Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?

Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester? The short answer: yes—but with important caveats.

A diamond tester can confirm if a stone is a diamond, but it won’t reveal whether it was mined from the earth or created in a lab. That’s where things get complicated—and why jewelry retailers need to understand the limits of diamond testing.

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, meaning they share the same thermal and, in most cases, electrical properties. Because of this, standard thermal diamond testers will detect lab-grown diamonds as diamonds.

However, not all diamond testers work on lab grown diamonds the same way. Some electrical conductivity testers may give false negatives on HPHT lab-grown diamonds containing boron, as these conduct electricity like certain natural blue diamonds. 

To accurately distinguish lab-grown from natural diamonds, jewelers rely on UV fluorescence, photoluminescence, or spectroscopy—advanced techniques used in gemological labs.

For jewelers, wholesalers, and retailers, misidentifying a stone can mean mispricing a product, losing customer trust, or failing to meet transparency standards.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explain how do diamond testers work, which testers are best for lab-grown diamonds, and what additional verification methods you need to be 100% certain.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Understanding How They Are Tested

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, created through High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. 

They share identical chemical, physical, and optical properties with mined diamonds, making them indistinguishable without advanced testing.

As lab-grown diamonds become more common in jewelry stores, having the right diamond tester is essential. But do diamond testers work on lab grown diamonds? Absolutely—but the nuances matter. 

At Noble Gift Packaging, we offer high-quality diamond testers and lab grown diamond testers designed for both retail and professional use, ensuring jewelers and wholesalers can accurately distinguish lab-grown and natural diamonds. Let’s break it down.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? How Diamond Testers Work

A diamond tester is a handheld device designed to determine whether a gemstone is a real diamond. 

However, not all diamond testers work the same way, and their effectiveness depends on the type of diamond being tested.

Thermal Conductivity Testers (Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass This Test)

How do diamond testers work? The most common type measures thermal conductivity—how fast heat moves through a stone. 

Since both natural and lab-grown diamonds have high thermal conductivity, they will typically register as diamonds on this test.

However, moissanite—a popular diamond simulant made of silicon carbide—also has high thermal conductivity, which means it can register as a diamond on a thermal tester. 

Does moissanite pass a diamond tester? Yes, it often does, making thermal testers unreliable for distinguishing moissanite from both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Electrical Conductivity Testers (When Lab-Grown Diamonds Might Fail)

Most diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, which detects lab-grown diamonds as diamonds but does not distinguish them from natural diamonds. However, some testers rely on electrical conductivity instead of heat.

Natural diamonds are poor conductors of electricity, but certain HPHT lab-grown diamonds contain boron, making them electrically conductive like natural blue diamonds.

This can cause false negatives on electrical testers, making multi-mode testers—which measure both thermal and electrical properties—a more reliable option for jewelers.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? How to Identify Lab vs. Natural Diamonds

Basic diamond testers can confirm if a stone is a diamond, but do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester that differentiates them from natural diamonds? That requires more advanced methods.

Can a Jeweler Tell the Difference?

Even with years of experience, jewelers cannot tell lab-grown and natural diamonds apart by sight alone. Both diamonds exhibit the same brilliance, hardness, and dispersion of light, making them indistinguishable without specialized tools.

However, jewelers who closely examine the imperfections within a diamond may notice subtle differences:

• Natural diamonds often have inclusions like minerals, clouds, or feathers, formed over millions of years.

• Lab-grown diamonds may contain metallic inclusions (HPHT diamonds) or layered growth patterns (CVD diamonds), depending on their manufacturing process.

While inclusions offer clues, they are not a foolproof way to determine a diamond’s origin—especially in high-clarity stones. This is why professional testing methods are required.

Advanced Lab Tests for Diamond Origin Identification

Lab-grown diamonds can be identified using spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence testing, which examine atomic structure differences between natural and lab-grown stones.

To accurately confirm whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, gemological laboratories use highly specialized scientific tests. The most common include:

• Spectroscopy – Analyzes the diamond’s interaction with light to detect trace elements unique to lab-grown or natural diamonds.

• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) – Examines the diamond’s crystal structure, revealing subtle growth patterns that indicate whether it was mined or lab-created.

• Photoluminescence Testing – Uses laser light to stimulate the diamond and observe fluorescence patterns that differ between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

These tests are extremely precise and are conducted by gemological institutions such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute).

The Role of UV Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, and Spectroscopy

Many lab-grown diamonds exhibit unique fluorescence and phosphorescence under UV light—providing another method for differentiation.

• Natural diamonds typically fluoresce blue under UV light and stop glowing immediately after the UV source is removed.

• HPHT lab-grown diamonds may fluoresce yellow, green, or even orange due to trace elements like boron or nitrogen.

• CVD lab-grown diamonds often display uneven fluorescence patterns or a weak afterglow (phosphorescence).

While UV fluorescence alone cannot confirm a diamond’s origin, it serves as a useful indicator when combined with spectroscopy and photoluminescence tests.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Understanding Their Rise in Popularity

Ethical and Environmental Benefits

For many modern buyers, the ethics of diamond sourcing matter more than ever. Mined diamonds come with concerns about conflict financing, unsafe labor conditions, and environmental damage caused by large-scale mining operations.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free, sustainable, and have a significantly lower environmental impact. They require less energy, produce fewer carbon emissions, and don’t involve land destruction or water pollution.

Additionally, some lab-grown diamond manufacturers use renewable energy sources to further minimize their footprint, making them an even greener choice.

For jewelers and retailers, stocking lab-grown diamonds aligns with shifting consumer values while ensuring transparency and ethical responsibility.

Market Trends: Why Consumers Are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds

Beyond ethics, consumer demand for lab-grown diamonds is skyrocketing—and it’s not just about sustainability.

• Price-conscious buyers appreciate that lab-grown diamonds cost 30-50% less than mined diamonds without sacrificing quality.

• Millennials and Gen Z shoppers, who prioritize sustainability, actively seek lab-grown options.

• The luxury market is evolving, with major brands and designers incorporating lab-grown diamonds into high-end collections.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Choosing the Right Tester for Your Jewelry Store

Key Features to Look for in a Lab-Grown Diamond Tester

• Multi-mode testing (thermal & electrical conductivity)

• Ability to detect moissanite

• High accuracy for lab-grown diamond verification

Top Diamond Testers Available at Noble Gift Packaging

At Noble Gift Packaging, we provide high-quality, reliable diamond testers and lab-grown diamond testers designed to help jewelers, retailers, and wholesalers accurately verify both lab-grown and natural diamonds. 

Our selection includes multi-mode testers that measure thermal and electrical conductivity, ensuring you can confidently distinguish between diamonds, moissanite, and simulants.

Whether you need a compact handheld tester for quick in-store checks or a more advanced model with fluorescence detection, Noble Gift Packaging offers industry-leading tools to protect your business from misidentification and build customer trust.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Why Testing Alone Isn’t Enough

Even with high-quality diamond testers, the most definitive way to confirm a diamond’s origin is through professional certification. While testers can verify if a stone is a real diamond, they cannot always determine if it is lab-grown or natural with 100% certainty.

GIA, IGI, and GCAL Reports Explained

Leading gemological labs like GIA, IGI, and GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab) provide detailed grading reports that verify a diamond’s authenticity, growth origin, and quality. These reports include assessments of a diamond’s cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and any unique characteristics.

For jewelers and retailers, these certifications complement testing tools, ensuring that customers receive accurately identified stones with full transparency.

How Certification Affects Resale Value and Trust

Certified diamonds typically hold higher resale value because they come with official documentation that verifies their origin and quality. In the jewelry market, consumers are more likely to trust and purchase certified diamonds, as these reports provide assurance that the stone is exactly as advertised.

For retailers selling lab-grown diamonds, certification offers an added layer of credibility, making it easier to build trust, justify pricing, and meet customer expectations.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Key Selling Tips for Jewelry Retailers

Educating Customers on Lab-Grown Diamonds and Testing Methods

With lab-grown diamonds becoming more mainstream, many customers still have questions about their authenticity and how they compare to natural diamonds. Retailers should be proactive in educating buyers about:

• How lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds.

• How diamond testers work and why multiple testing methods (thermal, electrical, and spectroscopy) provide the best verification.

• The importance of certification from GIA, IGI, or GCAL to confirm a diamond’s origin and quality.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Using a Diamond Tester

Even the best diamond testers can give inaccurate readings if they are not used correctly. Retailers should take these precautions to ensure reliable results:

• Calibrate the tester properly – Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recalibrate as needed.

• Ensure the stone is clean and dry – Oils, dirt, and moisture can affect thermal conductivity readings.

• Use a multi-mode tester for more accuracy – Relying only on thermal conductivity can lead to misidentifications, especially with moissanite.

• Test multiple areas of the stone – Inclusions, coatings, or irregularities can sometimes cause inconsistent results if only one spot is tested.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Best Practices for Storage and Presentation

Choosing the Right Jewelry Display Cases for Lab-Grown Diamonds

The way a lab-grown diamond is presented plays a crucial role in its perceived value and desirability. Displaying diamonds in elegant, well-lit displays enhances their brilliance and captures customer interest.

When selecting a jewelry display case, consider:

• Lighting: LED or natural light enhances diamond sparkle and visibility.

• Security: Lockable cases provide protection for high-value pieces.

• Material & Aesthetic: Velvet, glass, and wood displays create a luxurious look that appeals to high-end buyers.

• Spacing & Organization: Proper spacing prevents overcrowding, making each diamond stand out.

A well-curated display case not only boosts customer perception but also increases the likelihood of a sale.

How Noble Gift Packaging Can Enhance Your Jewelry Presentation

At Noble Gift Packaging, we offer premium jewelry boxes, displays, and custom packaging designed to elevate your brand’s look and create a luxury shopping experience.

• Custom jewelry boxes with logo imprinting help brands stand out and enhance perceived exclusivity.

• High-quality velvet and leatherette display cases add a sophisticated touch to any showroom.

• Elegant packaging solutions, including gift bags and pouches, make the unboxing experience special for customers.

By investing in well-crafted displays and premium packaging, retailers can enhance their store’s visual appeal, reinforce branding, and increase customer engagement.

FAQs: Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester​?

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester for Every Type of Test?

The answer to can diamond testers test lab diamonds is yes—but accuracy depends on the type of tester used. Standard thermal testers confirm them as diamonds, but electrical conductivity and fluorescence tests provide additional insights to determine if they are lab-grown.

How Can I Be Sure a Diamond Is Lab-Grown or Natural?

The best way is to use spectroscopy, fluorescence testing, or certification from GIA or IGI.

Are Diamond Testers Accurate? 

Yes, diamond testers are accurate, but results vary by type. Thermal testers can mistake moissanite for diamonds, while electrical testers may misread some lab-grown diamonds. Multi-mode testers offer the best accuracy.

What’s the Best Diamond Tester for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

A multi-mode diamond tester that checks thermal and electrical conductivity is the most accurate.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds a Good Investment for Jewelry Retailers?

Yes! They offer higher margins, increasing profitability.

What Packaging Options Are Available for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry?

Noble Gift Packaging offers a range of custom jewelry boxes, display cases, and luxury packaging solutions designed to enhance presentation and branding. 

Retailers can choose from velvet-lined ring boxes, high-end wooden displays, branded pouches, and elegant gift bags to create a premium unboxing experience. 

Custom logo imprinting is also available for a professional and personalized touch.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester? Find the Right Tools at Noble Gift Packaging

Find Reliable Lab-Grown Diamond Testers for Your Store

Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester? Yes, but using the right tools is essential for accurate verification. Noble Gift Packaging offers advanced lab-grown diamond testers designed to help jewelry retailers confidently distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

High-Quality Jewelry Displays, Boxes, and Packaging Solutions

Upgrade your jewelry presentation with luxury packaging options that complement high-value diamonds.

Custom Branding to Enhance Your Lab-Grown Diamond Collection

Personalized packaging enhances your brand’s image and professionalism, ensuring your lab-grown diamond jewelry stands out.

Order from Noble Gift Packaging for Wholesale Jewelry Supplies Today

Shop diamond testers and jewelry packaging solutions at Noble Gift Packaging today to get the best tools for your business!