Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds?
Being virtually identical in every way, there are FEW differences between lab grown diamond and natural diamonds. This article answers the question.
The short answer is No: you cannot tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural one. There is not a single person on earth who could tell just by looking at your lab grown diamond jewellery what type of diamond is being used in it.
The longer answer is “it depends what tools you have”.
Why People Ask This Question
People often worry about whether a lab-grown diamond is “real.” There’s a common myth that lab-grown means fake. Others wonder if a lab diamond holds the same meaning or value as one from the earth. But here’s the truth: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds in every way that matters.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds, Exactly?
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab using methods called CVD or HPHT. These processes mimic the way natural diamonds form underground. The result is a diamond with the exact same chemical and physical structure as a mined diamond. They have the same cut, clarity, color, and carat options. In short, they are real diamonds—just grown above ground instead of below it.
Can You See the Difference With Your Eyes?
No, you can’t. Lab-grown and natural diamonds look identical. Even professional gemologists can’t tell the difference just by looking. Put them side-by-side and there’s no clue which one came from a mine and which came from a lab. The polish, sparkle, and shape are the same. To the eye, they are perfect twins.
How Experts Tell: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Detectable?
Gem labs use advanced machines to tell the difference. These tools look deep into the diamond for signs of its origin. Some methods include:
- Spectroscopy
- UV fluorescence
- Looking for tiny internal markers like growth lines or metal traces
Certified diamonds often have laser inscriptions that say whether they’re lab-grown or mined. These marks are impossible to see without a jeweller’s loupe or a microscope.
Simple Tools: Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass the Diamond Tester?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds pass thermal conductivity tests. That’s because they are made of the same material. They are not imitations or lookalikes like zircon or moissanite. They are diamonds, through and through.
Final Verdict: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Identifiable?
Not by sight. Not by feel. Only with advanced lab tools can someone tell the difference. That’s why certification matters. It gives you clear, honest information. And it’s why you should always buy from a trusted seller. Because when it comes to what matters—beauty, strength, and brilliance—lab-grown diamonds are the real deal.