Definition of a Lab Grown Diamond
A lab grown diamond, is a diamond made of the same material as natural mined diamonds – pure carbon, crystallized in an isotropic 3D form. The properties of a lab grown diamond are exactly identical to that of a natural mined diamond – physically, chemically, and optically.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Ruling in 2018
In July 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a new guideline. All diamonds are diamonds, irrespective of its origin – be it grown in a laboratory or unearthed from the ground.
This is a huge landmark and advancement for the lab grown diamond industry, because marketers can no longer use the word “synthetic” to qualify lab grown diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
It is important to note the major distinction between lab diamonds and diamond simulants. Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, look similar to diamonds but are not true carbon crystals. Simulants do not have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds and therefore are sold at much lower prices than man made diamonds.
Simulants can be distinguished from natural or lab grown diamonds even with the naked eye.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Mined Diamonds
Because they display the same physical, chemical, and optical properties – lab grown diamonds are essentially the same as natural mined diamonds. The only difference lies in their market price, as well as the origins by which they come from.
Testing for Lab Grown Diamonds
Visually, under the most trained gemologist, lab grown diamonds cannot be differentiated from natural diamonds. Equipment testing is another common evaluation method found in jewellery shops. Even with a diamond tester, it is impossible for us to differentiate a lab grown diamond from a traditionally mined diamond.
Only specialized laboratory grade equipment – such as infrared spectrum screeners, can screen lab grown diamonds from natural mined ones. This is done through a Type IIA test. Because lab grown diamonds are extremely pure carbon isotopes, the screening does this by detecting diamonds with such a pure crystallized structure.
