If you’re thinking about choosing a lab grown diamond, you may have wondered: Will it pass a diamond tester? It's a fair question—and one with a mostly clear answer.
Yes, lab diamonds typically pass diamond testers. That’s because they’re chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. But let’s go a bit deeper to explain how these testers work, why lab diamonds pass them, and what new technology is emerging that might change the conversation.
How Diamond Testers Work
A diamond tester is a handheld device used to determine whether a stone is a real diamond. It works by measuring either:
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Thermal conductivity — how quickly heat moves through the stone
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Electrical conductivity — how the stone responds to electrical currents
Natural and lab grown diamonds both have high thermal conductivity, which is why most standard testers recognize both as real diamonds.
How Lab Diamonds Perform on Testers
Lab Grown Diamonds Will Pass Standard Thermal Diamond Testers
Because lab diamonds conduct heat just like their natural counterparts, traditional thermal diamond testers—commonly used in jewelry stores—will confirm that your lab grown diamond is real.
Some Advanced Testers Can Detect the Difference
While standard testers can’t tell lab grown from natural diamonds, some high-tech equipment and advanced testers can. These often use photoluminescence spectroscopy, UV light reactions, or other specialized techniques available in gemological labs or by professionals with advanced tools. However, this equipment is typically not used in retail or everyday testing environments.
So, in most cases—whether you're at a jewelry store or using a basic diamond tester—your lab grown diamond will pass with flying colors. But if you're working with a gemological lab or a jeweler with advanced testing equipment, they maybe able to distinguish the origin of the diamond.
In Short
Lab grown diamonds pass the same tests as natural diamonds on standard equipment—because they are diamonds. Only highly specialized tools used by experts may be able to detect the difference.
What It Means for Your Jewelry Purchase
When you choose a lab grown diamond, you’re not buying a knockoff or an imitation. You’re getting a stone that:
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Looks the same
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Performs the same
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Tests the same (in most everyday cases)
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, updating a family heirloom, or designing a custom piece, lab diamonds offer the same confidence, brilliance, and lasting value as natural diamonds.
What About Diamond Simulants?
Don’t confuse lab grown diamonds with simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. These stones may look similar at first glance, but their physical properties are very different—and they typically do not pass diamond testers, even basic ones.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lab Diamonds at Martin Busch Jewelers
At Martin Busch Jewelers, we specialize in helping you find a diamond—lab or natural—that fits your love story, your vision, and your values.
Here’s what sets us apart:
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We only offer certified lab grown diamonds that meet our strict standards for quality and brilliance.
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Every diamond we sell—lab or natural—is professionally tested and graded.
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Our team guides you through the process with honesty, transparency, and zero pressure.
Want to see the sparkle of a lab diamond up close? Book your appointment today.
Why You Can Trust a Lab Diamond
Yes, you can trust a lab grown diamond—because it is a diamond.
Whether you're testing it with a standard thermal tester or working with a trusted jeweler, your lab diamond will show the same qualities and performance as a natural one. And when you shop with Martin Busch Jewelers, you get peace of mind knowing every diamond is backed by decades of expertise and craftsmanship.
Ready to Explore Lab Diamonds?
Let us help you find the perfect diamond—lab grown or natural—with no guesswork, no pressure, and no compromise.