How to Tell if Diamonds are Fake

Diamonds are forever ... so long as they aren't imitations

Whether you're ready to pop the question, or just curious if all of your diamonds are the real thing, there are several easy ways to spot an imitation diamond.

Things You'll Need

• Precision Scale

Instructions

1. 

   No do-it-yourself method will be as 100% as bringing it to your local jeweler for appraisal, but there are several tests you can do yourself for free, or cheap, if you have the equipment.

   Your first step involves no equipment. Simply look at the reflections of light caused by the diamond. The color of light reflected off a real diamond should be gray; if it appears to be rainbow colored at all, it's a fake.

2. 

   If you're in the market for a diamond, but haven't bought yet, make sure the dealer you buy from provides you with an authentic impartial diamond grading authority (see list in resources at the bottom of this article).

3. If you have another diamond, that has been confirmed to be authentic, you should weigh it in comparison to the one in question. A cubic zirconia weighs approximately 55% more than real diamonds of the same size. If you don't already have one, consider buying a precision gram scale. This will still be a cheaper alternative than bringing it to a jeweler.

Tips & Warnings

• Always buy diamonds from a trusted source, and from someone who you can meet in person.

• Ask friends for a jeweler referral, someone who comes recommended is much easier to trust

• Even if your diamond is real, it still might not be "conflict free," meaning that could have been obtained in a violent and inhumane way (see article in resource guide). Consider paying extra money to buy a conflict free diamond, for a lighter toll on your conscience.

Resources

• Buy Precision Scales on Amazon
• Buy Diamond Testers on Amazon
• Diamond Cutters International
• Conflict Free Diamonds