Diamond Authenticity : How to Verify Your Diamond without Any Expensive Tools
In today’s market, many jewellers, jewellery designers, and retailers offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds. This variety can understandably raise concerns about the authenticity of diamonds for consumers. Differentiating between these two types of diamonds is crucial, as their values and characteristics can vary significantly. With both options available, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting what you pay for and to protect yourself from potential misrepresentation. By understanding how to verify a diamond’s authenticity, you can make an informed decision and safeguard against any possible deception.
1) Check Certification
One of the most reliable methods to verify a diamond’s authenticity is by checking its certification. Reputable diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, come with a certificate from a recognised gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI). This certificate provides detailed information about the diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, and the location and types of inclusions or blemishes. For lab-grown diamonds, the certificate will explicitly state their synthetic nature (HPHT or CVD). This document assures you of the diamond’s specifications, quality, and origin.
2) Request Valuation from an Independent Valuer
For added confidence, consider obtaining a valuation from an independent gemmologist or certified appraiser. The National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) is a reputable organisation in Australia that accredits professional valuers. An NCJV valuer can provide an impartial assessment of the diamond’s authenticity and value, confirming whether it is natural or lab-grown. Their expert evaluation ensures that the diamond matches the certification details and helps avoid any discrepancies. This step is particularly important for high-value purchases or when certification information is unclear.
3) Look for Laser Inscription
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds can feature laser inscriptions. These inscriptions are often located on the diamond’s girdle and may indicate specific details, including the certificate or report number. It’s crucial to match the laser inscription on the diamond to the report number on the certification during collection. Never agree to purchase a diamond without verifying that it comes with a valid certificate. This ensures you’re getting exactly what you’ve been promised and protects you from potential misrepresentation.
4) Check for Inclusions and Blemishes
Inclusions and blemishes can provide valuable clues about a diamond’s origin. Natural diamonds typically exhibit unique inclusions formed over millions of years. Lab-grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions due to the controlled environment in which they are produced. Compare the inclusions visible in the diamond to those specified on the certificate, which details their location and type. This comparison helps confirm whether the diamond’s characteristics align with the certification and can indicate whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.
5) Consider the Price
Price is a significant factor when verifying a diamond’s authenticity. On average, lab-grown diamonds are approximately one-third the price of natural diamonds of similar size, quality, and specifications. This price difference is due to the more controlled and less resource-intensive production process of lab-grown diamonds. If you encounter a diamond or diamond jewellery priced significantly lower than market rates for natural diamonds, it could indicate either a lower quality diamond or that it is lab-grown. While a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean the diamond is inferior, it’s essential to consider this factor alongside other verification methods.
Unfortunately, dishonest sellers may misrepresent their products. By following these verification tips, you can protect yourself from deception and ensure that you’re making a sound investment / purchase. If you have any questions or need assistance in verifying the authenticity of a diamond, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are here to help you make informed choices and find the perfect diamond for your needs.