A Diamond is a woman’s best friend, there’s no doubting that.
In most cases diamonds are the first choice when it comes to buying jewelry, especially that first diamond engagement ring.
However, just because a diamond looks good doesn’t mean it’s the genuine thing. If you are unsure about whether or not the diamond in your possession is real then you might want to get a jeweler to take a look at it.
The average person wouldn’t know what to look for when spotting a fake diamond, and it’s easy to get fleeced. So, here are a few tips to do on your own. First, it’s important to understand the different varieties of fake diamonds that are out there, and they are explained below.
Ways To Identify If A Diamond Is Fake
Cubic Zirconia is a common substitute that has many of the same properties as real diamonds. One key difference is that it’s substantially heavier. Another fact about Cubic Zirconia is that it’s more affordable than genuine diamonds, quite a bit more affordable actually. It’s found all over the place in fancy engagement ring designs. Next in line are the Moissanites.
Moissanite is a rare mineral that has different physical and chemical properties than genuine diamonds. However, because the mineral is so rare Moissanite engagement rings may cost more money than natural diamonds.
Diamonds can also be created in a lab. In this case the diamonds share identical physical and chemical characteristics as the natural ones but are grown under carefully controlled conditions, as opposed to being mined from below the surface of the earth.
These are not natural stones, so they cost much less money.
Finally, there are crystals. Faceted crystals can be attractive, but they do not have the beauty and durability of real gemstones. Crystal rings might be cheap, but they are generally lower quality products and would not make a good investment.
So, How Can You Tell If A Diamond Is Real Or Fake?
You could get a certified appraisal. You can find these people in the phone book or look online. Before the jeweler appraises the diamond for you ask if it will be done in your presence or somewhere else. Avoid the ones who say it will be done somewhere else.
Another method is to use a diamond tester. It’s an electronic device that can tell the difference between real diamonds and well made facsimiles. However, with moissanite stones the result may not be accurate. So, your diamond should be tested by alternate sources as well.
When looking at diamonds look for lucidity. Light cannot pass through an authentic diamond because it refracts the light away from it. A perfect diamond is not completely transparent. Flip it upside down and keep it under newsprint. If you can clearly read through the stone, then it’s not genuine.
The fog test is another good way to tell the difference between real and fake diamonds. Put the stone in front of your mouth and fog it up in the same way you would a mirror. If it stays foggy for more than three or four seconds it’s a fake. A real diamond would disperse the heat almost immediately.
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Hi Nannie
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Thanks for sharing this important thing with all.
I like it very much.
Spotting a fake from the real deal is my number one concern and I’ve discussed it with mate’s before who have also shared the same worry.
I would have never have known about the ‘fog test’ although I love the fact that’s something you can do, on-the-spot to give you a really practical idea of what you’re dealing with.
Would you advise to always get it appraised anyway though, Ron, when all is said and done?