The popularity and price of diamonds have inspired several industries to prepare fake diamonds, like cubic zirconia, designed purposely to mimic natural diamonds. Unfortunately, simply looking at a diamond from a lab created diamond can’t always tell if it’s real or fake.
Fortunately, we can find out the truth in many ways. Diamonds are a big investment. Lab created diamonds are probably less expensive. Does it instigate the feeling – are Lab Grown diamonds fake? It’s a big NO. Lab diamonds are the same as natural diamonds.
Unlike natural diamonds, which are mined from the ground, lab-produced diamonds are generated using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure Crystal Formation (HPCF) (HPHT). Carbon atoms are extracted from high-pressure vapor in a chamber to make diamonds.
The diamond is created layer by layer in this method. The process usually takes three months, but it might take longer. It is because real diamonds can take several years to form inside the Earth’s crust.
They’re formed of the same components as earth-grown diamonds and have the same key features. Even the most seasoned gemologists cannot distinguish them simply from feel or look. Diamonds made in a lab are just as beautiful and durable as natural diamonds, but they are much less expensive.
Below we will mention some identifications to distinguish between real vs fake lab grown diamonds. Hope this will help you choose a real lab created diamond. Let’s have a walk through this article.
How do you know if a lab-created diamond is real or fake?
You have two options for evaluating whether a diamond is real or fake. The first alternative is to solicit the help of a professional who can do a diamond test using advanced equipment.
You can also use a few at-home methods to determine whether your lab grown diamonds are real or fake if you don’t want to hire a professional.
How to Tell if a Diamond is Real: Tests to be Performed at Home
Lab-created diamonds are not fake diamonds, contrary to popular assumption. It’s only that they’re created in various places. However, there are a few variations between the two that you should know.
While there are no foolproof ways to tell if a diamond is real or fake, there are some that are remarkably accurate. You’ll only need a few ordinary household items. These methods will assist you in determining whether or not a diamond was made in a lab –
THE SANDPAPER TEST
It’s a really simple test for which you need sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease. To begin, rub the stone with the grittier side of the sandpaper.
Because diamonds are one of the toughest minerals on the planet, sandpaper will have no effect on them and they should remain in great shape. If it’s a fake diamond, though, it will scrape.
THE READ-THROUGH TEST
The read-through test is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a diamond test in which you try to read a paragraph all the way through. Any diamond that is not mounted in a setting or item of jewelry, often known as loose diamonds, can be tested using this procedure. For the read-through test, follow these steps:
- Get a piece of paper with plain black writing.
- Turn the diamond repeatedly.
- To read the writing on the paper, look through the upturned diamond.
While reading through a real diamond is difficult, fake diamonds will allow you to read the words on the paper.
THE SPARKLE EXAMINATION
A stone’s genuineness is shown by the way it refracts and reflects light. The sparkle test at home is a visual examination of the stone’s behavior under light. Because the inherent light refraction of a stone cannot be changed, the gem’s light refraction, or lack thereof, is usually correct.
Natural stones have more iridescent colors than synthetic stones, like cubic zirconia. Look for hues of grey in light reflections. Natural stones have more iridescent colors than synthetic stones like cubic zirconia. Natural diamonds have a more grey colour to them.
WATER TEST
Get a glass and fill it halfway with water for the water test. Carefully place the loose diamond in the glass of water. If the stone falls in value, you’ve discovered a true diamond. If it floats beneath or on the water’s surface, it’s a fake diamond. Real diamonds have a high density, whereas imitation diamonds do not.
THE HEAT TEST
Expose a lab-grown diamond to an open but controlled flame (like a lighter) for 30 to 45 seconds to properly conduct the heat test. Place the stone in a jar of chilly water right after it has been heated.
Diamonds are good at conducting heat and dissipating it evenly throughout the stone, but imitation diamonds aren’t. Anything other than real diamonds will be ruined by the intense heat and abrupt switch to chilly water.
How to Know if a Diamond is Real: Ask a professional
If you don’t have time to do any of the at-home diamond tests or don’t trust yourself and want a second opinion, the best thing to do would be to take your stone to a qualified gemologist. It’s worth noting, too, that not all jewelers are gemologists.
Here at Loose Grown Diamond, we have expert gemologists who can assist you. Consider them your go-to resource for navigating our vast database of diamonds. They will assist you in establishing the authenticity of a diamond.
A qualified gemologist will do more than the simple tests you can do at home when you bring your diamond to them. Instead, they’ll use a variety of expert methods and tests to establish whether the diamond is genuine or not.
DIAMOND TESTING USING A LOUPE
A loupe is a magnifying glass used to inspect diamonds and other jewels. Professionals will examine the diamond under a loupe for any flaws or defects. A fake diamond will not have inclusions, however a genuine diamond will have microscopic flaws called inclusions.
THE DIAMOND TESTER TOOL
This diamond lighter test, also known as the Thermal Conductivity Probe, is used to assess thermal conductivity. After being warmed, real diamonds distribute heat quickly, whereas imitation diamonds scatter heat more slowly.
HIGH-PROFILE WEIGHING
It is the use of a finely tuned scale for measuring slight differences in weight. With this scale, gemologists can use 1200x magnification on a power microscope to examine the stone or conduct X-ray examinations to determine whether a diamond is fake or real.
Conclusion
Any of these methods can help you determine whether a lab created diamond is fake or real. But the best way to avoid any doubt about the authenticity of your diamond or stone is to verify its authenticity before purchasing it and to only buy from a reputable source. Whenever you buy a lab created diamond look for the GIA or IGI certification. Buy your precious diamonds from the GIA or IGI certified jeweler’s only.