The diamond industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with lab grown diamonds redefining luxury as a sustainable and ethical choice. But with their rising popularity comes a growing risk—fake lab grown diamonds flooding the market. As diamond scams and diamond frauds become more sophisticated, knowing how to distinguish genuine lab grown diamonds from imitations is more crucial than ever. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, confident purchases.
What Are Lab grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that are created in controlled laboratory conditions. Using advanced technology, scientists replicate the natural diamond formation process, resulting in diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined ones.
These diamonds are celebrated for being environmentally friendly and conflict-free. They offer a guilt-free way of owning a sparkling gemstone without contributing to the negative impacts of diamond mining. However, this popularity has also attracted unethical sellers who attempt to pass off fake lab grown diamonds or simulants (imitation stones), that resemble diamonds—as genuine.
Understanding Fake Lab grown Diamonds
A fake lab grown diamond is not a diamond at all. Instead, it is an imitation stone designed to look like a diamond. Common materials used in such imitations include cubic zirconia and moissanite. While these stones can mimic the appearance of a diamond to the untrained eye, they lack the unique properties that define real diamonds. Hence, it's essential to understand these distinctions to avoid being misled or scammed while making your purchase.
Types of Diamond Scams
The rise in diamond scams has led to buyers falling victim to:
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Simulants sold as lab grown diamonds: Some sellers market cubic zirconia or moissanite as authentic lab grown diamonds. Though visually similar, they lack significant properties that are required to consider them as diamonds, making them much less valuable.
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Poor-quality lab diamonds: Low-grade stones are often misrepresented and sold as high-quality diamonds for higher prices. These diamonds may have significant impurities, poor cut and colour, or other flaws that lower their value and impact their overall appearance. This is especially common among buyers who aren’t well-informed when it comes to diamond buying.
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Misleading certificates: Fake or vague documentation may be provided to “verify” a diamond’s authenticity. The certificates may lack detailed information about the diamond and may use terms that sound legitimate but aren't standardized, leading buyers to believe they're purchasing a high-quality stone when, in fact, they are not.
Key Differences Between Real and Fake Lab grown Diamonds
Distinguishing between a real lab grown diamond and a fake lab grown diamond can be challenging. Here are some characteristics to keep in mind:
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Composition and Hardness: Real diamonds, whether mined or lab grown, are composed of pure carbon and rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale (a scale thatranks the hardness of minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest)). Simulants like cubic zirconia are softer, usually ranging between 8.5 and 9.
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Light Reflection: Authentic diamonds refract light in a way that creates a unique sparkle. Imitation stones often lack this brilliance.
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Thermal Conductivity: Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat. Tools like thermal conductivity testers can quickly differentiate between real diamonds and simulants.
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Clarity and Inclusions: Genuine lab grown diamonds (especially CVD diamonds) often feature minimal to no inclusions , under magnification. Fake lab grown diamonds or simulants may appear overly perfect.
Tips for Identifying Authentic Lab grown Diamonds
Avoiding diamond frauds requires knowledge and vigilance. Here are some steps to help you spot authentic diamonds:
1. Request Certification
Always ask for a certificate from a reputable gemological institute, such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). This document verifies the authenticity and quality of the diamond.
2. Examine the Stone Under Magnification
Real lab grown diamonds are nearly flawless but may have natural inclusions when viewed under a jeweller’s loupe—a small magnifying glass used by jewellers to examine diamonds. If the diamond appears overly flawless, it could be an imitation.
3. Use Diamond Scanning Technology
Diamond scanning machines analyse the stone’s internal structure to determine its authenticity. Genuine diamonds will have specific growth patterns that differ from simulants.
4. Perform a Fog Test
Breathe on the diamond and observe how quickly the fog clears. Genuine diamonds disperse heat quickly, so the fog should disappear almost instantly. A diamond fake may retain fog for a longer period.
5. Ask for Thermal and Light Tests
Reputable sellers often use advanced tools to check diamonds’ thermal conductivity and light refraction. These tests can easily distinguish a real lab grown diamond from a simulant.
6. UV Light Testing
Genuine Lab grown diamonds often react differently to UV light. They may show unique fluorescence patterns that help distinguish them from imitation diamonds (the fluorescence can vary depending on the growth process and type of diamond).
Common Red Flags in Diamond Scams
Unethical sellers use various tricks to deceive buyers. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
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Suspiciously Low Prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic lab grown diamonds are affordable but not dirt cheap.
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Lack of Certification: A reputable seller will always provide diamond documentation.
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Pushy Sales Tactics: Scammers often pressure buyers into making quick decisions.
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Unrealistic Claims: Be cautious if a seller claims their diamonds are flawless or perfect, , especially if they are unwilling to provide supporting documentation or justification.
Why Buying from Reputable Sellers Matters?
Purchasing lab grown diamonds from trusted jewellers is one of the best ways to avoid diamond frauds. Established sellers offer:
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Authenticity Guarantees: Brands like Limelight provide certifications from recognised institutions (such as IGI, SGL, etc.), enabling customers to have an assured purchase.
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Transparent Policies: Reputable stores thoroughly explain their products and answer all your questions.
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Return and Exchange Options: They often allow returns or exchange if the buyer is dissatisfied or discovers discrepancies. All Limelight Diamonds stores offer an impressive 100% exchange and 80% buyback.
How to Protect Yourself from Diamond Frauds?
Being an informed buyer is the best defense against diamond fake products. Follow these tips to safeguard your investment, along with practical examples to make the process easier and more relatable:
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Do Your Research: Learn about the properties of lab grown diamonds and how they differ from simulants. For example, if you’re considering buying an engagement ring with a lab grown diamond, familiarise yourself with key characteristics (primarily the 4cs). Compare these to common simulants like cubic zirconia, which are less durable and far less valuable.
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Shop Smart: Only buy diamonds from reputable jewellers with good customer reviews. For instance, if you’re browsing online, check for certifications such as IGI (International Gemological Institute), SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories)or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) on the Brand’s website.
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Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the diamond’s origin, quality, and certification. For example, ask the jeweller, “Is this diamond certified as lab grown, and can you show me the certificate?” A genuine seller will provide transparent answers and show you official documentation.
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Seek Expert Opinions: Consult a gemologist or diamond expert if unsure about a purchase. For example, before spending a significant amount on a diamond necklace, consider taking the stone to a gemologist for verification. They can use tools like diamond scanning machines to confirm the stone’s authenticity and ensure it matches its certification.
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Use a Trusted Payment Method: Avoid cash payments; use a method that offers buyer protection. For instance, paying with a credit card through a secure platform ensures you can dispute the transaction if the seller is fraudulent. This is especially important for online purchases, where scams can occur.
By following these steps and staying informed, you can protect yourself from diamond frauds and confidently invest in a genuine lab grown diamond that matches your expectations.
Conclusion
Understanding the key differences between real and fake lab grown diamonds allows you to make confident decisions while purchasing diamonds. Whether buying a diamond for a special occasion or as an investment, always prioritise quality and authenticity to avoid diamond frauds.
FAQs
How can I confirm if my lab grown diamond is real?
You can confirm a lab grown diamond’s authenticity by requesting a certificate from a recognised gemological institute and using diamond scanning or thermal testing tools.
2. What are the most common diamond scams?
Common diamond scams include selling cubic zirconia as lab grown diamonds, providing fake certificates, and misrepresenting low-quality stones as premium diamonds.
3. Can fake lab grown diamonds be detected easily?
Yes, you can easily detect fake lab grown diamonds with the right tools, such as thermal conductivity testers and diamond scanning devices.