technique uses light to analyze a diamond’s chemical composition and crystal structure. Natural and lab-grown diamonds exhibit subtle differences in their absorption and transmission of light, allowing for accurate identification.  
Diamond Testers: Certain handheld devices can detect differences in thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity between natural and lab-grown diamonds. While these testers can provide a quick indication, they are not always foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other methods.  
High-Magnification Inspection: Using powerful microscopes, experts can examine a diamond’s internal characteristics in detail. Specific inclusions and growth patterns, such as strain patterns, can reveal a diamond’s origin. Many lab grown diamonds have signs of metallic flux from the growing process, that are not found in natural diamonds.  
Gemological Laboratories: Reputable gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), provide comprehensive diamond grading and identification services. They employ a range of advanced techniques to determine a diamond’s origin with certainty.  
Cost and Certification: Considerations
Price Differences: Lab-grown diamonds are typically priced lower than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. This price difference reflects the lower cost of production.  
Certification: Always purchase diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, with a reputable certification from a recognized gemological laboratory. This certification provides assurance of the diamond’s quality and origin. A certified lab grown diamond will clearly state that it is lab created on the grading report.
Conclusion
The ability to distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds is crucial for informed purchasing decisions. While visual inspection can offer some clues, advanced testing by gemological laboratories is the most reliable method. Understanding the differences in their origin, characteristics, and pricing empowers consumers to make choices that align with their preferences and budgets. Whether you choose a natural diamond formed over millennia or a lab-grown gem created with cutting-edge technology, the beauty and brilliance of a diamond remain undeniable.