Can A Jeweler Tell If A Stone Is Lab Created?
When shopping for exquisite diamond jewelry, many customers wonder about the differences between natural and lab-created stones. At Robinson's Jewelers, we frequently encounter this question from clients selecting engagement rings or special occasion pieces. The truth is, modern lab-created stones have become incredibly sophisticated, often requiring specialized equipment to distinguish them from their natural counterparts. This doesn't mean jewelers can't identify them - it just means the process has become more nuanced than ever before.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how professionals assess gemstones, what tools they use, and why both natural and lab-created stones have their unique advantages. Whether you're considering a stunning halo ring with lab diamonds or a natural sapphire pendant, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your values and budget.
The Science Behind Lab-Created Stones
Lab-created stones, also known as synthetic or cultured gems, share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural stones. For example, a lab-grown diamond is chemically identical to a mined diamond - both are pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal structure. The primary difference lies in their origin: one forms over billions of years deep within the Earth, while the other grows in controlled laboratory conditions over weeks or months.
Advanced technologies like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) allow scientists to recreate the conditions under which diamonds form naturally. The result is gem-quality stones that can rival natural gems in beauty and durability. These same processes can create other popular gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, offering consumers more options than ever before.
How Jewelers Identify Lab-Created Stones
Professional jewelers use several methods to distinguish between natural and lab-created stones. While some differences might be visible under magnification, most require specialized equipment:
1. Microscopic Examination: Under high magnification (10x or more), jewelers look for inclusions and growth patterns. Natural stones often contain unique inclusions from their formation process, while lab-created stones may show different growth patterns or metallic flux inclusions.
2. Advanced Spectroscopy: Instruments like Raman spectrometers analyze the stone's atomic structure and light absorption properties to detect telltale signs of lab creation.
3. UV Fluorescence: Some lab-created diamonds exhibit different fluorescence patterns than natural diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet light.
4. Polariscope Testing: This tool helps identify strain patterns in crystals, which often differ between natural and lab-created stones.
5. Magnetic Testing: Some HPHT-grown diamonds may show magnetic properties due to metallic flux used in their creation.
The Importance of Certification
Whether you choose a natural or lab-created stone, certification from reputable gemological laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) provides assurance about your stone's characteristics. These certificates will clearly state whether a stone is natural or lab-created, along with detailed information about its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
At Robinson's Jewelers, we recommend certified stones for significant purchases like engagement rings or anniversary bands. This documentation not only verifies the stone's origin but also serves as an important record for insurance purposes and future valuations.
Ethical and Budget Considerations
Many customers choose lab-created stones for ethical reasons or budget considerations. Lab-grown gems typically cost 30-40% less than their natural counterparts, allowing you to get a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget. They're also an excellent choice for stackable rings or tennis bracelets where multiple stones are required.
Natural stones hold their unique appeal as products of geological wonder, with each stone telling a billion-year-old story. They're often chosen for heirloom pieces like eternity bands or pearl necklaces that families pass down through generations.
Caring for Your Gemstones
Whether natural or lab-created, proper care ensures your jewelry maintains its beauty for years to come. Regular cleaning with mild soap and warm water works for most stones, though opals and pearls require special care. Store pieces separately to prevent scratches, and consider professional cleaning and inspection every six months, especially for frequently worn items like wedding bands or hoop earrings.
At Robinson's Jewelers, our gemologists are happy to examine your stones and answer any questions about their origin and care. Visit our jewelry collection to explore both natural and lab-created options, each offering their unique beauty and value.