Will Lab Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?

Introduction

Lab grown diamonds have been a game-changer in the diamond industry.

They’ve stepped onto the scene and turned heads, offering a more earth-friendly and ethical choice that doesn’t skimp on sparkle or break the bank.

These lab-crafted beauties aren’t just pretty faces, either. They share the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as the diamonds that have been forming in the earth for billions of years.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Can these lab-grown diamonds pass the scrutiny of a diamond tester? Let’s dive in and find out.

Brief Explanation of Lab Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab diamonds or man-made diamonds, are real diamonds created using amazing technological processes.

These processes, namely High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle.

The result is a gemstone that is virtually identical to a mined diamond in terms of its hardness, thermal conductivity, and refractive index.

Introduction to Diamond Testers

Diamond testers are handheld devices used by jewelers to determine if a gemstone is a real diamond.

Diamond testers are designed to distinguish diamonds from other gemstones and diamond simulants like cubic zirconia and sapphire, which have different physical and chemical properties.

How Diamond Testers Work

A diamond tester sends a small amount of heat or an electric current into the stone and then measures how quickly it travels through it. That’s it.

Due to their exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, diamonds will conduct heat or electricity more quickly than other stones.

So, if the tester detects a high conductivity rate, it will indicate that the stone is a diamond.

Different Types of Diamond Testers

There are two main types of diamond testers:

Thermal conductivity testers measure how quickly a stone conducts heat.

While electrical conductivity testers measure how well a stone conducts electricity.

Some modern diamond testers combine both methods for more accurate results.

Lab Made Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Physical and Chemical Properties

Despite being created in a lab, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

They are not fake diamonds or diamond simulants like cubic zirconia.

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically identical. They are both made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure, giving them the same hardness, sparkle, and thermal and electrical conductivity.

This means that both lab diamonds and natural diamonds will conduct heat and electricity at the same rate, making them indistinguishable by diamond testers.

Testing Lab Created Diamonds

How to use a diamond tester

Testing lab diamonds with a diamond tester is a straightforward process.

Firstly, calibrate the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once ready, the tester’s needle-like probe is placed onto the surface of the diamond. The diamond tester then measures the rate at which heat or electricity is conducted through the gem’s surface and gives you the result instantaneously.

It’s important to note that the stone should be clean, and the tester should be used in a moderate temperature environment for accurate results.

Also, the tester’s probe should be placed on the stone itself, not the metal setting of a piece of jewelry.

Expected Results Testing Lab Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds share the same physical and chemical properties as earth mined diamonds, so they should pass a diamond tester.

Whether the tester is measuring thermal or electrical conductivity, a lab-grown diamond should conduct heat and electricity at the same rate as a natural diamond.

Therefore, when testing a lab-grown diamond, the diamond tester should indicate a positive result, confirming that the stone is a diamond.

Clarifying Misconceptions about the Reliability of Results

A common misconception is that diamond testers are infallible.

While diamond testers are highly accurate, they are not 100% foolproof.

For example, moissanite, a diamond simulant, has similar thermal conductivity to diamonds and can sometimes pass a thermal conductivity tester.

Since moissanite and diamonds have different electrical conductivity, a tester that measures electrical conductivity can distinguish between the two.

The Importance of Certification for Lab Diamonds

The Diamond Certification Process

Diamond certification is a meticulous process carried out by esteemed gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Each diamond is analyzed by expert gemologists for key attributes, including the 4Cs – carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. For lab-grown diamonds, the certification also verifies its lab-created origin and the specific growth method used, be it HPHT or CVD.

Why Certification Is Always More Reliable Than a Diamond Tester

Diamond testers can confirm if a stone is a diamond, but they can’t provide detailed information about the diamond’s quality or origin. A certified diamond, on the other hand, comes with a comprehensive grading report. This report confirms whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown and provides a wealth of information about its characteristics.

Leading diamond grading labs also etch microscopic inscriptions onto the diamond’s girdle, indicating its origin and report number.

The advanced technology used by labs is far more reliable than the simple technology found in most diamond testers.

Investing in a certified diamond gives you more than a beautiful gemstone. It provides peace of mind and assurance about the diamond’s authenticity, quality, and ethical creation process. It’s a testament to the diamond’s journey, from a humble carbon atom to a dazzling symbol of love and commitment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds will pass a diamond tester because they share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

The growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds in the diamond industry is a testament to their quality and authenticity.

Remember, while diamond testers are highly reliable, they are not infallible, and diamond simulants like moissanite can sometimes yield false positives. Therefore, diamond certification remains the gold standard for confirming a diamond’s authenticity and quality.

Whether you’re considering an engagement ring with a lab-grown diamond or a piece of jewelry with a lab diamond, you can be confident in the knowledge that these stones are real diamonds that will stand up to testing.