How to Avoid Buying a Fake Diamond Ring

You may think you're an expert at spotting fake jewels, but with some of the new diamond facsimiles on the market, even a jeweler might not be able to spot the imposters.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Ring
• Real Diamond Rings
• Jewlery Appraisals

1. Ask if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance. A reputable jeweler will give you an honest answer.

2. Look at the setting and mount. Since stones such as cubic zirconia are so much cheaper than diamonds, they are sometimes set in inferior metals.

3. Check the wear and tear on the stone. A cubic zirconia is not as durable as a diamond and may show signs of scratches or nicks.

4. Take the stone to a trusted jeweler. Looking through a jeweler's loupe, he or she should be able to spot a fake stone right away. If the jeweler cannot tell by examining the stone, he or she will have instruments that can verify its authenticity.

5. It is highly recommended that you obtain a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA, the largest impartial diamond grading authority in the world, issues a grading report after it examines the diamond and details it specifications.

6. Have the stone appraised by an independent appraiser who is affiliated with a professional organization such as the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). Ask for a certificate indicating the value and characteristics of the stone.

Tips & Warnings

• If a cubic zirconia is mounted in a high-quality diamond mount made of 18-karat gold or platinum, you are not likely to be able to spot the fake diamond unless you're an expert.
• These days, some of the best imitation diamonds are made of moissanite. This substance, which didn't come on the market until 1998, so closely resembles a diamond that even experts have a hard time telling the two stones apart without a special instrument. Moissanite sells for about one-tenth the price of diamonds.
• When purchasing "diamonds" online or buying stones you have not seen or had independently appraised, make sure the sale is accompanied by a grading report provided by an independent lab like the GIA. When you do make a purchase, get everything in writing.

[GabeC7]

on 2/18/2009 Very informative article! I recently purchased a diamond engagement ring. I had never made such a big purchase, so I had to make sure that I was getting a quality diamond. My friends who were already married told me to make sure that I got a GIA Diamond Grading Report before I purchased the diamond. GIA is the ultimate authority in diamond grading and a non-profit that works in the interest of the consumer. They created the 4Cs as a way for people to understand the characteristics that make up a quality diamond. Their website is full of useful information http://www.gia4cs.gia.edu

on 8/22/2006 Diamonds can cut glass, but even real diamonds can still be scratched and damaged trying this test.

on 7/4/2006 I have found that good, high quality diamonds have a serial number on them. You will need a jewelers eye to see them, of course.

on 6/30/2006 Having been a retail jeweler and then a wholesale gemstone merchant, I was always annoyed and frustrated with the number of people who assumed that I would be able to test their stones for free. Testing involves time, skill and money, as the instruments cost. If you want a valuation or a test, do the right thing and pay for it. It should be worth your while. To find out who is trustworthy within the trade in your area, ask an independent retail store (not part of a chain) in another city, they may well know someone in your town. Generally, the Gemology Association of your country has a set fee rate. If you're interest turns into a passion, the GAs often have courses available, or drop in to your local Gem Club.

on 12/28/2005 There are 5 C's to diamonds:

Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight and Confidence.

The last C is as important as the other C's. When you are ready to choose your diamond, see a reliable jeweler. Jewelers are the experts who will be happy to explain the 5 C's to you in more detail. They will also be able to show you beautiful diamonds in many sizes and can tell you the difference between various qualities of diamonds and how these differences affect the price you pay. Established jewelers prize their good reputation, and know you are making one of your most important purchases. They can help you select the very best your money can buy.