How to Verify if a Diamond is Real
How to Determine the Authenticity of a Diamond - Icetruck
Making a big purchase doesn't happen often, except for buying a house or car. It involves spending a significant amount of money from your savings or taking out a long-term loan. Diamonds have long been used to celebrate special occasions like engagements, anniversaries, and important birthdays. The tradition of using diamonds continues to this day, but they come with a high price tag.
However, a common question that arises when first seeing a diamond is whether it is genuine or not.
Today, we will provide you with information and tools to assist you in quickly answering that question.
Here are some simple tests that you can try at home
Before taking your diamond collection to a professional for inspection, you can perform authenticity tests at home that yield fairly accurate results.
If you happen to have loose diamonds in your possession, they can be easily tested. You may have inherited gems from a deceased individual or purchased a collection of stones from a retailer closing down. Loose diamonds are not uncommon, and there are efficient methods to confirm their authenticity.
To determine if a stone is a diamond or a simulant, try the water test. Simply drop the stone into a glass of water and observe its behavior. If it sinks, it is likely a diamond. If it floats, it is probably a simulant like CZ or Moissanite.
This test may help identify genuine diamonds and distinguish them from fakes.
Another method to test the authenticity of a diamond is to heat it with a lighter and then drop it in water. If the stone shatters in the cold liquid, it is likely fake. However, please note that conducting this test may cause damage to your stone or jewelry, regardless of its authenticity.
A Closer Look
If you have good eyesight, you can look for specific indications that a diamond is genuine. Refraction is important in this case, as you should observe how the light passes through the stone and identify any sharp bends or redirections.
When a stone is held up in front of a piece of newspaper, the brilliance of the stone will distort any text or pictures on the other side, making it difficult to read the letters.
To conduct the same test, simply draw a black dot on a white piece of paper. If you have a genuine diamond, the dot will appear clear and undistorted when viewed directly through it.
By practicing, one can determine the degree of refractivity more quickly and with fewer tests. Pay attention to these well-known indicators that confirm the authenticity of your diamond.
The key takeaway is that authentic diamonds have a balance between excessive shine, excessive color, and excessive refraction. They will never appear blurry, greasy, or "iced-over."
Seek professional assistance
Determining the authenticity of a diamond through visual inspection requires extensive study and practice, so it is understandable if one cannot do so. This is why licensed professionals are necessary.
If you have exhausted all home remedies and are still unsure about the gems in your possession, it is advisable to have them examined more thoroughly.
Most commercial jewelers or department stores will inspect your items for free and provide an immediate answer. Here are some methods they use.
The heat probe test necessitates a specific piece of equipment that is commonly found among jewelers. This tool is employed to apply heat to the stone at a single point and measure the duration of its elevated temperature.
Diamond's unique crystalline structure allows it to disperse heat quickly, making it easy to differentiate from other stones. This test is quick, usually taking less than a minute, and provides a conclusive result without causing any damage to the stone.
An electrical conductivity test is a useful tool for determining whether a stone is moissanate or a genuine diamond. Combination tools can be found in most shops, or you can choose to purchase one if you have multiple stones to test.
Other tests examine the stone's structure in detail, which includes microscopic examination or inspection under ultraviolet light. If you observe an orange flash of color under the scope, it is probable that the stone is made of Cubic Zirconia.
When examining a stone under UV light, a blue glow can indicate that it is a diamond. While this test is not completely reliable, it can assist the jeweler in making a more informed judgment.
Professionals often compare the weight of a stone to that of a diamond of similar size in order to determine its authenticity. For example, cubic zirconia weighs 55% more than a genuine diamond, making this test a reliable indicator when other methods fail.
The x-ray test is the final option to determine the presence of diamonds. Due to their radiolucent molecular structure, diamonds cannot be detected in x-ray scans. If all else fails, sending the stone to a lab for an x-ray is recommended.
Register For Authenticity
If your diamond passes all the tests and you have a successful discovery, congratulations. It is recommended to take the stone to a diamond appraiser for official confirmation.
A professional appraiser will evaluate your diamond and provide an estimated value. Ideally, it is recommended to consult someone who is not involved in the diamond trade to ensure an impartial assessment of the stone's worth.
Additionally, it is recommended that you seek an independent appraiser who holds credentials from a reputable Gemological Institute, such as the GIA. This will ensure a higher level of trustworthiness and potentially save you time in the future. Pay attention and observe the appraiser's methodology, ask pertinent questions, and you may gain interesting knowledge throughout the appraisal process.
At the conclusion of the session, please ask for a certificate of appraisal and keep it easily accessible for as long as you possess the stone. This document will contain important information about your gem that may be useful if you decide to sell it in the future.
Having a reliable jeweler is important.
Regardless of whether your diamonds are natural or man-made, discovering the truth should not come as a shock. The outcome can either be a pleasant surprise, a relief, or a disappointment, depending on the result.
In the future, if you are interested in testing more gems with professional equipment or if you are looking for a reliable source of genuine or synthetic diamonds to add to your collection, it is recommended to have a trusted jeweler who can provide advice, answer questions, and address any concerns regarding previous or future purchases.
When it comes to jewelry, it is important to be well-informed, even in the era of the internet. A reliable company can be beneficial as you gain knowledge and explore new areas.
When it comes to discovering new jewelry, a reliable jeweler like the Icetruck can provide valuable guidance from the beginning to help you find what you love.
If you are unable to afford real diamonds at the moment, you can still enjoy large and eye-catching pieces with synthetic stones such as CZ or Moissanite, which were the main materials mentioned earlier.
Given the difficulty in verifying the authenticity of these stones visually, these pieces will provide the desired aesthetic and improve your style at an affordable price.
Today's synthetic materials have a high durability and aesthetic appeal when properly maintained. Consider experimenting with new options.
In Conclusion:
There are various methods to test diamonds for authenticity, each with varying levels of effectiveness. You can try using home solutions or seek professional assistance if you're unsure. Regardless of the results, appreciate the beauty of those stunning gems.
