Introduction
Diamonds are an expensive and precious gemstone that have been sought after for centuries. They are symbols of love, commitment, and beauty. However, with such high demand and value, there are many counterfeit diamonds in circulation. Identifying a real diamond can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several tests that can help determine if a diamond is genuine or fake.
In this article, we will explore different methods of testing diamonds, including the Fog Test, Sparkle Test, Imperfection Test, Setting and Metal Test, Diamond Tester, Scratch Test, and obtaining a Diamond Certificate. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to identify whether a diamond is real or fake.
Fog Test
The first test to determine if a diamond is real is the fog test. To conduct the fog test, hold the diamond up to your mouth and breathe on it. Real diamonds will disperse heat quickly, and the fog will evaporate immediately. In contrast, fake diamonds will retain heat, causing the fog to linger for several seconds.
Why does this work? Diamonds are excellent heat conductors, making them feel cold to the touch. When breathed on, heat is immediately dispersed, and the fog disappears. Cubic zirconias and other imitations do not conduct heat as well, causing the fog to stick around.
However, it’s important to note that this test is not foolproof. Diamonds that still hold onto temperature from the environment, or are cold, and lab-created diamonds will act like fakes in this test.
Sparkle Test
The second test for identifying real diamonds is the sparkle test. A diamond will reflect light in a unique and brilliant way, creating a distinctive sparkle that is not seen in most imitations. To conduct this test, hold the diamond up to a light source and observe how it reflects light. Real diamonds will often display a rainbow-like reflection of colors, while cubic zirconias will reflect a monochromatic spectrum.
Additionally, real diamonds often have an innate brightness that gives them a brilliant sparkle. The precise cut of a natural diamond will produce a radiance that cannot be matched by imitations. So, if you want to determine if a diamond is real, pay attention to light that dances and shimmers within the stone.
It is, however, important to keep in mind that a diamond’s sparkle may be dull if it has poor cut quality or is dirty.
Imperfection Test
Many people believe that all real diamonds are flawless. However, this is not the case. In fact, the majority of diamonds have some form of imperfections, such as scratches or inclusions. That said, identifying imperfections can help to confirm that a diamond is genuine.
Imperfections are natural in diamonds and are formed when the gemstone is created over millions of years under high pressure and heat. Therefore, real diamonds will sometimes have inclusions or natural differences in color. While some diamonds have fewer blemishes than others, all natural diamonds will have some blemish somewhere on the stone.
If a diamond appears to be perfect in every way, it may be an indication that it’s not real and possible a synthetic diamond or cubic zirconia.
Setting and Metal Test
The next test is to examine the setting and metal. How the diamond is set and the type of metal used can be an indication that the diamond is fake. Real diamonds are often set in high-quality gold, platinum, or silver, all of which are durable, precious metals. If you notice any discoloration, rust, or corrosion in the setting, it may be a sign that the diamond is a fake. Also, a genuine diamond’s setting will not be held together by glue. Jackets findings will also help hold a diamond in place instead of adhesive materials that can wear off over time.
However, it is important to note that the lack of a hallmark or stamp does not necessarily mean the diamond or the metal is fake as the hallmarking requirements differ between countries and sometimes uncompromising in the design of the jewellery.
Diamond Tester
Another method of testing if a diamond is real involves diamond testers. A diamond tester can confirm whether or not the diamond being tested is genuine or an imitation by measuring thermal conductivity. This test always requires a trained professional to determine its authenticity.
However, while diamond testers can be useful, they are not always accurate, particularly with new synthetic diamonds that have been developed with very similar properties to mined diamonds. In cases like this, a trained professional may be needed to make a proper assessment of the authenticity of the diamond.
Scratch Test
A scratch test may be used to determine if a diamond is real or fake. Real diamonds are strong and will not scratch easily. To perform a scratch test, use a sharp object to scratch the surface of the diamond; if the diamond is real, it will not be scratched or damaged.
However, it’s important to note that the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Scratching it is not advisable, and without proper knowledge, it’s easy to ruin the gem.
Get a Certificate
Getting a certificate from a reputable third-party organization is the most reliable method to ensure that a diamond is genuine. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are two organizations that provide independent diamond grading reports. These reports will detail aspects of the diamond’s quality, including the color, cut, and clarity.
While a diamond certificate is not necessary for every diamond purchase, it is the best way to confirm that a diamond is genuine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with a bit of knowledge, you can confidently identify whether a diamond is real or fake by conducting a variety of tests, including the fog test, sparkle test, imperfection, setting/metal test, diamond tester, scratch test, and obtaining a certificate. If you’re still unsure, you should seek out the guidance of a professional jeweler who can help you determine the authenticity of a diamond beyond these tests. Knowing the difference between a real and fake diamond can save you money and make sure you get the quality you want.