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Comparison of portable instruments for screening and ID of Lab-Grown Diamonds

By: Branko Deljanin (CGL Canadian Gemlab, Vancouver)

Introduction

Considering the occurrence of undisclosed lab-grown diamonds, vigilance combined with the use of standard and advanced gemmological tools are critical to ensure confidence in the supply line. While well-equipped labs can identify such non-natural origin and issue a report accordingly, diamond dealers, gemmologists, appraisers and retailers need instruments that help them to screen natural and some cases identify lab-grown diamonds. There are an increasing number of detection instruments and machines (see table 1 below) on the market that use different methods for screening/detection, notably:

November 23-25, 2019 – Dubai, UAE – Advanced Diamond Workshops

Day 1: November 23, 2019 (Saturday)
ID of Coloured Diamonds – Treated and Lab-grown

9am-12.30pm: IDENTIFICATION of NATURAL and SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

  • BROWN diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and identification
  • YELLOW and ORANGE diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics, and identification
  • GREEN and CHAMELEON diamonds: source/producers, characteristics and identification
  • BLUE diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and identification
  • PINK/RED diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and identification
  • Use of Synthetic Diamond ID Kit to separate Colored Natural and Synthetic Diamonds

PRACTICAL: Microscopy –inclusions for HPHT and CVD synthetics, UV lamp – colours of fluorescence/phosphorescence and Cross Polarized Filters (CPF) patterns for synthetic origin.

1.30-5.00pm: IDENTIFICATION of TREATED NATURAL and SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

Clarity and Color Enhancements – unstable (fracture filling and coating)

  • Clarity Enhancements – stable (traditional lasering, KM Laser drilling)
  •  Processes for colour treatments of diamonds, natural and synthetic
  •  Color Enhancements – stable (irradiation, annealing, HPHT, multistep treatments)
  •  Post treatments of HPHT-grown and CVD-grown diamonds (irradiation)
  •  Identification methods for treated diamonds with advanced instruments at labs
  •  Grading of Colored diamonds with Munsell chips, masters using GIA and CGL-GRS system
  •  Certification of treated and synthetic diamonds at gem laboratories

PRACTICAL: Coloured Diamonds are tested with microscopes, mini UV lamps (PL inspectors), Gempen, portable polariscopes, Jewellery Inspectors and portable spectrometer (EXA) for origin

  • Portable “Synthetic Diamond ID Kit” (polariscope, lights, PL inspector), EXA machine available
  •  Certificate of completion will be issued to all participants

Day 2: November 24, 2019 (Sunday)
ID of Colourless Diamonds – Treated and Lab-grown

9am-12.30pm: IDENTIFICATION of NATURAL and SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

  • Types of diamonds based on nitrogen and boron content
  • Colourless Natural diamonds: sources, characteristics and identification
  • Methods of growing HPHT and CVD diamonds
  • Inclusions in Natural and Synthetic diamonds
  • UV lamp – reaction of different types of diamonds under LW and SW UV light (“PL inspector”)
  • CPF (Cross Polarized Filters) method and instrumentation to screen and ID diamond’s origin

PRACTICAL: Samples of Ia, IIa, IIb, Ib diamonds (natural synthetic origin) are tested with microscopes, UV lamp (“PL inspector”), Mini Polariscope with light, EXA, Alrosa Diamond Inspector

1.30-5.00pm: SCREENING for TREATMENTS of NATURAL and SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

  • Clarity and Color Enhancements – unstable (fracture filling and coating)
  • Clarity Enhancements – stable (traditional lasering, KM Laser drilling)
  • Testing and screening methods for treated diamonds with standard instruments
  • Post treatments of CVD-grown colorless diamonds (by HPHT press)
  • ID of HPHT-enhanced diamonds using advanced instruments
  • ID of mounted synthetic diamonds with EXA, Alrosa Inspector and screening instruments
  • Problems and solution in identification of melee natural and synthetic diamonds

PRACTICAL: Colorless Diamonds are tested with microscopes, mini UV lamps, portable polarioscopes, Gempen and portable spectrometer (EXA) for natural, treated or synthetic origin

  • Portable “Synthetic Diamond ID Kit”, Alrosa Diamond Inspector, EXA machine are available
  • Certificate of completion will be issued to all participants

 

Day 3: November 25, 2019 (Monday)
Practical Intense Seminar: Screening & ID of Diamonds

Morning (9:00 AM to 12:45 PM): ID of Colourless Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • Colourless Natural diamonds: sources, characteristics and identification
  • Methods of growing HPHT and CVD diamonds
  • Inclusions in Natural and Synthetic diamonds
  • UV lamp – reaction of different diamonds, loose/mounted with “PL / Jewellery inspectors”)
  • CPF (Cross Polarized Filters) method and to screen and ID diamond’s origin
  • Clarity and Color Enhancements – unstable (Fracture Filling and coating),
  • Clarity Enhancements – stable (Traditional Lasering, KM Laser drilling)
  • Post treatments of CVD-grown colorless diamonds (by HPHT press)
  • ID of HPHT-enhanced diamonds using advanced instruments
  • ID of mounted synthetic diamonds with EXA instrument and screening instruments
  • Problems and solution in identification of melee natural and synthetic diamonds

PRACTICAL: Samples of Ia, IIa, IIb, Ib diamonds (natural and synthetic origin) are tested with UV lamp (“inspectors”), Gempen, microscopes and Polarioscope, Alrosa Diamond Inspector, EXA.

Afternoon (1:45 PM to 5:30 PM): ID of Coloured Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • YELLOW and ORANGE diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • GREEN and CHAMELEON diamonds: source/producers, characteristics and ID
  • BLUE and GRAY diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • PINK and RED diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • Use of Standard Instruments to separate Coloured Natural and Synthetic Diamonds
  • Color Enhancements – stable (irradiation, annealing, HPHT, multistep treatments)
  • Post treatments of HPHT-grown and CVD-grown diamonds (irradiation and HPHT)
  • Identification methods for treated diamonds with advanced instruments at labs
  • Grading and Certification of coloured diamonds at gem laboratories

PRACTICAL: Coloured Diamonds are tested with portable polarioscope, Gempen, PL Inspector, microscope and handheld spectroscope in screening and ID with EXA machine.

August 23, 2019 – Naples, USA – Screening and ID of Synthetic Diamonds

Instructor: Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, FGA, DUG (CGL-GRS Lab, Canada)
Audience: For gemmologists, appraisers, and individuals with trade experience
Date: Aug 23, 2019 (Friday)
Location: Strand Golf course, Naples, Florida

9am-12:45pm: ID of Colourless Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • Colourless Natural diamonds: sources, characteristics and identification
  • Methods of growing HPHT and CVD diamonds
  • Inclusions in Natural and Synthetic diamonds
  • UV lamp – reaction of different diamonds, loose and mounted with “PL / Jewellery inspectors”)
  • CPF (Cross Polarized Filters) method and to screen and ID diamond’s origin
  • Clarity and Color Enhancements – unstable (Fracture Filling and coating),
  • Clarity Enhancements – stable (Traditional Lasering, KM Laser drilling)
  • Post treatments of CVD-grown colorless diamonds (HPHT)
  • ID of HPHT-enhanced diamonds using advanced instruments
  • ID of mounted synt. diamonds with EXA instrument and screening instruments
  • Problems and solution in identification of melee natural and synthetic diamonds

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Samples of Ia, IIa, IIb, Ib diamonds (natural and synthetic origin) are tested with mini UV lamp (“PL inspector”), microscopes with mini Polarioscope

1:45pm-5:30pm: ID of Coloured Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • YELLOW and ORANGE diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • GREEN and CHAMELEON diamonds: source/producers, characteristics and ID
  • BLUE and GRAY diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • PINK and RED diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • Use of Standard Instruments to separate Coloured Natural and Synthetic Diamonds
  • Color Enhancements – stable (irradiation, annealing, HPHT, multistep treatments)
  • Post treatments of HPHT-grown and CVD-grown diamonds (irradiation and HPHT)
  • Identification methods for treated diamonds with advanced instruments at labs
  • Grading and Certification of coloured diamonds at gem laboratories

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Coloured Diamonds are tested with portable polarioscope, PL Inspector, microscope and handheld spectroscope in screening and identification.

Mar 14, 2019 – Brisbane, Australia – Natural, Treated and Synthetic Emeralds and Jades

Instructor: Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, FGA, DUG (CGL-GRS Lab, Canada)
Audience: For gemmologists, appraisers, and individuals with trade experience
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Date: Mar 14, 2019

MORNING (9.00am-12.45 pm): EMERALD 

Identification of Emeralds is still possible outside a lab because many gemstone properties can be analyzed with portable instruments. We will cover emerald’s identification, recognition of synthetics and understanding the difference between hydrothermal and flux synthetics, as well as the identification of fillers inside cracks. Oiling is an accepted treatment in the trade and today, and almost all emeralds are oiled / clarity enhanced. There is new deposit of emeralds in Ethiopia that has different characteristics than emeralds from Columbia, Brazil or East Africa

  • Emerald Sources
  • Identification of Fracture Filled Emeralds
  • Synthetic Emeralds
  • Use of Advanced Instruments in Detection and Certification at Gem Labs

AFTERNOON (13.45am-17.30 pm): JADE

Come to this lecture and workshop and learn how to screen for A jadeite jade (natural colour), B jade (impregnated with polymer) and C jade (dyed) using only UV lamp! You need to also know your limitations using standard instruments in testing jade and when piece of Jadeite or Nephrite Jade in question should be sent to gem laboratory for advanced testing with VIS-NIR and Infrared spectrometers.

  • Properties of  Jadeite and Nephrite Jade
  • Identification of Dyed Jadeite Jade with Microscopy and VIS spectroscopy
  • Identification of Polymer Impregnated Jadeite Jade by FTIR Spectroscopy

PRACTICAL LAB SESSION

  • Participants we will look at inclusions in emeralds from different localities, detection of oiled and synthetic emeralds with a microscope and loupe.
  • Use of microscopy and fluorescence in detecting oiled emeralds and dyed jadeite jade
  • Screening for Jade (A, B or C) with UV lamp (PL and Jewelry inspectors

Mar 13, 2019 – Brisbane, Australia – Natural, Treated and Synthetic Rubies and Sapphires

Instructor: Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, FGA, DUG (CGL-GRS Lab, Canada)
Audience: For gemmologists, appraisers, and individuals with trade experience
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Date: Mar 13, 2019

Full Day: 9:00am – 5:30pm

Historically ruby and sapphire are the most significant colored stones. Rubies are expected to have some inclusions because of their growing environment that can help with identification (natural, treated or synthetic). Heating is an accepted treatment in the trade and today, almost all but the finest rubies and sapphires are routinely heated.

Sapphires have some natural inclusions that in combination with spectroscopy can help identify a sapphire’s country of origin. Yellow, orange and blue sapphires can be heated with additional lighter elements to induce color. Lattice diffusion with beryllium is more permanent than traditional titanium diffusion treatment.

  • Corundum Treatments
  • Detection of Heat Treatments of Ruby and Sapphire
  • Heat Treatments with Chemical Elements
  • Effect of Heat Treatments on Inclusions
  • Synthetic Rubies and Sapphires
  • Use of Advanced Instruments in Detection of Treatments and Synthetics
  • Certification of Rubies and Sapphires at Gem Labs

PRACTICAL LAB SESSION

  • Separation of  ruby  and other red gems using standard portable instruments
  • Use of microscopes and UV lamps for detection of rubies and sapphires
  • Participants we will look at inclusions in ruby, sapphire and emeralds from different localities, detection of heat treatments and lead glass-filled rubies and oiled emeralds with a microscope
  • Different fluorescence reactions of red gems and sapphire will be examined with PL Inspector

Tools to bring home: handouts, NEW booklet “ID of Transparent Red, Pink and Purple Gems with Portable Instruments” by Branko Deljanin, John Chapman, 30AUS value

Available for sale: books, CPF loupe, Jewellery and PL inspectors

Jan 19, 2019 – San Francisco, USA – Screening and ID of Synthetic Diamonds

Instructor: Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, FGA, DUG (CGL-GRS Lab, Canada)
Audience: For gemmologists, appraisers, and individuals with trade experience
Date: Jan 19, 2019 (Saturday)
Location: San Francisco

9am-12:45pm: ID of Colourless Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • Colourless Natural diamonds: sources, characteristics and identification
  • Methods of growing HPHT and CVD diamonds
  • Inclusions in Natural and Synthetic diamonds
  • UV lamp – reaction of different diamonds, loose and mounted with “PL / Jewellery inspectors”)
  • CPF (Cross Polarized Filters) method and to screen and ID diamond’s origin
  • Clarity and Color Enhancements – unstable (Fracture Filling and coating),
  • Clarity Enhancements – stable (Traditional Lasering, KM Laser drilling)
  • Post treatments of CVD-grown colorless diamonds (HPHT)
  • ID of HPHT-enhanced diamonds using advanced instruments
  • ID of mounted synt. diamonds with EXA instrument and screening instruments
  • Problems and solution in identification of melee natural and synthetic diamonds

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Samples of Ia, IIa, IIb, Ib diamonds (natural and synthetic origin) are tested with mini UV lamp (“PL inspector”), microscopes with mini Polarioscope

1:45pm-5:30pm: ID of Coloured Diamonds (Natural, Treated, and Lab-grown)

  • YELLOW and ORANGE diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • GREEN and CHAMELEON diamonds: source/producers, characteristics and ID
  • BLUE and GRAY diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • PINK and RED diamonds: sources/producers, characteristics and ID
  • Use of Standard Instruments to separate Coloured Natural and Synthetic Diamonds
  • Color Enhancements – stable (irradiation, annealing, HPHT, multistep treatments)
  • Post treatments of HPHT-grown and CVD-grown diamonds (irradiation and HPHT)
  • Identification methods for treated diamonds with advanced instruments at labs
  • Grading and Certification of coloured diamonds at gem laboratories

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Coloured Diamonds are tested with portable polarioscope, PL Inspector, microscope and handheld spectroscope in screening and identification.