Since diamonds are very expensive, you should be thoughtful and alert while purchasing them, lest you are taken for a ride by fakes. Here is some useful information about how to know whether the sparkling rock on that solitaire pendant is real or fake.
The best way to ensure that you're paying that exorbitant price for the real thing, ask for the authenticity certificate, issued by a well-known grading authority. All reliable jewelers and prominent jewelry brands provide their customers with these certificates on purchase of diamond jewelry, even when not asked for.
Most women are desperately in love with diamonds and they are an obvious first preference when it comes to buying jewelry. A diamond's unique beauty offers a gorgeous look to the woman. Diamond jewelry can go well with all kinds of apparel. A woman bedecked with diamond jewelry becomes the center of attention at all social events.
Diamonds come in various colors, shapes and sizes. Shopping for diamonds can be an exciting task. Since diamonds are quite expensive, you should have enough knowledge about them before investing your money, lest you get deceived by cheap imitations and cleverly simulated fake diamonds.
You must be able to recognize the difference between real diamonds and fakes and the information in the next segment will equip you for exactly that purpose.
How to Spot if a Diamond is Fake or Real
To the inexperienced eye, it may be very difficult to differentiate between real and fake diamonds. However, you can identify a fake or a real diamond by using different methods mentioned here:
The first way to check the authenticity of a diamond is to use a diamond tester. It is an electronic device that can check all types of diamonds for authenticity and grade their quality, except the moissanite stone.
A weighing test can be used to differentiate a real diamond from a fake one. For example, the weight of cubic zirconia, the best fake alternative to real diamond, is about 50% more than a real diamond of the same size and shape. Make use of a gram or carat scale to evaluate the stone.
A transparency test is another helpful way to differentiate between real and fake diamonds. Flip the diamond upside down and keep it over newsprint. If you can clearly read through the stone, then it must not be a diamond.
The is another useful method to know a real diamond from a fake one. Put the stone in front of your mouth and exhale on it. If the rock remains fogged for 2-4 seconds, then you can take it as a fake diamond. A real diamond disperses heat very rapidly and clears up in no time.
A real diamond reflects various shades of gray. If you find rainbow reflections, then it must be a fake or low-quality diamond.
Generally, fake diamonds tend to sparkle at the top. Watch the diamond from a side angle to check how it reflects and shines. Real diamonds reflect from all sides, while fake diamonds look dull when seen from the side.
While purchasing diamond jewelry, check the setting and mount of the stone. Real diamonds are not generally set in cheap metals. They are commonly set in platinum or real gold.
When placed under UV light or black light, a real diamond reflects blue fluorescence. The presence of medium to strong blue indicates a real stone. However, this rule is not applied to all diamonds.
You can test the stone with heat without harming it. Real diamonds disperse heat immediately and hence, they don't heat up during the test. This test can be carried out within 30 seconds. This test is performed free of charge at several jewelry shops.
Select a trustworthy jeweler while purchasing diamond. When buying a diamond, always check the diamond for scratches, scuffs or other kind of damage under a magnifying glass.
Ask for the authenticity certificate if your jeweler hasn't already given it to you along with the bill/receipt. If he insists otherwise, it would be wise not to shop for diamonds at that particular store.