Lab-grown diamonds have grown in popularity in recent years because they look just like natural diamonds, but at a more affordable cost. However, it is essential to be able to tell a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake, so you don't get taken in when buying jewelry.
Maison Laveran sources exclusively from carefully selected lab-grown diamond suppliers, so it can offer you authentic, high-quality jewelry while respecting the environment.
Come and discover our beautiful lab-grown diamonds
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Also known as a CVD, HPHT or lab-created diamond, a lab-grown diamond is made entirely in a laboratory, unlike a natural diamond. Yet it is strictly identical to a natural diamond. They have the same visual, physical and chemical properties. A lab-grown diamond is considered a "real diamond" and is made of pure carbon.
A lab-grown diamond can be grown using two very different processes: CVD (chemical vapor deposition) and the HPHT technique (high pressure, high temperature).
Why choose a lab-grown diamond?
Besides costing up to half as much as a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond has a smaller impact on the environment. The environment is one of the greatest concerns of Maison Laveran, which specializes in designing bespoke lab-grown diamond jewelry.
By choosing to give or wear a piece of lab-grown diamond jewelry, you are opting for:
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A responsible, ethical choice (traceability, production that does no harm to workers or the environment, unlike natural diamonds).
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A quality choice: with its intrinsic hardness and brilliance, the lab-grown diamond wins over many buyers.
The lab-grown diamond has become an increasingly safe investment.
What is a fake diamond?
A fake diamond, or "diamond simulant," is a stone whose characteristics and properties differ from those of a natural diamond, unlike a lab-grown diamond. Various natural or man-made crystals can be used to imitate this gem (moissanite, cubic zirconia, white sapphire and garnet).
To the naked eye, simulants can be mistaken for real diamonds.
The different methods for identifying lab-grown diamonds
Visual inspection of a lab-grown diamond
You may be able to recognize a lab-grown diamond as early as the visual inspection stage.
The optical characteristics of lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds generally look flawless, with no imperfections or inclusions visible to the naked eye. However, some may show more pronounced color dispersion.
Under a loupe or microscope, a lab-grown diamond may reveal small flaws and a few inclusions, which is often not the case with fake diamonds.
Telltale signs that identify a lab-grown diamond
To tell a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake, check the following 4 grading criteria:
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A genuine lab-grown diamond should be as clear as possible.
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Its color should range from white to yellow.
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Its carat weight should match what is advertised.
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It should have a good-quality cut so that it reflects light better.
The characteristics of lab-grown diamonds make them captivating in their own way, and radiant with light. The 4Cs are the same for natural and lab-grown diamonds. They are the factors that determine a diamond's overall value and quality, while also setting it apart from fakes.
Using specialized measuring instruments to recognize a genuine lab-grown diamond
Visual inspection can be misleading, which is why specialized measuring instruments are useful for telling a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake.
Raman spectroscopy to detect lab-grown diamonds
Made up of one or more laser sources, a spectrometer and an optical microscope, a Raman spectroscope can determine the nature of the stone, any treatments it has undergone and the type of resin or polymer used. Raman spectroscopy is the best technique for recognizing lab-grown diamonds.
X-rays to tell a real diamond from a fake
Test the stone in an X-ray machine: a genuine lab-grown diamond does not show up because of its radiotransparent molecular structure. Other materials, such as crystal or cubic zirconia, have a radiopaque structure.
Other technologies for detecting lab-grown diamonds
Other technologies also exist for detecting lab-grown diamonds: De Beers' three detection systems — DiamondPlus, DiamondView and DiamondSure — Automated Spectral Diamond Inspection (ASDI), ultraviolet light…
Simple tests to tell a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake
Since not everyone has access to the specialized instruments and technologies that can tell a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake, a few practical tests can be carried out.
The fog test
Breathe warm air onto the stone in your jewelry: if the fog lingers too long, you are dealing with a fake diamond. Because a real diamond (natural or lab-grown) disperses heat, it cannot stay fogged for long.
The sandpaper test
Rub sandpaper against your stone: if it gets damaged, you have a fake diamond.
The glass of water test
Drop your stone into a glass full of water: if it floats, you have a fake diamond. Because of its high density, a lab-grown diamond should sink straight to the bottom of a glass of water.
The black dot test
Draw a dot with a black pen on a sheet of paper. Place the stone on the black dot: if you can see the dot and a circular reflection appears, you do not have a real diamond. If you have a genuine lab-grown diamond, the reflection spreads out until it becomes almost imperceptible.
However, this test does not work with lab-created rutile, cubic zirconia, fabulite and certain doublets.
The acid or alcohol wash test
Some dishonest dealers color their stones with lacquers or blue coatings to change their color or to disguise diamonds with a dull or brownish tint. An acid or alcohol wash can remove this disguise.
Other telltale signs of lab-grown diamonds
Laboratory certificates for lab-grown diamonds
These certificates are drawn up and issued by independent gemological laboratories to distinguish genuine gemstones from fakes. Genuine lab-grown diamonds should come with a certificate from a recognized laboratory.
The main gemstone certification laboratories are:
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The Diamond High Council (HRD).
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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
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And the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
The certificate number of Maison Laveran's lab-grown diamonds is laser-inscribed directly on the stone, ensuring their traceability.
Enjoy the diamond experience in our showroom
The price of a lab-grown diamond
A lab-grown diamond can cost 30% less than a natural diamond. However, a price that is too low should raise suspicion that it may be a simulant.
Buying genuine lab-grown diamond jewelry with confidence: our advice
To avoid any fraud or scam involving lab-grown diamonds, take the time to look into a few points before making your purchase.
Research the seller
It is essential to research the seller to avoid ending up with a fake diamond. Choose reputable, trustworthy jewelers, and ask for references if necessary.
Buying a lab-grown diamond from Maison Laveran guarantees you authenticity, as well as a low, direct-from-production price.
Examine the lab-grown diamond's guarantees and certificates
Check the laboratory certificates that come with the diamond to confirm its authenticity. Looking for a laser inscription on the surface of the stone should authenticate a lab-grown diamond.
Ask a gemologist for an opinion on the lab-grown diamond
Calling on a gemologist can be a wise move to tell a genuine lab-grown diamond from a simulant. An expert can examine the diamond thoroughly using specialized tools and techniques to determine whether it is real or fake.
In conclusion
Telling a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake can be a challenge, but several methods exist to help you do it. Visual inspection, specialized measuring instruments such as Raman spectroscopy or X-rays, and simple tests such as the fog test or the glass of water test can all help distinguish lab-grown diamonds from simulants. In addition, laboratory certificates issued by reputable institutions and the diamond's price can also give clues about its authenticity.
When buying lab-grown diamond jewelry, it is important to research the seller, examine the guarantees and certificates, and consult a gemologist if necessary. By following this advice, you can make a safe purchase and enjoy the benefits of an authentic, high-quality lab-grown diamond, making it an unforgettable gift that marks your love story forever.
Discover now the beautiful lab-grown diamond jewelry offered by Maison Laveran, and enjoy an unforgettable diamond experience.
