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IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The International Gemological Institute has a new screening method for telling lab-grown fancy- colored diamonds from natural ones.
New York—The International Gemological Institute has announced a new technology for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds.
Screening devices for colorless natural and lab-grown diamonds, like the lab’s “IGI D-check,” commonly are based on photo luminescence. The machine captures the signature fluorescence and phosphorescence exhibited by a diamond under ultraviolet light of a shorter wavelength to determine the source of creation.
This type of screening is not suitable for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, as these stones are often treated with irradiation, heat, pressure, or a combination of all three, which alters the fluorescence and phosphorescence.
After extensive study, IGI established a common set of procedures for each color category.
The new type of screening can distinguish between natural and lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, and it uses advanced techniques like fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, along with magnification.
“IGI uses the latest technology to ensure that each diamond is graded accurately and identified correctly as natural, or lab grown,” IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer said.
“With lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds gaining momentum and the differential pricing being substantial, it’s imperative that the screening is done by a reputed laboratory like IGI.”
IGI can identify lab-grown and natural fancy-colored diamonds loose, in parcels, or mounted in jewelry.
Printer added, “We had a few cases in recent times where there has been a contamination of natural fancy-colored pink diamonds mixed with lab-grown pink diamonds. We strive to ensure that consumers have the right to accurate and authentic information about the diamonds they are purchasing.”
The lab said it has continuously evolved and shared its testing methods and techniques on a global level to ensure every diamond is accurately tested.
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Screening devices for colorless natural and lab-grown diamonds, like the lab’s “IGI D-check,” commonly are based on photo luminescence. The machine captures the signature fluorescence and phosphorescence exhibited by a diamond under ultraviolet light of a shorter wavelength to determine the source of creation.
This type of screening is not suitable for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, as these stones are often treated with irradiation, heat, pressure, or a combination of all three, which alters the fluorescence and phosphorescence.
After extensive study, IGI established a common set of procedures for each color category.
The new type of screening can distinguish between natural and lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, and it uses advanced techniques like fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, along with magnification.
“IGI uses the latest technology to ensure that each diamond is graded accurately and identified correctly as natural, or lab grown,” IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer said.
“With lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds gaining momentum and the differential pricing being substantial, it’s imperative that the screening is done by a reputed laboratory like IGI.”
IGI can identify lab-grown and natural fancy-colored diamonds loose, in parcels, or mounted in jewelry.
Printer added, “We had a few cases in recent times where there has been a contamination of natural fancy-colored pink diamonds mixed with lab-grown pink diamonds. We strive to ensure that consumers have the right to accurate and authentic information about the diamonds they are purchasing.”
The lab said it has continuously evolved and shared its testing methods and techniques on a global level to ensure every diamond is accurately tested.
IGI said it foresaw the increase in demand for lab-grown diamonds in 2008 and was the first global laboratory to include certification for lab-grown diamonds.
“IGI has developed the ‘D-check’ in the interest of transparency and peace of mind for the industry and consumers alike,” said Printer.
“Our commitment to accuracy and transparency in the certification process is reflected in strict adherence and regular calibration of our international standards and testing methods across our worldwide locations. In addition to lab-grown certification services, IGI also provides comprehensive certification for loose diamonds, jewelry, and colored stones.”
To learn more about IGI and its other offerings, visit the lab’s website.
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