The Van Deijl Difference

At Van Deijl Jewellers, we hold our clients in the highest regard, and we are passionate about supplying them with the finest quality diamonds available in the market.

When all other factors are equal, the cut is the most important factor to consider when choosing a diamond. The cut grade looks at the overall design of the diamond, taking into consideration weight relative to diameter, symmetry of facet arrangement, girdle thickness and quality of polish.

In the diamond industry, the pricing of a diamond is determined by the 4 C’s: Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. The carat, colour and clarity of a stone, may be selected to fit a specific budget; however, the cut of a diamond can affect the value by more than 50%. When a retailer prioritises carat weight over the cut of the stone, the brilliance will be compromised. It is thus important to note that, no matter the colour or clarity grade of a diamond, if not properly cut, the diamond will appear dull. Conversely, a properly cut diamond will reflect light for optimum brilliance.

All diamonds from 0.30ct bought from Van Deijl will be accompanied by an independent laboratory certificate.

The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) and European Gemological Laboratory South Africa (EGL) are the foremost authorities in independent certification and provides the most accurate and consistent diamond grading reports. For this reason, we provide these certificates with diamonds bought from Van Deijl.

At Van Deijl, we strive for the highest accuracy possible in identifying laboratory-grown diamonds. The influx of lab-grown diamonds in the jewellery industry, combined with the significant value differences, has heightened the demand for conclusive tests to distinguish them from mined diamonds. In the diamond industry, no single test is 100% conclusive in identifying a lab-grown diamond. Therefore, we use a combination of two screening methods and five confirmation tests, along with the gemological expertise of at least two gemmologist, to determine whether a diamond is natural, or lab created. Below is our in-house laboratory process for the screening and identification of lab-grown diamonds.

Diamond Screening:

In diamond screening we use the GIA Diamond iD100 and the Smartpro Aura V2.

GIA iD100®:

This device analyses the absorption of infrared light to detect differences in chemical composition and crystal structure. It compares the stone’s data against a comprehensive database, providing a clear result that either confirms the diamond as natural (“Pass”) or identifies it as a possible lab-grown diamond or simulant (“Refer”).

SmartPro Aura Diamond Screener:

Utilizes shortwave UV light and phosphorescence to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds. This quickly screens diamonds, providing an initial assessment to identify potential lab-grown diamonds.

Identification Techniques:

Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: GemmoFTIR
Analyses the absorption of infrared light by the diamond. Identifies the diamond type based on specific impurities and structural features distinguishing natural diamonds from synthetic ones.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy: GemmoRaman-532SG
Measures the light emitted by a diamond when exposed to UV light. Reveals distinct patterns of luminescence unique to HPHT and CVD diamonds.

Raman Spectroscopy: GemmoRaman-532SG
Utilizes laser light scattering to provide information on the diamond’s crystal lattice and its essential chemistry. This differentiates between natural and lab-grown diamonds based on subtle structural differences.

UV-VIS-NIR Spectroscopy: GemmoSphere
Examines the absorption of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. Identifies specific absorption bands characteristics due to trace elements seen in lab-grown diamonds.

Cross-Polarization Techniques:
Using cross-polarized light under magnification to examine internal strain patterns within diamonds, revealing growth structures and patterns indicative of synthetic processes.

Gemmological Expertise:
Visual Inspection: Qualified gemmologist assess the diamond using magnification to identify growth patterns, inclusions, and other features unique to natural or synthetic diamonds.

Conclusion

Integrating results from multiple screening, spectroscopic techniques and gemmological expertise ensures accurate identification and disclosure of lab-grown diamonds. We have invested heavily in equipment and the education of our personnel to ensure the proper disclosure and detection of all lab grown diamonds. It is of the utmost importance for us to disclose every lab grown diamond we encounter or sell to protect our clients and maintain our integrity.