Ways to Check the Authenticity of Your Natural Diamond

Sparkle! That glint of light catching your eye across the room. It could be an oval cut diamond ring passed down from Grandma, a dazzling pendant you snagged at a vintage store, or maybe even a loose stone you found at a flea market with a price tag that seems too good to be true. But a nagging question lingers: is it real?

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s an heirloom or a new purchase, sometimes doubt creeps in about the authenticity of a natural diamond. Sure, a certificate from a respected institute like the GIA or AGS puts your mind at ease. But what if there’s no certificate, or you’re just curious?

Here’s the good news: there are ways to check a diamond’s authenticity at home, without fancy equipment. We’ll explore 7 simple methods you can try, along with their limitations.

Let’s look at some better options:

1. The Magnifying Glass Test: Unveiling Nature’s Imperfections

Diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth. This natural process often leaves behind tiny flaws called inclusions. Grab your magnifying glass and examine both stones. The real natural diamond will likely have some internal or external imperfections, while a fake like cubic zirconia might appear flawless.

2. The Fog Test: Does Your Diamond Keep Its Cool?

     What you’ll need:

• Yourself
• The stone in question

Find a cool spot and gently blow warm air onto the stone (like you would on a mirror to clear fog). Real diamonds conduct heat very well, so your breath won’t create fog on its surface. But a fake diamond, like moissanite, might fog up just like glass.

3. The Black Light Test: Does it Glow Like a Disco Ball? 

     What you’ll need:

Shine a strong UV light on the stone. If it glows a bright blue, it could be a real diamond (but not always!). Fluorescence, the property that makes some diamonds glow under UV light, can vary. Even a real diamond might not show any glow. So, a lack of blue light doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake.

4. The Newspaper Test: Can You Read the Headlines Through It?

     What you’ll need:

• A newspaper
• The stone

Place the stone on a newspaper with text. A real diamond bends light in a way that makes it difficult to see through it. But a fake diamond, like cubic zirconia, might be more transparent, allowing you to read the words behind it. This test is less accurate for smaller stones or those set in jewelry.

5. The Heat Test: Can It Handle the Pressure?

Important Note: Only use this test on loose stones, never on jewelry!

     What you’ll need:

• A lighter or candle flame
• A glass of very cold water
• Tweezers
• The loose stone (make sure it’s not set in jewelry!)

Hold the loose stone with tweezers and heat it over the flame for about 30 seconds. Then, quickly drop it into the icy water. A real diamond is incredibly strong and can withstand this temperature change. But many fake diamonds, like those made of glass or quartz, will crack or shatter. However, if your stone survives, it doesn’t guarantee it’s real. You’ll need to clean off any soot from the flame afterwards.

6. The Water Test: Does It Sink or Swim?

     What you’ll need:

• A glass of water
• The loose stone

Simply drop the loose stone into the water. Real diamonds are very dense and should sink quickly. But some fake diamonds, like glass or some cubic zirconia, might float or sink slower because they are less dense. This test isn’t perfect either, as large cubic zirconia stones can sink quickly too.

7. The Conductivity Test: Does It Conduct Electricity? (You Might Need Help Here)

Unlike most gemstones, diamonds don’t conduct electricity. This is a great way to distinguish a diamond from moissanite, which can be very similar. However, you’ll likely need a jeweler’s help for this test, as it requires specialized equipment. Most jewelers today have these testers on hand.

Professional Gemologist Tools

The home tests we explored can be a starting point, but for definitive results, professional gemologists rely on a different set of tools. These advanced instruments offer unparalleled precision and accuracy, allowing gemologists to analyze a natural diamond‘s every facet and pinpoint its true nature.

      Some of the key tools in a gemologist’s arsenal include:

• Gemological Microscope: This high-powered microscope provides magnified views of a diamond’s internal and external features, revealing inclusions, clarity, and cutting quality.
• Refractometer: This instrument measures a diamond’s refractive index, a crucial property that helps identify its type and distinguish it from simulants.
• Spectroscope: This tool analyzes a diamond’s light absorption patterns, offering valuable insights into its origin and treatment history.
• Diamond Proportions Meter: This instrument precisely measures a diamond’s cut proportions, ensuring optimal light performance and brilliance.

By utilizing these specialized tools, along with their trained eye and knowledge, gemologists can confidently assess a diamond’s authenticity, quality, and value.

Conclusion

Have You Ever Been Fooled by a Fake Diamond?

Let’s face it, diamonds are a significant investment. Whether it’s an oval cut diamond  engagement ring, a dazzling necklace, or a treasured heirloom, you want to be sure you’re getting the real deal. Imagine the disappointment of discovering a cherished piece isn’t what you thought it was!

The good news is you can get a good idea of a diamond’s authenticity at home. We explored several methods you can try, from the simple magnifying glass test to the heat test. But remember, these are just starting points. None of these home tests are 100% reliable.

So, What Should You Do Now?

If you’re truly invested in knowing for sure, it’s time to call in the experts. A professional jeweler has the tools and experience to definitively identify your diamond. They can use advanced equipment like conductivity testers to give you a clear answer.

Here at Precious Carbon, we want to help! Don’t stay in the dark! Contact us today. We can put your mind at ease and ensure your sparkling stone is the real deal. Plus, if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect diamond, you can explore our vast collection of certified diamonds. With hundreds of stones to choose from, you’re sure to find the one that captures your heart (and sparkles like a dream).

Let’s get you the peace of mind you deserve.