Buying jewelry can be a tricky job, especially when it comes to diamonds. Apart from looking for something you like, you must go the extra length to check to see if your diamonds are real or fake. When you buy from a reputable jeweler, you can rest assured that they are real as they come with a certificate guaranteeing their purity.
However, if you receive them as a present or it is a hand-me-down, you must look for indicators that may tell you if your diamond is fake, as sometimes, it could be cubic zirconia or moissanite. So, if you want to learn how to tell if a diamond is real or fake, read on because we have prepared a detailed guide for you.
1. Observe It In The Light Source
This is one of the easiest ways to check if your diamond is real or fake at home. Simply place your stone under a lamp or flashlight and observe how the light interacts with the stone. If the light being emitted is bright and sparkling, you may in fact have a real diamond in your hands.
However, be careful not to confuse yourself with reflection and sparkle. Sparkle is the intensity of the light that is caused due to the cut of the gem, whereas reflection is merely the color of the light. Hence, look for brilliance and intensity of light rather than just the color.
2. Drop The Diamond Into A Glass Of Water
The water test is also another legitimate way of determining whether your diamond is real. To perform this test, fill a normal-sized glass with ¾ water and gently drop your gem into the glass. If the diamond sinks to the bottom, it means you have a real diamond.
However, if it floats underneath or stays at the water’s surface, your diamond is definitely fake. The reason why a real diamond sinks are because it is incredibly dense. And the water test is an accurate way to gauge your diamond because it shows if your gem matches this level of high density.
3. Test In Your Own Breath
This test is also known as a fog test and does need any additional apparatus other than your own mouth. Simply place the gem in front of your mouth and cover it with your breath. If the diamond is real, it will clear up after a second or two.
However, if you have a fake diamond, the fog continues to stay. The reason that a real diamond does not fog for more than a couple of seconds is that diamonds disperse heat instantaneously. But ensure that it is cleaned thoroughly before conducting this experiment as oils may tamper with the results.
4. Consider Its Weight
The diamond’s weight is a crucial indicator to gauge if you’re dealing with a diamond or its fake counterparts. Other fake stones weigh less than diamonds, regardless of how similar their physical shape is.
But keep in mind, to conduct this test, you may need the assistance of professional jewelry equipment at home because the weights might feel similar to someone who isn’t especially sensitive to the weight differences.
5. Test It With A Newspaper
All you need to conduct this test is the stone in question and an ordinary newspaper. Place the stone on the newspaper and try and see if you can read the words through the stone. If your diamond is real, you will not be able to read the words; if it is fake, you can easily read them without a second glance.
This test can identify a real from a fake because a real diamond will refract light with a higher intensity than a fake, which makes it hard to see through it. Whereas, cubic zirconia and moissanite do not really refract light and are more transparent.
6. Put It Under A Magnifying Glass
Contrary to popular belief, diamonds have natural imperfections when tested under the microscope. This is because diamonds are natural rocks that were formed and mined from the earth’s surface. So, when observed under a microscope, a real diamond will have internal as well as external “flaws” or imperfections known as inclusions.
They might also have small flecks of minerals or very minimal color changes. Whereas, fake diamonds like cubic zirconia will not have these imperfections because they are artificially made in a lab.
7. Learn About Your Diamond Before You Buy It
This goes without saying, but it is essential that you are completely informed before buying your diamond. Do your research and gather all the information you need before buying your precious stone. Besides covering the basics, there are also four parameters you need to know before you purchase your stone. These include:
Cut Or Shape Of A Diamond
Cut refers to the facets, symmetry, and dimensions of the diamond. The cut quality is extremely important because it directly impacts the diamond’s beauty and brilliance. So choose a cut that reflects more light in order to not get one that looks lifeless and dull
Color
A diamond’s color refers to how clear or yellow it is. The pricer and more rare ones are more colorless, compared to their affordable counterparts. They also play a major role in how a diamond will look, so choose wisely.
Clarity
This refers to the absence of flaws and imperfections in the diamond. While every stone will have some amount of inclusions or flaws, a high-quality diamond will have no visible blemishes under 10x magnification.
Carat Weight
Carat weight is a crucial factor in deciding which diamond to buy. It determines the diamond’s price and also speaks volumes about its rarity.
8. Explore Other Options
Apart from the tests above, there are several other options you could explore, such as electricity conductivity test, UV light test, heat test and more.
While these tests are great in helping you identify whether or not your diamond is real, if you’re still in doubt, you could always reach out to a diamond expert or jeweler to review the stone in question. And the best way to ensure that your diamond is genuine is to buy it from a reputed jewelry organization that will offer relevant certifications.
