Whether you are in the market for an engagement ring or a custom piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one, there is nothing like an investment in quality diamonds. But even savvy buyers can be vulnerable to the lure of an imposter. In order to protect your investment and make sure that the diamond you are buying is of the highest quality, follow a few simple tips to test the authenticity of your stone.
I’m a Diamond, You’re a Cubic Zirconia: How to Tell If a Diamond Is Real
You don’t have to be an expert yourself to be able to tell if your mounted or loose diamonds are fake. There are a few simple, at-home tests anyone can perform to separate the real diamonds from the phonies.
Here are three tests that you can perform on your own to confirm that your diamond is authentic:
Water
It doesn’t get much easier than the water test. Real diamonds are denser than their fake counterparts, so if your stone is real, it will sink to the bottom of a simple glass of water. If it floats near the top or middle of the glass, you likely have a counterfeit on your hands.
Fog It
Can breathing on a stone really help to determine if it is real? According to the experts, it can. A real diamond will be resistant to fogging, whereas a fake one will fog like a mirror when you breathe on it.
Magnify the Imperfections
If you have access to a magnifying glass, take a look at your stone and study what you see. If it is clear and smooth like a clean window pane under magnification, it is likely as fake as the window pane! Genuine diamonds contain imperfections that should be visible under a microscope (think of the vintage image of a professional jeweler scrutinizing diamonds under an eyepiece!)
Pro tip: If you have access to a black light, study the diamond under the black light and look for a blue tint, which is a sign that it is real.
Pro tip: Only purchase diamonds that have been GIA certified. Ask your jeweler to either provide proof of GIA certification or insist that they send the stone in for evaluation prior to purchasing. All reputable jewelers will be happy to provide you with the necessary documentation, if they balk at your request run, not walk way!
Pro tip: Only shop from reputable jewelers that have a clear history online and lots of positive reviews.
Don’t leave your diamond and fine jewelry buying needs to chance. For more information on investing in the diamond of your dreams, contact one of our Denver diamond experts online or call 720-560-3548 to schedule an appointment today.