When shopping for diamonds, whether for an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a special gift, it’s crucial to ensure that the diamond you’re purchasing is genuine. The market is filled with simulants and synthetic diamonds, which can easily be mistaken for real diamonds by the untrained eye. Here are some effective methods and tips on how to tell if a diamond is real.
Visual Inspection with a Loupe
A jeweler’s loupe—a small magnification device used by jewelers—can be an invaluable tool when examining a diamond. Real diamonds have unique characteristics that are difficult to mimic. Look for imperfections within the stone, often referred to as inclusions. While some synthetic diamonds can also have inclusions, the nature and appearance of these can vary from those in natural diamonds.
The Water Test
This simple test involves dropping the stone into a glass of water. Because diamonds have a high density, a real diamond will sink quickly to the bottom of the glass. If the stone floats at the surface or near the top, it’s likely not a real diamond.
Fog Test
To perform the fog test, hold the diamond in front of your mouth and exhale onto it, creating a light fog. A real diamond will not retain the fog due to its efficient heat dispersal properties; it should clear up almost immediately. If the fog remains on the stone for a few seconds, it might be a fake.
Check the Setting and Mount
A real diamond is unlikely to be set in a cheap metal. Check the markings on the ring’s metal. Markings like “10K,” “14K,” “18K,” “585,” “750,” “900,” “950,” “PT,” “Plat,” indicate that the metal is gold or platinum, which are typical metals used for setting real diamonds. A marking of “CZ” suggests cubic zirconia, not a diamond.
The Heat Probe Test
Jewelers often use a heat probe to test diamonds due to their remarkable thermal conductivity. The probe can quickly determine whether a stone is a real diamond by measuring how rapidly it can disperse heat. This test is best left to professionals, as it requires specialized equipment.
UV Light Test
Some diamonds will show a blue fluorescence when held under an ultraviolet light or black light. However, the absence of blue fluorescence does not necessarily mean the diamond is fake, as not all diamonds exhibit this trait.
Professional Appraisal
Perhaps the most foolproof way to confirm the authenticity of a diamond is to have it appraised by a certified gemologist. Professionals use advanced tools and techniques to evaluate stones thoroughly.
Determining whether a diamond is real involves a combination of these tests and observations. For those investing in a significant piece, it’s recommended to rely on professional assessments to ensure authenticity.
Armed with knowledge and a careful approach, you can feel more confident in identifying genuine diamonds.
The Scratch Test
A common but controversial method to check a diamond’s authenticity is the scratch test. Diamonds are one of the hardest naturally occurring substances on Earth, capable of scratching glass. However, this test is not recommended as it can damage both the diamond and the other material if not performed correctly. Moreover, other materials like moissanite, which are nearly as hard as diamonds, can also scratch glass.
The Dot Test
This is a simple at-home test you can perform with just a piece of paper. Draw a small dot with a pen on a piece of paper and place the stone upside down on the dot. If you can see a circular reflection in the stone, it’s likely not a diamond. Real diamonds have high refractive indices and will scatter light so intensely that you shouldn’t be able to see the dot clearly through the stone.
Weighing the Diamond
If you have a precise scale, you can compare the weight of the suspect diamond to that of a stone of known authenticity of the same size. Diamonds are denser than many common diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, and will therefore weigh more. However, this method requires having a reference diamond, which might not be practical for many.
Thermal Conductivity Meter
Similar to a heat probe, a thermal conductivity meter can be used to measure a diamond’s ability to conduct heat. This tool is more commonly accessible and used by jewelers to differentiate between real diamonds and other simulants like moissanite, which, although similar to diamonds in many ways, have different thermal properties.
Electric Conductivity Test
Recent technological advances have led to the creation of devices that measure a gemstone’s ability to conduct electricity. This is particularly useful in distinguishing diamonds from moissanite. Natural diamonds conduct electricity differently than synthetic ones and simulants, making this a valuable tool for identification.
While there are numerous methods to test the authenticity of a diamond, combining several methods can provide more conclusive results. For significant purchases, always consider a professional evaluation to ensure the authenticity and quality of the diamond. Understanding these tests and knowing when to seek professional advice can save both money and disappointment in the long run.
