diamonds · Lab-Grown Diamonds ·

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?

At Espling Jewelers, we believe that understanding your diamond — whether natural or lab-grown — is an essential part of choosing a piece that feels truly yours. When shopping for a diamond, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“How do I know it’s real?”

This question becomes even more important when lab-grown diamonds are in the mix. While both lab-grown and natural diamonds are “real” in the sense that they are made of carbon with the same crystal structure, there are meaningful differences in how they’re identified, valued, and cherished for generations.

So, Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?

Yes, in most cases.

Lab-grown diamonds share the same:

  • Carbon crystal structure

  • Hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)

  • Thermal conductivity

Because of this, standard diamond testers — which measure how heat moves through the stone — will usually read a lab-grown diamond as real.

However, the technology has evolved. GIA and other gemological leaders now offer advanced retail diamond testers that can differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds. These tools look beyond the basic thermal and electrical conductivity tests to detect subtle growth patterns and trace elements unique to lab-grown stones.

How Diamond Testers Work

Diamond testers generally fall into three categories:

  1. Thermal Conductivity Testers

    • The most common. Diamonds disperse heat far faster than simulants like cubic zirconia, which is why this test is reliable for identifying a diamond vs. a fake.

  2. Electrical Conductivity Testers

    • Often combined with thermal testing to avoid confusion with stones like moissanite, which can mimic diamond-like heat flow.

  3. Advanced Spectroscopy-Based Testers

    • Now available from GIA and other high-tech manufacturers, these testers go a step further. They can identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, something standard devices cannot do.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What’s the Real Difference?

While both are made of carbon, natural diamonds form over billions of years deep in the earth, making them rare, unique, and highly prized for their history and enduring value. Lab-grown diamonds, though beautiful, are created in weeks using controlled technology.

  • Value retention: Natural diamonds generally hold or increase their value over time, while lab-grown diamonds tend to depreciate quickly as production technology advances.

  • Rarity: Every natural diamond is a one-of-a-kind piece of earth’s history — something lab-grown stones simply can’t replicate.

  • Certification: Both types can be certified by institutions like GIA or IGI, but a certificate on a natural diamond adds both heritage and assurance of its natural origin.

Why Certification Still Matters

A diamond tester — no matter how advanced — is only part of the story. Certification is the gold standard for knowing exactly what you’re buying.

A GIA or IGI report tells you:

  • The diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat (4Cs)

  • Its growth method (natural or lab-grown)

  • Unique identifying features and measurements

This ensures you have the full story of your diamond — crucial for insurance, resale, or simply appreciating what makes your stone unique.

Espling Jewelers’ Approach to Diamond Education

At Espling Jewelers, we don’t just hand you a tester — we walk you through what makes each diamond special, whether you’re comparing natural or lab-grown.

  • We use professional-grade testing equipment (including advanced tools) to verify authenticity and origin.

  • We emphasize education over trends, ensuring you understand both the brilliance and long-term value of natural diamonds.

  • We’ll guide you through every grading report and help you make a decision that fits your budget, values, and style.

Should You Choose Lab-Grown or Natural?

While lab-grown diamonds can offer more size for the price, natural diamonds carry a timeless value, rarity, and story that no lab can replicate. For many couples, this makes a natural diamond the ultimate symbol of love and legacy.

Visit Espling Jewelers

Whether you want to see how diamond testers work, compare natural and lab-grown stones, or learn which diamond is best for your investment, we’re here to help.

Visit us in Mandarin or Jacksonville Beach to experience a hands-on consultation with our friendly team. We’ll help you read certifications, understand testing results, and select a diamond that you’ll treasure for life.

Because every diamond deserves a story — and yours begins with trust.

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