Today, there are many lab created Best Man Made Diamonds UK available on the market. These synthetic diamonds offer an affordable alternative to mined gemstones.
They are chemically, physically, optically and thermally identical to natural diamonds; however, only a jeweler with specialist equipment can tell the difference.
UV Screening
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to naturally formed diamonds, but they are created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than being formed naturally on Earth.
To tell the difference between natural and best man made diamonds, gemologists must examine them under a microscope. Furthermore, laser inscriptions on a lab-grown diamond’s girdle indicate it was created in a lab rather than through mining.
One way to test a diamond’s authenticity as lab-grown is by using a machine that tests fluorescence under both long and shortwave UV light. Natural diamonds will exhibit stronger longer-wave fluorescence, while lab-grown diamonds tend to exhibit weaker fluorescence.
When testing a diamond under both types of UV light, if it glows stronger under long-wave and weaker under short-wave, then this indicates it to be natural. This is the most reliable way to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from genuine gemstones.
GIA Certification
GIA is a gemological laboratory that grades diamonds according to four Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. As an independent source of diamond grading data, this non-profit organization ensures that buyers receive accurate and trustworthy reports.
It’s essential for jewelers to have access to diamond reports, so they can verify the authenticity of a stone and help you make an informed buying decision. Most reports contain a unique number which can be used online to look up the diamond.
The Gemological Institute of America recently revised their policy to accept lab-grown diamonds, which is great news for both jewelers and consumers. This decision will open up a wider market for these stones while giving consumers more assurance in the grading of their jewelry. However, it will take some time for this change to spread throughout the industry.
Optical Testing
There are various optical tests that can be used to verify if a diamond was created by lab. Each depends on its unique optical properties and refractive index, but some tests are more reliable than others.
The diamond tester is a common tool used to distinguish natural diamonds from lab-grown simulants like moissanite and cubic zirconia. These less expensive alternatives lack the physical strength of diamonds, so they tend to show different signature patterns under magnification compared to lab-grown gems.
Another optical test to evaluate diamond quality is the dot test. This checks its refractive index and how it reflects light. You can do this by drawing a small dot on paper and placing it flat side down over the stone; if that dot is reflected inside then it’s likely to be artificial. Alternatively, use a jeweler’s loupe to examine the stone under magnification.
The Naked Eye
The Naked Eye, also referred to as unaided vision, is the ability to perceive objects without the use of optical instruments. This proficiency can be invaluable in life and serve as an invaluable asset when astronomy or spotting asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies.
Gemologists can distinguish between natural and lab created diamonds by looking at certain indicators. One such indication is whether natural diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen, while lab diamonds do not.
Another method is that lab diamonds often feature laser inscriptions which jewelers can view through loupes or microscopes. While this approach may not be perfect, it provides a useful starting point.
Conclusion
If you are uncertain if a diamond you are purchasing was lab created or not, have it registered and fingerprinted by an accredited gemological laboratory. This will give you peace of mind that no one can substitute your stone. You can then check its grading report to determine its grade on all 4Cs: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
