Diamond Testing Tools: A Brief History and Review

Distinguishing Diamonds from Simulants

Initially, gemologists relied on color and the presence of metallic inclusions to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from their Earth-mined counterparts. This method remained effective for decades. In fact, the earliest screening equipment focused primarily on separating diamonds from their simulants, such as cubic zirconia (CZ). Starting in 1995, synthetic moissanite became another concern.

Standard gemological tests or basic thermal and electrical probes can distinguish simulants like CZ and moissanite from diamonds. However, these tools do not necessarily identify the exact material. Over the years, many versions of these probes have been produced. New designs, such as the Gemlogis Mantis, have also entered the market. These devices remain useful since some lab-grown diamond screeners assume their stones have already been ruled out as simulants.

Technology has focused more on differentiating Earth-mined from lab-grown diamonds than on identifying simulants. This is likely because consumers now have access to lab-grown diamonds, which are nearly identical to natural diamonds at a fraction of the price.

Early Diamond Testing Tools

The Diamond Eye

One of the earliest screening tools, the Diamond Eye, remains a favorite