How to Tell If a Diamond is Fake

Diamond buyers beware. With the rise of simulated stones being sold as real ones, the ability to tell an authentic diamond from a fake is critical. While moissanite, white sapphires and cubic zirconium have similar sparkle and shine to diamonds, these stones are sometimes sold as genuine diamonds by unscrupulous vendors. By asking a few questions and looking for important clues that reveal authenticity, jewelry purchasers can select a real diamond amongst a sea of fabulous fakes.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. View the setting. A real diamond won't be set in silver. Look inside the band to read the stamp inside the setting. See if the ring has markings that indicate the carat weight of the metal or have the letters PT or Plat for platinum. If you see a stamp with the letters, "C.Z." the stone is a cubic zirconium and not a real diamond.

2. Check for imperfections. Most diamonds will have small inclusions or imperfections in the stone. Ask the jeweler to see his 10x diamond loupe to review the stone. Rotate the diamond at different angles to view the stone. A fake stone---a cubic zirconium or a lab-grown diamond--will show no imperfections.

3. Look for fire and shine. A real diamond is brilliant. It sparkles due to its high refractive index. It's impossible for a lab-created stone to replicate the refractive index of a real diamond. A fake diamond will not bend the light sharply and will look dull in bright light.

4. Ask for a diamond grading report. A diamond certificate is administered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the (American Gemological Society) AGS or (European Gemological Laboratories) EGL. These world respected gemological laboratories do not sell diamonds or receive a portion of the sales. GIA, AGS and EGL often authenticate the value of a real diamond. Review the diamond using a loupe to check for a permanent laser inscription implanted by the laboratories that corresponds with the certificate number.

5. Attempt to read newsprint through the diamond. A newspaper transparency test is an unscientific method to determine whether a diamond is real or fake. Place a loose diamond upside down on a newspaper. If you can read the newsprint clearly then the diamond is probably not real.

6. Ask questions concerning the diamond's authenticity. Inquire about the source of the jewelers diamonds. Arm yourself with information regarding the average retail price of the diamond size, carat and weight. If the price is too amazing to believe, ask the jeweler if the stone is real or fake.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, bring a real diamond when shopping to compare side-by-side with your new purchase. If a diamond is completely flawless, with a low price, it is a fake. Get the stone appraised. An independent appraiser's prices range from $50 to a few thousands of dollars, depending upon the size of the stone, weight and carat. Use an electronic diamond tester to differentiate between a real diamonds and a fake.

Resources

• How to spot a fake diamond: 10 ways
• How to avoid buying a fake diamond ring

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on 1/20/2009 For more information visit: www.HowToTestADiamond.com