Question 1

Can you really tell if a diamond is real from a photo?

Accepted Answer

A good photo lets us screen the obvious cases — most simulants like cubic zirconia and glass reveal themselves through brilliance, dispersion and facet geometry. For a definitive natural-vs-lab-grown call, or anything you’ll insure or resell, we recommend our instrument-based lab test.

Question 2

What’s the difference between a fake and a lab-grown diamond?

Accepted Answer

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond — same carbon crystal, same hardness — just made in a lab rather than the earth. A “fake” (simulant) like moissanite or CZ only looks similar. We identify all three so you know exactly what you own.

Question 3

Will a cheap diamond tester pen tell me everything?

Accepted Answer

No. Most pens test thermal conductivity only, and moissanite passes that test. You need an electrical-conductivity stage (or proper lab testing) to separate diamond from moissanite reliably — which is exactly what our lab service does.

Question 4

How accurate is your lab testing?

Accepted Answer

Our instrument-based lab testing matches independent reference grading 99.4% of the time. Conductivity staging, refractive index, fluorescence and spectroscopy together leave very little room for ambiguity — and a certified gemologist reviews every borderline call before it ships.

Question 5

Can you detect lab-grown (CVD and HPHT) diamonds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds carry distinct growth signatures in their fluorescence and spectroscopy that natural stones don’t. Our lab service makes a definitive natural-vs-lab-grown call and flags HPHT treatment where present.

Question 6

Do I need to take the stone out of its setting?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but a loose stone gives the cleanest read. Closed-back or bezel settings can block light return and conductivity contact, which limits what we can measure. If a setting gets in the way, we’ll tell you exactly what it affects.

Question 7

How long does certification take?

Accepted Answer

Photo verification is near-instant. Mail-in testing averages three business days from arrival. Full lab certification typically takes five to seven business days, plus insured shipping each way.

Question 8

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Photo verification is free. Mail-in testing starts at $39 and full lab certification starts at $79, with the exact price depending on carat weight and the depth of report you need. There are no subscriptions and no hidden fees — you pay once, per stone.

Question 9

Are there any subscriptions or recurring charges?

Accepted Answer

No. Diamonds Tester is strictly pay-per-test. You own your report forever and we never charge you again to access it.

Question 10

Can I upgrade from a photo screen to a full lab test later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many owners start with the free photo screen, and if it flags anything — or they simply want certification for insurance — they upgrade to mail-in or lab testing in a couple of clicks. Your earlier result carries over.

Question 11

Is my stone safe when I mail it in?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every mailer is insured and tamper-evident with end-to-end tracking. Your stone is handled only by certified gemologists and returned the same way it arrived.

Question 12

Is my stone insured while it’s with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every mailer is fully insured and tamper-evident, with end-to-end tracking in both directions. Your stone is covered from the moment it leaves your hands until it’s back in them.

Question 13

Which countries do you ship to?

Accepted Answer

We serve owners in over 60 countries. Insured shipping kits and return logistics are arranged at checkout based on your location, with full tracking throughout.

Question 14

What happens if my package is lost or damaged?

Accepted Answer

It’s covered. Because every shipment is insured and tracked, a lost or damaged parcel is reimbursed under the policy. In practice, tamper-evident packaging and signed handovers make this exceedingly rare.

Question 15

Will insurers accept your certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our lab certificates are numbered, tamper-proof and detail the full 4Cs, origin and an estimated market value — exactly what an insurer needs to schedule a piece. Owners routinely use them to get coverage the same week.

Question 16

Do you store or sell my photos?

Accepted Answer

Never. Your images are used solely to produce your verdict and are yours to delete. We don’t sell data, and lab samples are never shared with third parties.

Question 17

Can I use the report to resell my diamond?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. An independent, instrument-backed certificate is one of the strongest things you can hand a buyer. Because we don’t trade diamonds, the report carries no conflict of interest — it simply states what your stone is.

Question 18

I lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every certificate is numbered and on file. Contact us with your number and we’ll reissue a copy — your report is yours for good.

Questions, answered honestly

Testing & accuracy

Pricing & turnaround

Shipping & safety

Certificates & insurance

Still have questions?