Diamond Guide: How To Tell If A Diamond Is Real
If you want to learn how to identify If a Diamond Is Real, check out our complete Diamond guide on spotting a genuine diamond. Buy diamonds in Dubai at Beladamaz UAE
Do you know how to recognize a real diamond? Test your skills with this quick challenge.
Look at the two rings below. Can you tell if both are real diamond rings?
Or is it obvious which one isn’t a diamond ?
Make your guess and keep it in mind until the end of this article to see if you were right.
Let’s learn more about diamonds and, most importantly, how to tell if a diamond is real.
Diamonds 101
Here’s a quick overview of diamonds:
Diamonds are natural minerals made of carbon. They form deep within the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and temperature and are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth (10 on the Mohs scale) and are often used for cutting and drilling. Known for their brilliant sparkle and exceptional durability, diamonds have been used in jewelry for centuries. Their dazzling beauty and lasting strength make them a symbol of eternal love, which is why they are popular for engagement rings and romantic gifts. Beyond their symbolic meaning, the value and appeal of a diamond depend on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Diamonds – Natural And Lab-Grown
Diamonds can take billions of years to form, so lab-grown diamonds offer a great alternative. These synthetic diamonds have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, making them identical in their material. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds; they are just not natural ones. Aside from their origin, the main difference is that lab-grown diamonds usually lack imperfections, which many people see as a quality advantage. They are also often near or completely colorless, whereas natural diamonds can come in colors like pink, yellow, blue, or green.
Your Ultimate Diamond Guide
Additionally, numerous gemstones share a resemblance to diamonds, often making it challenging to differentiate between them. Among the most common are moissanite, cubic zirconia, white sapphire, white topaz, and white zircon. Each of these stones has unique characteristics that can be identified with a keen eye.
To assist you in discerning these differences, we have created a comprehensive Diamond guide. This guide compares each gemstone to diamonds, highlighting their unique properties, visual distinctions, and how they respond to light. By understanding these key differences, you can confidently identify genuine diamonds and distinguish them from their look-alikes.
Diamond VS Moissanite
Many people love both moissanite and diamonds for their stunning brilliance and sparkling appearance. However, they differ significantly in composition and properties.
Lab-created moissanite consists of silicon carbide. Scientists first found natural moissanite in meteorites, giving it a celestial origin that adds to its allure. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it has more fire and sparkle, making it very dazzling.
Diamonds form naturally and consist of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. They are known for their unparalleled hardness and enduring beauty. Diamonds have a different type of sparkle called “scintillation,” characterized by flashes of light seen when the stone moves.
Understanding these differences helps you appreciate the unique qualities of both gemstones and make an informed choice based on your preferences for brilliance and historical significance.
Diamond VS Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a man-made gemstone made mostly of zirconium dioxide. At first glance, cubic zirconia looks a lot like diamonds because of its clear and bright appearance. However, some key differences become clear when you look closer.
Cubic zirconia can mimic the look of a diamond, but it lacks the superior refractive and dispersive properties that give diamonds their exceptional fire and brilliance. As a result, cubic zirconia does not have the same level of sparkle and depth of light play that diamonds are known for.
Cubic zirconia is also much softer than diamonds. Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them very resistant to scratches and damage. Cubic zirconia scores around 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is more prone to scratches and wear over time. This makes cubic zirconia less durable for daily wear, especially in engagement rings or other frequently worn jewelry.
Overall, while cubic zirconia offers an affordable and visually similar alternative to diamonds, its differences in brilliance, hardness, and durability are important to consider if you want a long-lasting and sparkling gemstone.
Diamond VS White Sapphire
White sapphires, made from the mineral corundum, offer a unique choice for those wanting a clear gemstone. However, they differ from diamonds in several important ways.
White sapphires have a lower refractive index than diamonds. This means they don’t reflect light as intensely, resulting in less brilliance and sparkle. Instead of the fiery brilliance of diamonds, white sapphires have a more subdued, glass-like shine.
White sapphires also tend to have more internal flaws and inclusions. These imperfections can affect the stone’s clarity, making it appear less transparent and brilliant than a diamond. While diamonds are celebrated for their exceptional clarity and ability to transmit light without significant distortion, white sapphires may show visible inclusions that detract from their overall appearance.
Despite these differences, white sapphires have their own charm. They offer a unique, elegant look and are often chosen for their subtle beauty and durability. However, if you prioritize maximum brilliance and clarity, diamonds are a superior choice. Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect gemstone for your jewelry.
Diamond VS White Topaz
White topaz, like diamonds, is a natural mineral but consists of fluorine and aluminum silicate. Despite their similar looks, white topaz and diamonds differ in hardness, brilliance, and value.
White topaz is softer than diamonds. Diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of 10, are the hardest natural material, while white topaz scores 8 on the scale. This makes white topaz more prone to scratches and wear over time, making it less suitable for everyday jewelry like engagement rings.
In terms of brilliance, white topaz doesn’t match diamonds. Diamonds have a high refractive index, giving them unmatched sparkle and light dispersion. White topaz, with a lower refractive index, has less brilliance and a more subdued shine.
The value of white topaz is also lower than that of diamonds. Diamonds are prized for their rarity, beauty, and historical significance, commanding high prices. White topaz is more common and less visually striking, making it more affordable.
Despite these differences, white topaz has its own appeal. Its clear, bright appearance offers a cost-effective alternative to diamonds, making it a popular choice for those on a budget. However, understanding the distinctions in hardness, brilliance, and value is crucial for making an informed decision when choosing a gemstone.
Are You Wearing Genuine Natural Diamond Rings ? Here’s How to Be Sure
Our Diamond guide will help you, Now that you understand the distinctions between diamonds and similar gemstones, the next step is learning how to verify the authenticity of your diamonds. If you have a set of diamond rings in your jewelry box—hopefully real ones—here are some simple tests you can conduct at home to confirm their authenticity and give yourself peace of mind.
Check The Inside Of The Ring
The first step is to check the stamp inside the ring, which reveals whether the metal is gold or platinum. If the stamp indicates neither of these metals, it might be a cheaper metal, making it unlikely to hold a real diamond. Look for stamps like ‘CZ,’ indicating a cubic zirconia stone rather than a genuine diamond.
Breathe On The Diamond
To test the authenticity of the stone, breathe on it as you would on a bathroom mirror. A real diamond disperses the heat from your breath instantly, remaining clear and pristine. If the gem remains foggy for several seconds, it is likely not a genuine diamond.
Important Note:
When conducting any authenticity test, including the ones you discover during your research, be cautious. Some tests could potentially damage the stone if it’s not a natural diamond. Consider the risks carefully before proceeding to avoid harming either the stone or the entire piece of jewelry during your testing process.
What About Loose Diamonds ?
For loose diamonds, there are some other simple tests you can do.
The Hard Test
Real diamonds are very hard and can easily scratch other materials. To test this, take the diamond and scratch it against an old mirror or a piece of glass. If it leaves a scratch, chances are it’s a diamond.
The Water Test
Here’s an easier way to understand it: Fill a cup with water and drop the gem in. If it sinks straight to the bottom, it’s likely a real diamond because real diamonds are dense. If it floats or sinks slowly, it’s probably not a real diamond.
The Refractory Test
Diamonds reflect light differently than other gemstones. Here’s a simple way to test this: Take a piece of white paper and draw a small dot on it. Place your diamond over the dot and look straight down. If you see a clear circle of light reflected in the diamond, then it’s not a diamond. A real diamond would not show the dot at all because it refracts light differently.
The Rainbow Test
Unlike other gemstones, diamonds do not reflect a rainbow. Instead, they show shades of gray in their reflection. If you see a rainbow, it’s likely a fake or a low-quality diamond. Moissanite, which closely resembles diamonds, can sometimes show a rainbow effect. To check if a stone might be moissanite, hold it close to your eye and shine a penlight through it. If you see a rainbow, then it’s moissanite, not a diamond.
Still Not Sure ?
It’s important to understand that while home tests can be useful, they’re not always accurate, and some tests might harm the gem if it’s not a diamond. If you’re unsure about identifying a real diamond, there are specialized tools designed for diamond testing. It’s recommended to use these tools or, even better, consult a professional jeweler or gemologist to verify the authenticity of your diamond. Diamond testing tools include:
Jeweller’s Loupe
This small microscope magnifies the diamond to spot any natural surface flaws or imperfections (called inclusions). It can also detect tiny mineral flecks or slight color changes, which are signs of a real, mined diamond.
Microscope
Stronger than a jeweler’s loupe, a microscope can look closely at a diamond’s internal features and surface details. If you put the diamond face down and move it gently, seeing a slight orange flash could mean it’s cubic zirconia or that the diamond’s flaws have been filled with cubic zirconia.
Leave it to the Gemologists
You could buy diamond testing tools yourself, but remember, they might not be completely accurate unless used by a qualified gemologist with specialized equipment. For a definite answer, go to a reputable jeweler or gemologist. They can confirm if your diamond rings or jewelry are real.