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via Flickr
If you’re considering
buying a diamond, you know it’s a hefty investment, and you do not want to be
caught out buying a fake. Sadly, there are underhanded sellers out there who
will try to sell you a fake diamond. To protect yourself, there are a few ways
to tell if a stone is real before you purchase it.
Before You Buy the Diamond
- Certification
Make sure you ask the
jeweller for a certificate for the diamond. Independent, reputable jewellers
will be able to give you a diamond report or certificate from a regarded
laboratory. This proves the stone’s authenticity. Make sure you do receive the
certificate from the actual lab, and not just a certificate the jeweller has
created.
2. Laser Inscription
2. Laser Inscription
You should find out if
the diamond has been laser inscribed with an ID number or any other kind of
identifying mark. The inscribed ID number will correspond with the stone’s
certification, validating its authenticity. The marks are usually inscribed on
the diamond at the lab that graded it, to ensure the diamond is linked to its
original paperwork.
There are also a
number of DIY tests you can do yourself to find out if the stone is the real
deal.
DIY Tests for Loose Stones
1 1. The
Dot Test
Take a ballpoint pen
and piece of white paper and draw a small dot on the paper. Flip your diamond
upside down and centre it over the dot. If the diamond is real, it will break
up the reflection, and you shouldn’t be able to see the dot through the stone.
A fake
diamond will appear like a
piece of glass and you will see the dot beneath it.
2 2. The
Precision Test
You can use a
precision scale to weigh your diamond and determine it if it real. Typically, a
1 carat diamond will weight 200 milligrams, where as a Cubic Zirconia of the
same size will weigh double that amount.
DIY Tests for Mounted Stones
These tests can be
used on either loose or mounted stones.
1 1. Scuffing
or Scratching
Never purposely scuff
a stone. But, if your stone is vintage, examine it
carefully for scratches and scuffs. A Cubic Zirconia stone will show marring on
the surface, whereas a real diamond won’t.
2 2. The
Breath Test
A natural diamond is
an excellent conductor of heat. Breath on the table of the stone, and an
authentic stone will clear almost instantly.
3 3. Magnification
You can also use a
jeweller’s loupe or a microscope to determine if your diamond is real. Look at
the stone under magnification and through one of the star or bezel facets on
the crown of the diamond. If you notice what seems like double lines on the facets,
the stone may well a Masonite. You can
also use the magnifier to look at the stone’s girdle. A real diamond will have
a grainy, somewhat frosted appearance.
Overall, the best way
to figure out if you are purchasing a real diamond is to have a professional
look at it and appraise the stone.
1 Comments
I had to buy 1 carat loose diamond for my ring. After trying these methods, I have found a good quality diamond for myself. Really these steps have helped me a lot.
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