How Can You Tell If a Diamond Is Real
How can you tell if a diamond is real? Here is an intuitive guide to understanding real diamonds and fakes. Make sure you are not being ripped off.
Diamonds have long been used to mark special occasions, from engagements to anniversaries. In 2015, Millenials spent over $25 billion on diamond jewelry, indicating that this classic rock is here to stay.
The only problem? Fake diamonds are getting harder and harder to distinguish from real diamonds. That means that buyers are at an increased risk of getting ripped off.
So, how can you tell if a diamond is real? We're glad you asked.
Read on for our guide to weeding out the fake stuff from real, genuine, mined diamonds. You'll never have to worry about getting fooled again!
Common Types of Fake Diamonds
First, let's take a look at some of the most common types of fake diamonds you'll find on the market today. Knowing what you're trying to avoid is the first step in learning how to tell a real diamond from an imposter.
There are a few gemstones that mimic the look and feel of a diamond. We tend to think of gemstones as naturally colorful rocks, but there are several colorless varieties. The ones to look out for are the colorless varieties of zircon, topaz, and sapphire.
In addition to these tricky gemstones, you're likely to encounter lab-made diamonds in many jewelry stores nowadays. Most jewelers are honest and upfront about lab-made diamonds, and if this is the route you're interested in, there's nothing wrong with purchasing them. However, you don't want to pay real diamond prices for something that was created in a laboratory.
Finally, some sellers have invested in the market of "clarity enhanced" diamonds. Again, as long as your jeweler informs you that a diamond is clarity enhanced (and reduces the price), you're okay, but you don't want to get ripped off.
How Can You Tell If a Diamond Is Real?
The most sure-fire way to tell if a diamond is real is to take it to a certified jeweler (and not the one you purchased it from). However, there are a few tests you can try out on your own. You may need to grab a few tools to perform these tests, but all of them can be performed right at home.
The Fog Test
This one is quite simple. All you need is the diamond and you're own breath. You may even be able to conduct this test at the jewelry store.
Breathe hot air onto the diamond the way you would if you wanted to fog up a mirror or window. If the stone doesn't fog up, you're in luck. Fake diamonds will likely fog for a few seconds, whereas real diamonds don't hold condensation on their surface and won't fog up.
The Float Test
Once again, this is an easy test that won't require anything that you don't already have laying around. All you need is a deep bowl or a glass and some tap water.
Fill the receptacle with water and drop the diamond into it. True diamonds are incredibly dense and will sink immediately. If it floats, your diamond is, at the very least, clarity enhanced.
Note that this test is more accurate if you're dealing with a loose diamond. If you're dealing, for example, with a mounted diamond ring, this test will not work because you can't remove the diamond. The added weight of the ring could skew your results by weighing down a fake diamond.
The Blacklight Test
As the name suggests, this test will require a blacklight. You can purchase black lights for a small sum at a party goods store or online.
Head into a dark room and turn off every light except the blacklight. Hold the diamond up to the blacklight and inspect it from every angle.
Most diamonds show a blue fluorescence under the specific frequencies emitted from a blacklight. Fakes often show a yellow, grey, or brownish fluorescence.
If you're not seeing blue but you're not seeing yellow, grey, or brown, either, don't panic. Not all true diamonds give off a strong blue fluorescence and you can continue on with other tests to determine if your diamond is real.
Magnification Two Ways
Magnifying a diamond can help you spot imperfections. While you may think that imperfection is a bad thing, it's actually what you want to see when it comes to your standard diamond.
Mined diamonds will typically reveal microscopic inclusions when examined under magnification. You may also discover tiny flecks of minerals or notice slight changes in color in certain areas. These are all typical signs of a mined diamond.
When you're dealing with a perfect diamond, there's a slight possibility that it is real. However, these diamonds are incredibly rare and tend to cost a large sum of money. Diamonds on the more realistic price scale that show no imperfections whatsoever are probably manmade.
There are two different tools you can use to conduct this test. The first is a standard magnifying glass, which you may have lying around at home.
The second is called a loupe, which is a small magnifying tool used by most jewelers. Loupes do not have handles and have a more conical lens frames. While a magnifying glass will do the trick, a loupe may be easier to use.
Make Sure You're Getting a Real Diamond If You're Paying Real Diamond Prices
How can you tell if a diamond is real? Your best bet is to work with a reputable jeweler that won't try to trick you. While there's nothing wrong with buying diamond alternatives, you don't want to pay real diamond prices for a diamond that is anything but real.
Do you love fashion as much as you love genuine jewelry? Check out the rest of our page to get your fashion fix.