The Growth of Laboratory Grown Diamonds

Laboratory Grown Diamonds (LGDs) continue to grow in popularity and there are now many more available in the marketplace as companies continue to enter the market producing them.  Having recognised the potential, producers have further improved the technology and consumers are now able to purchase LGDs with a certificate and specific colour and clarity; in effect, the same as purchasing a natural diamond. 

Many larger stones are now GIA certified and, as we know, it is impossible for the human eye, even a trained gemologist, to be able to detect the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural stone.

With the emergence of more stones on the market in general, the price of LGDs has reduced dramatically. Lab grown diamonds are unlikely to ever be an investment but provide the opportunity to have a piece of jewellery at an affordable cost compared to a natural diamond. It is therefore important that retailers can have complete confidence when selling either a LGD or a natural stone.

Recognising the future importance of diamond verification was the reason why here at Sheffield Assay Office we took the decision to purchase the DeBeers Synth Detect machine. This state of the art equipment tests diamonds to confirm that they are natural or need to be referred for further testing.  Our Diamond Verification Service is open to all here in Sheffield where services can be provided as part of the hallmarking process or as an independent verification, whether the stone is loose or set within a piece. 

Click here for further information about our Diamond Verification Service

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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