It can be for a variety of personal reasons, and purchasing a diamond is a significant purchase. But do you know how to tell if a diamond ring is real?
We strongly advise consulting a reputable jeweler for guidance if you have any doubts about whether a diamond is genuine.
We do, however, have ten quick tests you can use at home to determine whether a diamond is real or fake if you’re in a bind.
How to Tell If a Diamond Ring is Real?
It’s time to put your diamond to the test. We have tests you can run on a mounted or loose diamond, but you’ll likely find it’s simpler to tell the difference between real and fake if you have a loose diamond.
1. With the Fog Test
To perform the “fog test,” place the diamond or ring between two fingers and blow on it.
Because of the heat and moisture in your breath, a thin layer of fog will start to form on the diamond. The diamond is genuine if the fog immediately disappears.
It is probably a fake diamond if it takes the fog a few seconds to clear up. Diamonds disperse heat quickly because they effectively conduct heat.
2. With Water
If you have a loose diamond, you can easily test it by filling a glass with water (any water will work).
The water glass should receive the diamond. If a real diamond is dropped into water, it will float because of the high density of diamonds. It is a fake if the diamond floats to the top or center of the glass. It’s simple physics.
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3. With a Magnifying Glass
Hold up a magnifying glass and inspect the diamond through the lens to see if the diamond is genuine. Look for flaws in the stone itself.
The diamond is probably a fake if you are unable to find any. the majority of real diamonds have imperfections referred to as inclusions.
There are flawless diamonds available, but they are either lab-created or quite expensive due to the unusually high quality.
4. With a Sparkle Test
You can conduct the following test without a loupe. Watch how the gemstone reflects white light by holding it up to a light source.
The way real diamonds shimmer and sparkle is what makes them so lovely. A fake diamond will look boring in comparison.
5. How to Tell If a Diamond Ring is Real Based on Its Setting
Even though this is by no means a conclusive test by itself, we recommend it as a quick way to tell if you are holding a fake ring.
Real diamonds are typically set in precious metals like platinum, white gold, or yellow gold.
What kind of gold it is (e.g. 10K, 14K, and 18K) or platinum (The inside of the band has PT or Plat) stamped into it. The stone is probably a fake if the setting has no indication of being made of precious metal.
6. With a UV Light Test
To test if a diamond is real in a different way, place it under a Watch the response to UV light. The majority of diamonds, but not all of them, will glow blue. Under UV light, not all diamonds glow. As a result, even if the stone doesn’t glow, the findings may not necessarily prove that it’s a fake diamond.
It is best to have a diamond specialist or jeweler test the stone using their sophisticated equipment because this test is not conclusive.
7. With a Loupe
For close-up viewing of small details, jewelers use loupes, which are small magnifying devices. A loupe and a magnifying glass are only distinguished by the absence of an attached handle and a slightly more conical lens frame, respectively.
When checking diamonds for clarity and quality, most jewelers use loupes. If you don’t have one (strange!), Loupes can be found on Amazon for a fair price and in a wide variety.
8. With a Heat Test
To conduct the heat test, use a pair of pliers to hold the loose diamond while you heat it up with a lighter. Place the object in a glass of cold water after 45 seconds.
Since a real diamond is one of the strongest substances on earth and has a high heat resistance, it won’t be harmed by the sharp temperature change. A fake diamond made of glass or zirconium will break in contrast.
9. With the Dot Test
A genuine diamond will reflect light; this is what gives it sparkle and brilliance. Take a piece of paper and make a tiny dot on it to test the reactivity of your stone.
Check to see if you can see the dot through the diamond by placing it over it. If the diamond is real, the image will be refracted and you won’t be able to see it. A newspaper can be used to carry out a comparable test.
If you can see the black type through the stone when the diamond is flat-side down, it’s probably a fake. On the other hand, a real diamond will refract the image and so you will not see anything through the stone if it’s the real thing.
10. Using a Diamond Tester
You can conduct a test using a thermal conductivity probe (also known as an infrared thermometer) if you have the time or desire to order equipment online. diamond tester). To determine whether your stone is a genuine diamond, use this device to test its conductivity.
A second electrical conductivity test will be required to differentiate between a real diamond and moissanite because both materials will yield the same result.
How Are Real Diamonds Certified?
Certified diamonds are analyzed by experts and gemologists under laboratory conditions, whereby the diamond is tested to determine its quality.
These exams and certifications are administered by a number of professional bodies.
Gia
The basic grading system that is still in use today was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which has been around since the 1930s. GIA is currently the most reputable and trusted entity for diamond grading.
When buying any diamond, they offer the highest level of confidence and consistency.
Any stone at Diamond Mansion that weighs more than 0.50 carats comes with a GIA certificate.
Ags
Another organization founded in the 1930s is the American Gem Society (AGS), which rates diamonds on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 representing the highest quality and 10 the lowest.
Igi
Diamonds are certified globally by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), with an emphasis on Asia and Europe. They are consequently less frequently regarded in the US as a trustworthy source.
Some fake diamonds do have certificates that have been forged, despite the fact that these organizations and others certify the quality of real diamonds. Because of this, it’s crucial to exercise caution when buying diamonds, especially from unrecognized sources and sellers.
You need to be sure you’re buying a genuine diamond and not a deceptively similar item because diamonds are one of the most expensive and sought-after minerals.
So how can you determine whether a diamond is genuine? Even if you have no prior experience with precious stones, there are a number of tests you can perform on your own at home.
Takeaway: How to Tell If a Diamond Ring is Real
If you’re still unsure, it’s best to have a jeweler or diamond specialist look over your jewelry. These experts are highly trained to be able to discern a fake diamond from a real one.
Fortunately, every diamond you buy will come with an authentic AGS or GIA certificate, so all you have to do is make sure the diamond matches the certificate.
You can also ask for a grading report when purchasing your diamond, so you can put your mind at ease, at least until you decide to pop the question.
FAQs
How to Tell a Real Diamond Ring by Eye?
Hold a magnifying glass up to your diamond and look through it to see if it is genuine. Look for flaws in the stone itself.
Do Real Diamond Rings Sink Or Float?
The density of diamonds causes them to sink more quickly than some imitations.
What Happens to Fake Diamonds in Water?
Fake diamonds are not as thick, and therefore, more likely to float in water.
