Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Updates and Identification

Diamonds are made of tetrahedrally-bonded carbon atoms that give them the highest hardness, molar density and sound propagation velocity of any natural material on Earth. These unique properties make them significant in the technology sector, but also produce the beauty and rarity that make them among the most sought-after gems.

The demand for such a versatile and valuable material has led to rapid advancements in diamond growth technology in the last decade. GIA senior research scientist, Mike Breeding, PhD, delves into HPHT and CVD diamond growth processes and how UV fluorescence patterns, phosphorescence reactions, and diamond inclusions are among the many clues that help researchers separate natural from laboratory-grown diamonds.