Gemological Science International (GSI) has brought attention to an alarming increase in the presence of undisclosed lab-grown colored diamonds within the natural diamond inventory. Specifically, diamonds in hues of brown, yellow, and pink are being intermingled with natural diamonds and raising concerns across the sector.
Observations from GSI Leadership
Debbie Azar, the President and Co-Founder of GSI, has provided detailed insights into the troubling trend observed by their team. This revelation points to a critical challenge within the industry, particularly as the prevalent jewelry screening technology predominantly focuses on white or near-colorless diamonds, thus potentially overlooking colored synthetic counterparts.
Advancements in Diamond Screening Techniques
In response to this emerging challenge, GSI has developed a proprietary screening and detection process that incorporates advanced technology and artificial intelligence. This approach has enabled GSI to successfully identify undisclosed lab-grown colored diamonds, including those classified as Type IIA, characterized by a single nitrogen atom and varying in size from melee to as large as 1 carat.
The Challenge of Differentiation
The investigation further revealed that some lab-grown colored diamonds were deliberately crafted to mimic the appearance and characteristics of natural diamonds. This includes the observation of severe fractures, pinpoint clouds, polished-over “naturals”, and distinct brown grain lines, which closely resemble those found in natural diamonds, thereby complicating the standard gemological observation process.
The Importance of Accurate Identification
Highlighting the importance of employing accurate identification processes, GSI underscores the necessity for the industry to adopt proper screening techniques, equipment, and expertise. As synthetic diamond technology advances, the ability to replicate natural diamonds with increasing accuracy underscores the critical need for vigilance and the adoption of advanced detection methodologies.
GSI Role and Its Impact
The emergence of lab-grown diamonds has introduced complexities into the diamond market, necessitating advanced detection methods to maintain the transparency of the diamond supply chain. GSI’s global operations in this area are crucial for providing reassurance to retailers and consumers alike about the authenticity of their diamond jewellery.
