The Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds

To the naked eye, lab grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable. Only gemologists can detect the following minor differences using specialized, high magnification equipment:

• Internal Growth Patterns: lab diamonds may exhibit growth patterns that slightly differ from the octahedral growth pattern in natural diamonds.
• Inclusions: Natural diamonds often contain inclusions from natural minerals, while lab diamonds may contain metallic inclusions or other markers related to the HPHT or CVD growth process.
• Laser Inscription: Most lab diamonds are inscribed on the girdle with a microscopic mark indicating their lab origin.