How to Tell if a Diamond is Real or not

Diamonds are the stone of choice for many different kinds of jewelry, and as a result there are a lot of fakes around. Fortunately there are several easy tests that anyone can perform to tell if a diamond is real or not.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diamond
• Newspaper
• Magnifying glass

1. Assess the Source of the Diamond
   The first thing to to is to select what you believe to be a diamond. Obviously the source of the stone will tell you a lot about whether or not it is likely to be real. Reputable jewelers are less likely to deal in fakes and can also test stones for you. Market stalls or found jewelry are more likely to be fake.

2. Breath Test
   The easiest test to do is simply to breathe on the diamond to test for condensation. A real diamond will disperse the vapor instantly, and there will no be any condensation left on the stone when you go to examine it. A fake will have condensation on it for a second or two at the very least, and you will be able to visibly watch it recede.

3. Glass test
   A real diamond will cut through glass when a point is run along it, although this can potentially damage both the stone and the glass surface tested. Most fakes will either be damaged by the glass, or will not readily scratch though it without effort. A real diamond will glide along without applying any force.

4. Newspaper Test
   This next test requires you to put the diamond on some newspaper flat side down and to place it so that the light in the room is coming from directly above (not too close, just above). Next look into the diamond and see if you can read the letters beneath it. If the diamond is real then you will not be able to read any of the text clearly. Fake stones will reflect the light differently and will be more see through, enabling you to read the letters easily.

5. Further Testing
   If you still aren't sure after these three tests have been performed, then looking at the stone through either a strong magnifying glass or microscope should be the best step. Real stones will have visible flaws and specs inside them unless they are of the highest quality (worth millions). Fake stones will no have any of these markings because they are extremely hard to add in to a manufactured stone.
   
   If you still aren't satisfied, then taking the stone to a reputable jewelers and having them test it is the best thing to do.