How to Identify if a Diamond is Real: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to extraordinary brilliance, elegance, and rarity, a diamond is the first thing that comes to mind. These precious gemstones since time immemorial, have illuminated our lives with timeless elegance. But, what happens when you know that diamond you buy for an engagement ring or as an investment is not the real one? There are many imitations of this precious stone available in the market. It is necessary to establish the difference between a real and a fake diamond.

In this article, we will discuss how to identify if a diamond is real. Whether you want to check the authenticity of a diamond at home or want to get professional help, we will try to give all the answers to your queries. Also, we will tell you some myths regarding diamond testing. Keep away from these myths to keep your precious stone safe.

Why do Buyers Authenticate a Diamond?

Diamond is a symbol of purity and elegance in our lives. Differentiating between a real diamond and its imitation can create a lot of a difference. It is not only in terms of financial security but also for mental peace. When buyers purchase a diamond, it involves a large amount of money. It is necessary to make sure that the stone is genuine to avoid financial loss. Additionally, a diamond holds a sentimental value in our lives, especially when we want to gift it to our loved ones. Any deception and low-quality imitations can genuinely hurt the feelings. Authenticating a diamond is more than just a precautionary step. It is a matter of utmost importance.

Understanding Real vs. Fake Diamonds

What differentiates a real diamond from a fake diamond? It is the constituent materials, structure, and properties. A real diamond can be classified into two categories. The natural diamonds and the lab-grown diamonds. Diamonds that are formed within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat and take billions of years for their formation are known as natural diamonds.

On the other hand, diamonds that are prepared in the laboratory using advanced technology are known as lab-grown diamonds. However, there is a negligible difference between the two. The lab-grown diamonds possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, and they are also referred to as real diamonds.

Natural diamonds are hydrocarbon products. They consist of carbon and hydrogen bonds. Due to the specialized properties of carbon elements, atoms of carbon and hydrogen are arranged in a specific manner under high pressure and temperature inside the earth. Offering current hardness and brilliance to the diamonds. To manufacture diamonds in a laboratory, the same kind of high pressure and temperature is replicated using advanced technology. In some cases, chemical vapor deposition is used to manufacture lab-grown diamonds.

However, not all substances that look and sparkle like diamonds are real diamonds. There are many imitations of diamonds present in the market that are specially crafted to mimic a diamond. However, due to their chemical composition and properties, they fail to replace a diamond.

For example, cubic zirconia is a zirconium dioxide product that is made to sparkle like a diamond. The composition of this material makes it fragile and least durable. Similar to zirconia, moissanite is also another lab-grown imitation of a diamond. It is commonly mistaken for a diamond due to its high brilliance. Since the reflective index of moissanite is different, it exhibits a certain tinted appearance under bright light, different from a real diamond. Also, sapphire is another material confused with a diamond, but it has a low refractive index and displays very little brilliance and sparkle in comparison to diamonds.

The above example of certain imitations of diamonds clearly states that not all shining diamond-like materials are diamonds. A reality check is necessary to establish a difference.

Home Tests to Identify Real Diamonds

Establishing the difference between a fake and a real diamond requires expertise. However, testing the authenticity of a diamond at home is also possible. The tests below will help you get a good idea about the originality of a diamond without requiring professional equipment and help. Merging different techniques is fruitful for better outcomes.

The tests to identify real diamonds at home are:

The Fog Test

The fog test is one of the simplest ways to establish whether a diamond is original. In this test, breathing is used to determine the authenticity of a diamond. As diamonds are good conductors of heat, they disseminate the vapor quickly formed on the surface due to breathing.

For fog test:

• Take the diamond in your hands and put it between your fingers.
• Now, exhale on the diamond, as we do on the surface of a mirror.
• Pay attention to the fog and observe how long it lasts on the diamond’s surface.

In the case of a real diamond, the fog will disappear instantly. This is because diamonds possess good thermal conductivity. On the other hand in the case of a fake diamond, the fog will remain for a few seconds and slowly disappear.

The Water Test

The water test for a diamond is based on the fact that the density of a diamond is high. When we compare real diamonds with many of their imitations, the density of a real diamond is more than its imitations and fake diamonds.

For water test:

• Take a glass
• Fill the glass with water
• Release diamonds into the water

In the case of real diamonds, the diamonds will sink down in the water and settle in the bottom of the glass. If a diamond is fake then it will float over the water or in some cases get suspended in it.
Remember this test is only suitable for loose diamonds and not for jewellery having diamonds.

The Heat Test

Diamonds are hydrocarbon products and due to the unique bonding properties of a carbon element diamonds have unique crystal structures. This unique structure helps the diamond to distribute heat adeptly, taking it away from the surface. This makes them bear extreme heat. This is the reason the heat test is used to differentiate between real and fake diamonds.

For heat test:

• Take lighter or matchsticks to generate fire.
• Take a glass of water.
• Heat the diamond. (30-40 seconds)
• After heating the diamond immediately release it into the glass of water.

In the case of real diamonds, there will be nothing as diamonds are the strongest materials on the earth and easily bear the sudden temperature change. But fake diamonds, especially those made up of glass or quartz, get broken and shattered into pieces.

Also Read: History Of Diamonds

The Scratch Test

Diamonds are the product of carbon-hydrogen bonds known as hydrocarbons. Due to the chemical composition and bonding of carbon with hydrogen, diamonds become the hardest (natural) material on the planet. To test this hardness, the scratch test is done. The scratch test involves rubbing a diamond against another surface (ceramic plate or glass) to check the authenticity of a diamond.

For the scratch test:

• Take a diamond.
• Take a ceramic plate or glass
• Scratch it against a glass or ceramic plate.

In the case of real diamonds, nothing will happen as diamonds are the hardest (natural) material. The fake diamond or simulants get damaged while scratching the glass.
The scratch test must be done correctly otherwise it may damage the diamonds (its edges and sides) or cause injury to the performer.

The Light Test (Sparkle Test)

Brilliance is what diamonds are known for. Brilliance produced by a real diamond is unmatchable. In the light test, we observe the movement of light when light falls on the diamond.

For the light test:

• Take the diamond and put it under natural light or flashlight.
• Carefully observe how light moves when it falls on the diamond.

The real diamond will showcase exceptional brilliance when put under natural light or artificial light. It reflects the white light and exhibits rainbow flashes creating a gleaming effect. The fake diamond will not be able to exhibit the brilliance as the real diamond and the rainbow effect created by it is also very dim or negligible.
Remember, use white light instead of yellow light for better results.

Using a UV Light Test

Diamonds are known for their fluorescence. To test whether a diamond is real or fake you can put the diamond under ultraviolet (UV) light. When UV light falls on the real diamond it will display blue fluorescence because when diamond atoms come into contact with the energy dissipated by UV light, the electron present in the diamond gets excited due to absorption of energy (caused by UV light) and releases it as fluorescence.

Most of the real diamonds will exhibit the same blue glow under UV light. Many fake diamonds will not exhibit any glow (neither blue nor any color) when put under UV light.

Professional Methods to Verify a Diamond’s Authenticity

With several ways to get an idea of whether a diamond is real or fake, professional help is the best way to check the authenticity. When experts check a diamond using scientific methods, the result obtained is the most authentic and trustworthy. It is advisable, if a customer wants to be sure about the purchase, taking the help of a gemmologist is the best option.

Professional methods to verify a diamond’s authenticity:

Use a Diamond Tester

Using a diamond tester is one of the best methods to identify whether a diamond is real or fake. It is a small device that is used to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of a material, particularly gemstones. Since diamonds possess particular thermal and electrical properties, this method is best suited to find the difference.

To establish a diamond’s authenticity, a heated needle-like tip (attached to a diamond tester) is placed on it. The needle tip transfers heat to the stone. Real diamonds allow heat to pass through them, while fake diamonds resist the transfer of heat. Also, a diamond tester tests a diamond’s electrical conductivity. Real diamonds are poor conductors of electricity and restrict electric flow.

Magnification and the Loupe Test

Jewellers use jeweler’s loupe to check the authenticity of a diamond. It is a special tool with a magnifying glass to check a gemstone thoroughly. Since diamonds consist of certain special characteristics, this loupe is used to identify those characteristics.

A natural diamond holds certain imperfections known as inclusions. A jeweller focuses on these inclusions using a loupe and finds out whether it is a real diamond or not. Loupe is also used to check the edges and facets of diamonds. A real diamond has sharp well-defined edges and facets while the stimulants have round or uneven edges.

Certificate of Authenticity and Grading Reports

Diamonds that come with a certificate of authenticity are the best fit to buy. A certificate from reputable grading institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), AGS, or any other grading agency is no less than a passport for a diamond, telling its origin and quality. These certificates not only assure buyers about the product but also provide confidence that if they want to resell it in the future they will get the right price.

A certificate of authenticity provides information about the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (4Cs) of a diamond after a thorough examination. Apart from the 4Cs it also tells about the origin of a diamond (whether it is natural or lab-grown) and other unique properties like fluorescence and inclusion.

Professional Appraisal

Professional Appraisal uses scientific methods to distinguish between real and fake diamonds. Gemologists use a microscope, loupes, ultra-violet lights, and refractometers that offer a touch of authenticity to their work. Many aspects remain untouched by our untrained eyes and are detected by specialists.

While evaluating a stone gemologists pay attention to minute details, like Diamonds cut, color, carat weight, and clarity, known as the 4Cs. These characteristics offer uniqueness to a diamond and help in the distinction between real and fake diamonds. Additionally, specialists pay attention to irregularities and internal imperfections, refractive index, etc. for evaluating a stone.

Common Myths about Testing Diamonds

When it comes to testing the authenticity of a diamond, there are a variety of myths surrounding the diamond industry. These myths are dangerous for buyers as they create an environment of doubt and uncertainty.

Some of the myths about testing diamonds:

The Sandpaper Test Myth

Many people suggest that sandpaper is the best material to test the hardness of a diamond. However, it is disastrous to rub diamonds against sandpaper. Yes, it is true that diamonds are the hardest natural material on the earth and withstand rubbing against sandpaper. But, this rubbing will result in serious damage to the stone. Since the hardness of the grit present on the sandpaper is from 7 to 9 on the Mohs scale. That is why it is not advisable to rub sandpaper on the surface of a diamond.

The Glass Test Myth

The glass test for checking the authenticity of a diamond is scratching the glass with the diamond and checking whether the diamond cuts the glass or not. Since diamond is the hardest natural material, it can cut glass, but other synthetic materials like cubic zirconia, quartz, and moissanite are too. It is not a definitive test, and while performing the act, it can hurt the diamond. It may damage the facets and edges of a diamond.

The Fire Test Myth

When a diamond is exposed to the fire for checking its authenticity it is known as the fire test. Diamond is put under fire to check how it reacts under high temperatures. Diamond shows the property of high resistance against heat. However, putting a diamond in flame can cause severe damage to it. It may damage the surface of a diamond or may lead to cracking of a diamond. It is not safe to perform this activity to check whether a diamond is real or fake.

Conclusion

It is next to impossible for the naked eye to differentiate between a real and a fake diamond. It requires expertise and specialized equipment to prove the authenticity of a diamond. However, certain tests can be performed at home to check the credibility of a diamond. But, these tests are not 100% credible. You require professional help for authentic information. These professional methods are performed by experts with specialized equipment to prove the authenticity of a stone.

But wait! Beware of the myth surrounding diamonds. Certain tests are said to be the diamond testing methods but may damage the diamond instead of establishing authenticity. So, next time when you are going to buy a diamond for your loved ones or yourself, pay attention to the above details to differentiate between a real and fake diamond.

FAQ

1. How Can I Tell if My Diamond is Real at Home?

To test the authenticity of a diamond at home, you can opt for a variety of tests like the fog test, the water test, the heat test, the scratch test, etc. However, it is highly recommendable to authenticate your diamond with the help of professionals.

2. Can Fake Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?

Yes, there are chances that certain fake diamonds like moissanite can pass the diamond tester test. It is because, just like a diamond, moissanite also possesses high thermal conductivity.

3. What’s the Most Reliable Test for Identifying a Real Diamond?

Taking the help of professional appraisal with a certificate of authenticity is the best way to identify whether a diamond is real or not. Different grading institutions like GIA, AGS, and IGI authenticate diamonds.

4. Can I Trust Online Diamond Certifications?

You can trust the online certifications that authenticate diamonds. Make sure that they are published by genuine grading institutes like GIA or AGS and you must verify the same from the institutes directly.

5. Is it Easy to Confuse Cubic Zirconia With a Diamond?

One can confuse cubic zirconia with a diamond because cubic zirconia exhibits high brilliance and appears similar to a diamond. But it cannot withstand the hardness test. It is very fragile and very hard.

6. How Cubic Zirconia Mimics Diamonds and the Key Ways to Differentiate Them?

When seen by the naked eye, cubic zirconia can mimic a diamond. It exhibits high brilliance, sparkle, and clarity. However, when inspected thoroughly it is behind in carat weight, hardness, and refractive properties.