How to Tell if a Diamond Engagement Ring is Real or Fake

When your betrothed presents you a diamond engagement ring, you don't want to question whether the diamond is real or fake. While only seventy percent of women receive a "diamond engagement ring" from their fiancé, unless the box is blue and says Tiffany, you may want to check to determine whether you have a cubic zirconium hiding in plain sight...within a fancy engagement ring setting.

If you want to tell if a diamond engagement ring is real (or fake) use these jewelry sleuthing clues to separate the costume diamond from the real thing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• loupe
• diamond ring appraiser
• carats and weight of your diamond ring

1. Use a diamond tester to help you see the difference between a real diamond engagement ring and a fake one. This electronic tester measures the weight of a diamond and can help you determine the stone's authenticity immediately.

2. Apply the scratch test. A fake diamond engagement ring will be made of a substance more pliable than a real diamond. Although the diamond mirror scratch test is an urban legend, the results ring true: if the diamond engagement ring cannot scratch glass, it is a fabulous fake.

3. Look for any signs of perfection in the diamond ring. A too perfect diamond ring, without any inclusions or imperfections, is a dead giveaway to a laboratory created sparkler. Find a jeweler's loupe and review the diamond engagement ring; to check for any hints of perfection that will reveal the authenticity of the stone.

4. Get the diamond ring appraised. For insurance reasons, and to determine whether your diamond is real, have the stone reviewed by a licensed diamond appraiser. The American Gem Society Laboratories(AGSL)has a grading system used to determine the value of the stone and it's authenticity. A diamond appraiser can verify your engagement ring using the AGSL's scale for cut, clarity, weight and color.

5. See if the diamond engagement ring is on fire. A brilliantly cut and authentically designed diamond ring will catch the light and shine, shine, shine. A fake diamond engagement ring will never capture the real sparkle of a real diamond stone, regardless if it is moissanite or white sapphires.

6. 
   no fake diamond rings

   The fog and breath test is the last clue to help tell if a diamond engagement ring is real or fake. To administer the fog test, position the diamond ring in front of your mouth and blow hot air until the diamond is cloudy. The authentic diamond ring will release the foggy air immediately, the fake diamond will hold the air for at least 10 to 15 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• A real diamond engagement ring will never show a kaleidoscope of colors when reflected in the light. If you don't see shades of gray in your diamond, it is a fabulous fake.
• Check the mount and setting of your stone for fake clues. A real diamond engagement ring will never be set in anything other than platinum, 10K gold or higher, titanium or some other high-grade metal.

Resources

• Fake Diamond Rings
• I just found out my engagement ring is fake!
• Engagement ring
• How to Spot a Fake Diamond

[sallyemaycreate]

on 8/30/2009 Great article... I had never heard of the fog breath test... yep, guess mine's real :-) Thanks 5*****