LAB GROWN DIAMOND INFORMATION
True or False?
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds have essentially the same
physical and chemical characteristics.
Lab grown diamonds are easily detectable to the naked eye.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, a retailer may refer to a lab grown diamond as a “diamond” to a consumer.
How did you do?
Lab grown diamonds are a hot topic in the jewelry industry, getting lots of attention from consumers and causing some confusion. As an American Gem Society store, committed to consumer protection, David Gardner’s Jewelers wants to bring some clarity to the misinformation.
The word “diamond” alone always refers to a natural diamond that comes from the earth; you may also refer to a natural diamond as “real, genuine or precious.”
A lab grown diamond may be referred to as lab grown diamond, lab created diamond or synthetic diamond.
Lab grown diamonds have essentially the same physical and chemical characteristics as natural diamonds, therefore making them nearly impossible to detect to the naked eye. Because they are not easily detected, they pose potential risks for consumers, unintentionally purchasing lab grown diamonds presented as natural diamonds. Within the wholesale and retail jewelry community, there is already misrepresentation and non-disclosure and we want to help protect you.
The majority of consumers (68%) believe that a lab grown diamond is not real, and therefore there is a need to be protected.
After extensive research, we have purchased a Sherlock Holmes 2.0 Lab Grown Diamond Detector. Moving forward, all diamonds in our store are being tested, even small diamonds, known as melee. We have three American Gem Society (AGS) Certified Gemologists on staff, including two Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Graduate Gemologists, and two members of our staff that have completed the GIA Graduate Diamonds Program.
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
Can David Gardner’s detect the difference between a lab grown diamond and a NATURAL diamond?
Yes, with the Sherlock Holmes 2.0, we can detect the difference in loose diamonds and jewelry.
If I bring in a ring that I purchased elsewhere, can you test it for lab grown diamonds?
Yes!
Is it unethical for a jewelry store to sell lab grown diamonds?
It is unethical for a retailer to sell a lab grown diamond as a natural diamond. As long as the consumer is fully informed about what they are purchasing, it is ethical. In fact, David Gardner’s will sell lab grown diamonds upon request with full disclosure to the customer.
What is the definition of a diamond?
In January 2018, nine leading international diamond and jewelry organizations agreed upon a universal definition. Their goal was to help consumers avoid confusion given the proliferation of market terms, like “cultured”, “laboratory-grown”, “created”, “cultivated”, “synthetic”, “simulated”, or “man-made”. These products, by definition, are not diamonds.
Definition: a diamond is a mineral created by nature; the term “diamond” always means a natural diamond.
Could a retailer unknowingly purchase undisclosed lab grown diamonds from a wholesaler?
Yes, and that is why David Gardner’s purchased the diamond detector, and tests every diamond that comes through our store.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, lab grown diamonds are a part of the market as a consumer choice. At DG’s, we recognize that the risk is that they are very difficult to detect. We stand on our knowledge and experience to offer you the opportunity for trust and protection. We are committed to education and professional integrity represented by AGS; a designation that only the top 5% of jewelry stores in the U.S. are awarded. When shopping for something as rare and precious as jewelry, you want to feel confident about your purchase, and that’s why we are here to help. If you have more questions, feel free to come in and see us or give us a call at 979.268.0800.
Credit: Tiffany Stevens, President and CEO of Jewelers Vigilance Committee
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee was established to educate and protect all levels of the jewelry industry.
