How Do You Know if a Diamond Is Fake or Real

How do you know if a diamond is fake or real? Being able to answer that question can help anyone interested in buying a quality diamond – whether for an engagement ring, diamond earrings, a diamond wedding ring, or an anniversary ring – be sure they are getting an authentic, valuable stone.

Ultraviolet light can detect fake diamonds.

Saying a diamond is “fake” can mean many things. Some stones such as cubic zirconia, quartz, and moissanite can be faceted into lovely jewels, but they are not diamonds. Some consumers consider lab-created and other synthetic and imitation diamonds to be fake, even if they share the same physical and chemical properties as naturally mined stones. Furthermore, natural stones that have been enhanced with treatments to improve their color or clarity may also be considered fake by some consumers.

In truth, the only time a diamond is fake is if it is passed off as something it isn’t, such as pretending that a quartz stone is really a natural diamond. Many diamond alternatives can be stunningly beautiful gems perfect for a wide range of attractive jewelry, and as long as they are not passed off as diamonds they are not fake.

Understanding how to spot a fake diamond can help consumers ensure the stone they pay for is what they believe it is – a real diamond. There are several ways to tell the difference between real diamonds and fake diamonds, and knowing these tricks can keep consumers from making unwise purchases.

There are many times when it may be prudent to know if a diamond is fake or real. If you are buying used diamond jewelry from a pawn shop or if you have inherited an heirloom engagement ring, it is wise to learn if the stones are real or not. What seems to be a good deal on a cheap engagement ring may actually be a rip off for a fake diamond, and antique rings may not always be set with real stones. Understanding how to tell the difference between real and fake diamonds can help you make a wise choice.

There are many different unofficial tests you can do to try to tell the difference between real and fake gems. Five of the best ways are:

• Professional Appraisal: An independent, professional appraisal by a certified and experienced gemologist is the single best way to tell the difference between real and fake diamonds. A gemologist can examine a stone in many ways that are unavailable to consumers, and they can issue a report on their judgment of the diamond’s quality and value.
• Ultraviolet Light: The majority of diamonds will glow blue under ultraviolet lights such as black light. Fake diamonds, on the other hand, will glow other colors or not at all. While an extremely high quality gem will also not glow under UV light, this can be a good test for questionable stones.
• Reflection Colors: Because of the precise index of refraction of a diamond, the shadows and shades reflected within a real stone will be shades of gray. If a stone shows colors or rainbows in its depths, it is not a genuine diamond.
• Weight: When comparing stones of similar shape and size, a cubic zirconia will weigh approximately 50 percent more than a real diamond. Measurements can be tricky for small stones, however, and care should be taken to ensure accuracy when determining if a stone is real or not.
• Perfection: Any natural stone will have some minute flaws and inclusions, and a gem that is perfectly flawless should be examined with great care to be sure it is real. While real flawless diamonds are available, if the stone in question is offered at an unforgettably affordable price, it may not be a real gem.

Real or fake?

Consumers should be aware that many ways to distinguish between real and fake stones will not be able to tell the difference between naturally mined stones and man made diamonds. In that case, a detailed appraisal may be the only way to detect an artificial stone, and even then it may be difficult to be certain.

There are a few other characteristics savvy consumers can examine to see if a diamond is fake or real. While these are not guaranteed tests, they can help shed light on a diamond’s quality.

• Setting: A high quality diamond would not be placed in an inferior, flawed setting. Check for warping, discolored metals, and setting security to help judge the diamond’s quality.
• Metal: The best stones are often set in superior precious metals such as 18 karat gold or platinum. If the stone is set in stainless steel, silver, or low grade gold, it is more likely to be a lesser quality or fake gem.
• Care: A very fine, real gem should be finely cared for. A dirty or abused gem will more easily hide flaws that indicate it may be a fake.
• Price: Any deal that is too good to be true probably indicates a fake diamond. A large carat stone, for example, will command a higher price, and if the stone is too cheap it should be carefully investigated before a purchase.

Being an alert consumer and understanding how do you know if a diamond is fake or real can help you find a good value diamond for your budget. Someone who knows how to spot a fake diamond is less likely to be taken in by false glitter and will have a much better diamond buying experience by finding a good quality stone.

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