This is exactly why I invest so much time and money into training and equipment. And one of the many reasons why I don’t do unsighted valuations. (Link to article below)
Synthetic Diamonds Threaten Italian Market with Inconsistent GIA Certificates
As I have mentioned in previous articles and posts, synthetic diamonds have been a gold mine (excuse the pun) for fraudsters, as it’s difficult to distinguish them from natural diamonds without specialist training and equipment.
So it was troubling earlier this year when rumours started circulating that diamond grading laboratories had been receiving diamonds that were submitted as natural stones, only for them to turn out to be synthetic. But what was truly alarming was that these stones were submitted with GIA reports and had the corresponding laser inscriptions on the stone’s girdles. These synthetics would likely have never been spotted if it weren’t for the labs doing their due diligence and screening.
The GIA is rightfully considered the world’s leading diamond grading laboratory. Buyers trust a GIA report, and the fraudsters know this, so it’s little surprise that they have been cutting and polishing synthetic diamonds to match GIA report references for known natural diamonds.
It will be of little consolation to the GIA or anyone else, but I guarantee this practice has been done with known reports from every established and trusted grading laboratory and these stones are not confined to Italy, as they have crossed my desk.
Whether buying from a private seller, auctioneer, second-hand dealer or retailer, there are more options for buying jewellery than ever. But that also means more options for fraudsters as well. Buying a diamond with a lab report is no longer the guarantee it used to be.
The only way to counter stones like these and ensure your diamond is natural is to obtain a sighted valuation from a registered valuer with the training and equipment to screen for synthetic diamonds.
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