In the wake of Gemesis’
announcement that it will sell lab-grown colorless diamonds, GIA scientists
stressed that most gemological labs can distinguish the synthetic stones from naturals.

“[Chemical vapor deposition]-grown
diamonds are a little more challenging to identify” than diamonds grown with
the high-pressure, high-temperature method, Shane McClure, director of West
Coast Identification Services at the GIA Laboratory, tells JCK. “The standard gemologist will find them a bit more of challenge.
It’s not that there are no signs there, but what there is, is more subtle.”

McClure says the GIA has seen many of
the fancy colored diamonds produced by Gemesis, but it has not yet inspected
its new production of colorless stones. Still, he sees no reason why they
shouldn’t be distinguishable with the right equipment.

“If you are suspicious of a stone, you
should send it in,” he says.

Sarasota, Fla.–based Gemesis has said
it plans to inscribe any diamonds it sells, with the exception of melee. The
company plans to sell “white” stones to consumers from its website. Most will be accompanied by reports
from the International Gemological Institute.

JCK