- by MollyJewelryUS
- March 26, 2026
- Gemstone Education
Many buyers wonder whether a lab grown diamond can truly be identified as “real” using standard tools. As lab grown diamond options become more popular, this question matters more than ever—especially for those comparing them with natural diamonds in terms of authenticity and performance.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- What Is a Diamond Tester and How Does It Work
- Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester
- Why Diamond Testers Cannot Tell the Difference
- Can Any Tester Distinguish Lab Grown from Natural Diamonds
- Lab Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
- Are Lab Grown Diamonds “Real” Diamonds
- Why This Matters for Buyers
- Why Choose MollyJewelryUS for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
- Common Myths About Diamond Testers and Lab Diamonds
- Conclusion
- FAQs About Lab Grown Diamonds and Diamond Testers
What Is a Diamond Tester and How Does It Work?
What Is a Diamond Tester and How Does It Work?
A diamond tester is a handheld device designed to identify diamonds based on their physical properties. Most commonly, testers measure thermal conductivity, which refers to how quickly heat passes through a material.
Diamonds—whether natural or lab grown—conduct heat extremely well. When the tester detects this high level of conductivity, it typically signals that the stone is a diamond.
Some advanced testers also measure electrical conductivity, which helps distinguish between diamonds and certain simulants like moissanite.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes, lab grown diamonds do pass a diamond tester. This is because they share the exact same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
When tested with a standard thermal diamond tester, a lab grown diamond will register as a real diamond. The device cannot differentiate between lab grown and mined diamonds because both conduct heat in the same way.
This is a key point: diamond testers confirm material, not origin.
Why Diamond Testers Cannot Tell the Difference
Why Diamond Testers Cannot Tell the Difference
The limitation comes down to what the tester is actually measuring. Since both lab grown and natural diamonds are made of pure carbon arranged in the same crystal structure, their thermal and electrical behavior is nearly identical.
As a result, standard testers are not designed to identify whether a diamond was formed underground or created in a lab. They simply confirm that the stone is indeed a diamond.
Can Any Tester Distinguish Lab Grown from Natural Diamonds?
Can Any Tester Distinguish Lab Grown from Natural Diamonds?
Only specialized equipment can reliably tell the difference. These tools are typically used by professional gemological laboratories.
Advanced methods include:
Spectroscopy analysis
Examines how the diamond interacts with light at a microscopic level.
Growth pattern detection
Identifies structural differences formed during lab creation.
Fluorescence imaging
Reveals patterns that are unique to lab grown diamonds.
These tests require controlled environments and are not available in standard retail settings.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
It is important to distinguish lab grown diamonds from simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Lab grown diamonds
Made of carbon with the same crystal structure as natural diamonds.
Moissanite
Made of silicon carbide, with different thermal and electrical properties.
Cubic zirconia
A synthetic material that does not share the same hardness or conductivity.
A diamond tester will typically identify moissanite differently if it includes electrical conductivity detection, while cubic zirconia will not pass as a diamond.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds “Real” Diamonds?
Are Lab Grown Diamonds “Real” Diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not imitations or substitutes. The only difference lies in how they are created.
Natural diamonds form over billions of years under the Earth’s surface. Lab grown diamonds are produced using advanced methods such as HPHT or CVD in a controlled environment.
In both cases, the end result is the same material with the same durability, hardness, and brilliance.
Why This Matters for Buyers
Why This Matters for Buyers
Understanding how diamond testers work helps buyers make informed decisions. If a lab grown diamond passes a tester, it confirms that the stone is genuine—not a fake or simulant.
This reassurance is particularly important when purchasing engagement rings or fine jewelry, where authenticity and long-term value are key considerations.
It also highlights why certification and trusted sourcing matter more than simple at-home testing.
Why Choose MollyJewelryUS for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
Why Choose MollyJewelryUS for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
Choosing where to buy your diamond is just as important as understanding what you are buying. MollyJewelryUS focuses on lab grown diamond jewelry that combines quality, design, and flexibility.
Each piece is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring the diamond performs well visually and structurally. More importantly, MollyJewelryUS supports full customization. Buyers can choose the diamond shape, size, setting style, and metal type to create a ring that fits their exact preferences.
This approach allows for more control over both design and budget. Instead of selecting from limited options, customers can create something that feels personal while still benefiting from the value of lab grown diamonds.
For those looking for engagement rings or custom jewelry, this level of flexibility makes a meaningful difference.
Common Myths About Diamond Testers and Lab Diamonds
Common Myths About Diamond Testers and Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds will fail a diamond tester
This is incorrect. Lab diamonds pass standard diamond testers just like natural diamonds.
Diamond testers can identify origin
False. Testers only detect material properties, not how the diamond was formed.
Lab diamonds are the same as fake diamonds
Incorrect. Lab diamonds are real diamonds, while simulants are different materials.
Clearing these misconceptions helps buyers better understand what they are purchasing.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds do pass diamond testers because they are real diamonds with identical physical properties to natural ones. While testers confirm authenticity, they cannot distinguish origin.
For buyers, this means lab grown diamonds offer the same performance, durability, and brilliance as mined diamonds, with added flexibility in price and design. Understanding how testing works removes uncertainty and helps you choose with confidence.
FAQs About Lab Grown Diamonds and Diamond Testers
FAQs About Lab Grown Diamonds and Diamond Testers
Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester every time
Yes, lab grown diamonds pass standard diamond testers because they share the same thermal conductivity as natural diamonds.
Can a diamond tester tell if a diamond is lab grown?
No, a diamond tester cannot determine whether a diamond is lab grown or natural, as it only measures physical properties.
Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Some basic testers may misidentify moissanite, but advanced testers that measure electrical conductivity can distinguish it from diamonds.
Are lab grown diamonds considered real diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.