Diamonds are among the most admired gemstones in the world. Whether it's an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a special gift, many people want to understand exactly what type of diamond or gemstone they are looking at.

Today, gemstones that appear similar to diamonds can include natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, and diamond simulants. While these materials may look similar at first glance, they are created in very different ways.

Understanding these differences can help you make more informed decisions when buying or evaluating diamond jewelry.

At Brinker's Jewelers, helping customers understand their jewelry is an important part of what we do. In this guide, we'll explain some of the common ways gemstones are evaluated and how jewelers identify natural diamonds.

Understanding the difference: natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants

Before looking at identification methods, it's helpful to understand the three main categories that may appear similar to a diamond.

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years through intense heat and pressure.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-forming process.

Diamond simulants are materials that resemble diamonds visually but are not diamonds. Some common examples include cubic zirconia, and moissanite.

While these diamonds may look similar, their physical properties and origins are very different.

Examining the Jewelry setting / mounting

One clue when evaluating a diamond is the type of jewelry setting used.

Natural diamonds are often set in precious metals such as platinum or gold. Gold is available in several colors, including yellow, white, and rose, with additional colors occasionally available.

Gold is most commonly found in 14k or 18k, but can also be 8k, 10k, 20k, or 22k.

Many rings also contain a stamp inside the band indicating the metal type, such as 14k, 18k gold (often also marked as 585 or 750, representing 58.5% and 75% pure gold), or Platinum (commonly marked as PT or 900/950).

A general rule of thumb is that higher karat gold is more likely to be used in fine jewelry. However, this is not always the case, so it's always best to consult a professional jeweler when evaluating jewelry.

While the setting alone cannot confirm the type of diamond, high-quality diamonds are typically paired with well-crafted precious metal settings.

Observing light reflection and brilliance

Diamonds are known for their distinctive brilliance and ability to reflect light.

Natural diamonds reflect light in a unique way, producing bright white light reflections combined with subtle flashes of color. Diamond simulants may sometimes display a more exaggerated rainbow effect.

Viewing a diamond under proper lighting can sometimes help reveal differences in how the material interacts with light.

looking for diamond laboratory reports

One of the most reliable ways to understand a diamond's origin is through professional laboratory reports.

Many diamonds are accompanied by grading reports from respected gemological laboratories such as:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• AGS (American Gem Society)

These reports evaluate important characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Certification can also identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown.

Laboratory reports do not include retail pricing. If a report includes a suggested retail price, it is not a true grading report, but rather an appraisal.

Professional Diamond Testing

While visual observations can provide clues, distinguishing between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and simulants often requires specialized equipment.

Professional jewelers use tools such a diamond testers and magnification equipment to analyze a diamond's physical properties. These tools help jewelers evaluate how a diamond conducts heat and light, which can assist in identifying the type of material.

For many customers, consulting a knowledgeable jeweler is the most reliable way to identify and understand an unknown gemstone.

Why professional evaluation matters

While there are simple observations that may provide clues, accurately identifying whether a diamond is natural, lab-grown, or a simulant can be difficult without professional training and equipment.

Experienced jewelers are trained to examine diamonds closely and often hold credentials such as Graduate Gemologist (G.G), which reflects years of study and expertise in gemology.

At Brinker's Jewelers, our team includes trained professionals who are experienced in evaluating diamonds and helping customers understand their jewelry with confidence.

This expertise allows jewelers to guide customers confidently when selecting diamond jewelry.

Why trust brinker's jewelers

For many customers, purchasing diamond jewelry is a meaningful and memorable experience. At Brinker's Jewelers, we take pride in helping our customers make confident decisions when selecting fine jewelry.

Our experienced team is committed to providing authentic, high-quality diamonds and offering guidance every step of the way.

We believe buying diamond jewelry should feel exciting and confident, and our team is here to make that experience simple and enjoyable.

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or a timeless pair of earrings, our goal is to help you find jewelry that reflects both beauty and lasting value.

Discover authentic diamond jewelry at Brinker's Jewelers

If you're looking for genuine diamond jewelry crafted with care and attention to detail, we invite you to explore our collections.

Browse our selection of diamond engagement rings.
Explore elegant diamond wedding rings.
Or discover diamond earrings.

Our team is always here to help you find a piece you'll treasure for years to come.

Frequently asked questions about diamonds