The diamond industry is facing a new wave of sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting jewelers and buyers alike. Fraudsters are passing off lab-grown diamonds or HPHT color-treated diamonds as natural ones, using GIA certificates and matching laser inscriptions to make the deception convincing. This scam typically involves diamonds larger than 2 carats, as the potential profits make the effort worthwhile. At Source of Gems, we aim to keep you informed and help you avoid these fraudulent practices.
How the Scam Operates
Fraudsters exploit the availability of HPHT color-treated diamonds and CVD/HPHT lab-grown diamonds, using authentic GIA certificates that may have been misplaced or stolen. Here’s how they execute the scam:
1. Matching the Diamond to a Certificate
- Fraudsters source genuine GIA certificates originally issued for high-quality diamonds.
- They cut the lab-grown or HPHT-treated diamond to match the exact proportions, weight, and imperfections listed on the authentic certificate, making detection difficult.
2. Selling to Unsuspecting Jewelers
- These diamonds are sold internationally to jewelers who may not have the tools to verify them on-site.
- Since the cutting process requires skill and precision, scammers focus on diamonds larger than 2 carats, where the financial reward justifies the effort.
How to Identify Fraudulent Diamonds
To protect yourself from buying lab-grown or treated diamonds disguised as natural, you need access to commercial detection tools or laboratory verification services. Below are essential tips for identifying fraud:
1. Detecting Synthetic Lab-Grown Diamonds
- There are commercial machines available that can detect lab-grown diamonds, ranging in price from $1,000 to $20,000.
- These machines are widely used in the industry and offer reliable results for identifying synthetic diamonds such as CVD and HPHT lab diamonds.
2. Identifying HPHT Color-Treated Diamonds
- Detecting HPHT-treated diamonds is more complicated. The required machinery, such as FTIR spectrometers, is expensive and generally only available in specialized laboratories.
- Operating this equipment requires expert technicians who are trained to analyze the data accurately. Therefore, sending the diamond to a reputable laboratory is the best option if HPHT treatment is suspected.

Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed
- Validate the GIA Certificate Online
- Use the GIA Report Check tool to verify that the GIA number on the diamond matches the official database.
- Double-check that the listed proportions, clarity, and weight align with the diamond you are purchasing.
- Use Commercial Detection Tools
- If you are frequently dealing with high-value diamonds, investing in detection equipment may help you catch fraudulent stones early.
- For occasional purchases, consider consulting with a gemologist who has access to the necessary tools.
- Send to a Laboratory for Verification
- For diamonds over 2 carats or if you have any doubts, the safest step is to send the diamond to a laboratory for confirmation before making payment.
- A laboratory report will ensure that you are purchasing an authentic, untreated diamond and not a synthetic or color-enhanced stone.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unrealistic prices: Be cautious if the price seems too good to be true, especially for large diamonds.
- High-pressure sales tactics: Avoid transactions where the seller pushes you to close the deal quickly without proper verification.
- Inconsistent paperwork: Ensure all certificates and invoices match the diamond’s characteristics exactly.

Conclusion
The rise of lab-grown and HPHT-treated diamonds has opened the door to increasingly sophisticated scams, where fraudsters use authentic GIA certificates and laser inscriptions to sell treated or synthetic diamonds as natural. These scams are especially prevalent with diamonds over 2 carats, where the financial reward makes the deception worthwhile.
Staying vigilant is essential for jewelers and buyers. Use commercial detection tools or send diamonds to laboratories for verification to ensure authenticity before making any payments.
At Source of Gems, we are committed to providing the knowledge and resources you need to navigate the market confidently. If you have any concerns about a diamond’s authenticity, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance.
FAQ
Q: Can lab-grown diamonds be issued GIA certificates?
A: Yes, but GIA clearly marks these certificates to indicate that the diamond is lab-grown. Scammers may use misplaced certificates for natural diamonds to disguise synthetic ones.
Q: Are on-site detection tools enough to verify all diamonds?
A: Commercial tools can detect synthetic diamonds, but HPHT color-treated diamonds often require laboratory analysis for accurate identification.
Q: Should I always require a lab report for large diamonds?
A: Yes, especially for diamonds over 2 carats, as these stones are the primary targets for this type of scam. Laboratory verification ensures peace of mind and protects your investment.
Stay informed and stay safe—your reputation and investment depend on it. For further questions or verification services, reach out to Source of Gems today!