Sourcing

Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

Brought to you by

Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

undefined.png

Brought To You By IGI


As symbols of love and commitment, few things are more cherished than diamonds. Natural diamonds are revered as timeless miracles of nature. Lab-grown diamonds are affordable, man-made marvels. Each product has its own separate appeal.  
 
The word “separate” is paramount here: Whether you sell natural diamonds (ND), lab-grown diamonds (LGD), or both, inadvertent mixing by experts can threaten one’s sparkling reputation. 
 
While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, we all must face the growing possibility in our stores. LGD have permeated every major trading center. Small stones find their way into ND melee parcels. Larger stones are traded between consumers online, acquired by pawn shops with no testing, and even are purchased over-the-counter by professionals who are unequipped to detect them. 
 
The Elephants in the Room 
Two issues make this undisclosed mixing a growing danger. The first is confusion about detection. An alarming number of pros continue to mistakenly believe that inexpensive diamond testers will distinguish ND from LGD. Common electronic testers can misidentify HPHT-grown stones as Moissanite (learn why that happens here). Inexperienced jewelers mistakenly believe such basic testers will identify all lab-grown stones the same way. Which is patently false. Thermal testers make no distinction whatsoever and electronic testers frequently conclude ND and LGD are identical. These instruments are not useful and can be damaging to one’s reputation. 
 
 
The second issue is the high cost and limited reliability of useful detection technology. There are UV-based testers designed to help separate LGD from ND, but they can cost thousands of dollars and are not 100 percent conclusive, particularly on mounted goods. In most cases, experienced human judgment is also required, which is why the guidance states that these instruments are not a substitute for laboratory screening. 
 
Professionals who proactively invest in the latest detection technology are to be commended. However, precautions should not stop in the back office, particularly for goods that have changed hands.  
 
 
Protect Yourself 
Like any industry, ours will always have its share of bad actors hoping to profit from the ignorance and mistakes of others. Headlines are made when large stones, submitted to grading institutes for natural diamond reports, are revealed to be lab-grown. Some incidents have been extremely sophisticated, using lab-grown stones created to have measurements and inclusions that closely match a pre-existing ND report.  
 
Grading institutes are well-equipped to avoid such scams, but most retail jewelers are not. Independents regularly are burned when making purchases that they learn later were misrepresented. For that matter, fraud is not always malicious. Some people don’t inform their fiancé that they’re proposing with a lab-grown stone. Years later, should they seek the value of what they always presumed to be a natural diamond, the jeweler across the counter may have to deliver bad news. If the piece was labeled natural at take-in, based on word alone, things could even get messy legally. 
 
Call IGI for Support 
IGI offers affordable, advanced gemstone screening for both loose and mounted goods. Through advanced spectrometric analysis IGI can quickly and decisively assess and identify any item, whether parcels of breakout melee, items bought over-the-counter, purchased from estate sales, or purchased from another retailer. IGI’s locations in New York and Los Angeles have made these services cost-effective with fast turnround, including options for same-day results. 
 
 
IGI also can issue a grading report confirming all aspects of any piece of jewelry. From small credit-card sizes to half, and full-page documents, any piece of jewelry can be supported factually by an IGI report verifying its authenticity.  
 
Top Reasons to Protect Yourself 
  1. Guarantee authenticity and trust 
  2. Avoid legal and ethical risks 
  3. Boost consumer confidence 
  4. Increase the item’s value 
  5. Give your client an insurance-ready document 
As the diamond industry evolves, it is more important than ever for professionals to ensure the authenticity of the items they sell. Third-party certification is designed to help jewelers protect their reputation, avoid legal and ethical pitfalls, increase the value of their products, and build trust with their customers.   
 
In a world where lab-grown diamonds are becoming more common, a jewelry grading report is not just a piece of paper. It’s a testament to a jeweler’s commitment to honesty and quality. This added layer of assurance helps build stronger customer relationships, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. 


The Latest

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy