Lab-grown (Synthetic) diamonds are here to stay and will only become more widespread in the retail jewelry market.  These lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamond and will fool pretty much every conventional diamond testing method.

A lab-grown diamond is not an imitation or fake. A Lab-grown diamond is made of the same material as a natural earth diamond, with the same physical properties and crystal structure. It  has the same hardness, the same refractive index, and many of the same visible features.  A Lab-grown diamond is a diamond produced inside of a factory instead of deep in the earth over millions of years ago.

Specialized Knowledge and Testing Technology

Lab-grown diamonds are beautiful, the colorless, high clarity material being made is identical to the best quality natural diamonds and is currently about half the cost.. While the lab growth process may occasionally leave some microscopic indications that the diamond is man-made, , often without specialized knowledge, gemologists are challenged to identify it as a synthetic without removing the diamond or sending it to GIA or AGS for a grading report.   The Jewelry Judge stays current with the technology and identification procedures.

“As an appraiser I do not debate the merits of lab-grown versus natural earth mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are here to stay, and the mass production of factory lab-grown diamonds is changing the jewelry industry.”

When comparing precious gemstones for purchase it’s always recommended to get an unbiased and independent opinion. Many jewelers will hold a credit card in exchange for a 24 hour examination period of gemstones or jewelry. The Jewelry Judge specializes in consulting before an important purchase is made. Come see the Jewelry Judge before you commit to a purchase.

Book Appointment On-Line or Call 713-961-1432