How to Test a Diamond

So you're about to pay a lot of cash for a real diamond!
Unfortunately, it's very easy to be fooled into believing that a fake diamond is a real one.

Here are a few ways to go about this:

1. Consult with a reputable jeweler for an appraisal.
2. Consult with a certified gemologist, specializing in diamonds and jewelry.
3. Try to spot a fraud on your own.

If you're seriously planning on spending a considerable amount of money on a diamond,
it would be worth the money and time to hire a certified gemologist specializing in diamonds.

STEP #1:
If you have access to a diamond tester, you can test for diamonds vs. simulants.
(Beware, moissanite is the only stone than can fool the electronic diamond tester.)
There are Moissanite testers that can distinquish the difference, feel free to browse
among our diamond testers available at Star Struck, LLC.

STEP #2:
Test for weight. The most popular diamond simulant (fake) is a cubic zirconia.
C.Z.'s will weigh approximately 55% more than diamonds for the same shape and size.
Use a carat or gram scale to see if the impostor tips the scales too much.

STEP #3:
The U.V. test. Many diamonds will show fluorescence of blue if put under an
ultra violet light or black light. 99% of all fakes don't do this; so, a positive identification
of medium to strong blue would indicate a diamond. Diamonds with blue fluorescence
can be as much as 20% less valuable; however, lack of blue fluorescence
doesn't mean it's a fake; it could be a better quality diamond.

STEP #4:
The under the loop test.
With a magnifying lens, there are some things you can look for
on the stone that might give away its identity:

Look at your diamond from the top and see how the facets (the cuts on top of the diamond) are joined. They should be sharp but not rolled.

Is the girdle faceted or frosty (yes, then it's a diamond) or waxy and slick (yes, then it's a fake.)

Under magnification, look into your diamond for flaws (carbon, pinpoints, small cracks.) It's very hard to put inclusions into a fake.

Look at the stamps inside the setting. A stamp of "10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750, 900, 950, PT, Plat" indicates the setting is real gold or platinum.

This gives a better chance that the stone in it is real as well.

Look for any "C.Z." stamps. This will tell you the center stone is not a diamond

If you are looking at loose stones, not in a mounting, turn it upside-down and place it on a newspaper.
If you can read the paper through the diamond, most likely it is not real.
If it is mounted, try to see the bottom of the stone from the top. If you can, it's probably not a diamond.

Step 2:

Just like you clean your glasses, breathe directly on the stone.
If it remains foggy for more than 5 seconds, it probably is not real. Beware!
This is a common test so "evil" jewelers will cap a fake stone to thwart you.
Test your diamond further by submerging the stone in water.
If the stone has been caped, you most likely will be able to see that.

Step 3: As a rule, most imitations weigh about twice as much as a diamond of equal size.
Ask for a scale; then choose a similar diamond you know is real.
Compare its weight with the one you want to buy.

Step 4: If the stone is in a setting, check it for quality because fake diamonds usually
are in cheap settings. If it is made of platinum or gold, look for a designation like "10K," "18K," or "Plat" somewhere on the setting. If you find the mark "CZ" anywhere, then the diamond is probably fake.

Step 5: Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity issued by an impartial authority like the Gemological Institute of America, or an independent appraiser who is affiliated with a professional organization like the American Society of Appraisers.
If you are thinking of buying a diamond from an Internet website, ask for a Certificate of Authenticity before you pay for the stone.

How to Test A Diamond?

Is my diamond Real or Fake ?