Education

Synthetic Diamonds & Detection

Basic · ½ day

Basic / Introductory · ½ day (4 hours) · In person + practical screening

A focused half-day introduction to laboratory-grown diamonds and how to tell them apart from natural stones, covering everything from how they are made to hands-on screening with the JTR REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S.

Synthetic Diamonds & Detection is a half-day, practice-first course for professionals who need to separate natural from laboratory-grown diamonds reliably. Lab-grown stones are now identical to natural diamonds in composition, structure and physical properties, and they represent a fast-growing share of the market. Confident detection has become a core requirement of responsible practice, not a specialist niche.

In four focused hours the course explains how synthetic diamonds are produced by the HPHT and CVD methods, how the two differ, and how post-growth treatments can complicate identification. It then introduces the diamond-type classification system (Type Ia, Ib, IIa and IIb), the scientific framework that makes screening possible, along with the UV fluorescence and phosphorescence behaviours that distinguish natural, HPHT and CVD material.

The session closes with hands-on screening on the JTR REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S and a practical protocol you can apply the next working day. It is ideal for jewellers, dealers and appraisers who want a rigorous but immediately usable foundation in detection without committing to a longer programme.

Overview

Laboratory-grown diamonds, now identical to natural stones in composition, structure and properties, are a significant part of the market. This half-day course gives the working professional a structured, practical foundation: how HPHT and CVD diamonds are produced, the diamond-type classification that makes detection possible, and the observation and instrument methods used to screen with confidence.

Who it’s for

Jewellers, dealers, appraisers and retail staff who need to screen stones responsibly: anyone evaluating diamonds across the counter or in a parcel.

Prerequisites

None. Suitable for professionals with no prior detection experience; all terms are defined as introduced.

What you’ll be able to do

  • Explain how HPHT and CVD synthetic diamonds are produced and how they differ
  • Recognise the post-growth treatments that complicate identification
  • Understand the diamond type classification system (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb) and why it matters
  • Use UV fluorescence and phosphorescence to distinguish natural, HPHT and CVD stones
  • Operate the JTR REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S and apply a practical screening protocol

Curriculum

1. Types of Synthetic Diamonds

  • HPHT production & features
  • CVD production & challenges
  • Combinations & post-growth treatments

2. Diamond Types

  • Type classification system
  • Type I (nitrogen-bearing)
  • Type II (nitrogen-free)
  • Why type matters for detection

3. Detection, Screening & Identification

  • Three levels of verification
  • UV fluorescence & phosphorescence
  • The JTR REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S
  • Practical screening protocol