When you see a sparkling diamond ring in the jeweler’s window, you don’t want to think whether the bauble is real or fake.
Now unless the gorgeous diamond is wrapped in a robin’s egg blue box (with the signature Tiffany’s white satin ribbon), you may want to determine if you are in the presence of a real diamond ring or a fake one.
If you’ve bought a cubic zirconium or received a diamante as a gift, a girl needs to know the steps to determine what’s is the real pedigree of this coveted piece of jewelry.
Here’s how to finally answer the question: Is it a real diamond or a fake?
Buy from reputable diamond jewelers. A great jeweler is a like a fabulous hairstylist when you find one… stick with them. Ask to see the diamond’s certificate of authenticity. If no diamond certificate exists, walk away.
Order a diamond appraisal. For insurance purposes, or to determine whether your diamond is authentic, have a licensed diamond appraiser review the stone. In fact, The (AGSL) or American Gem Society Laboratories has a professional grading system to determine the stone’s authenticity and value. A certified diamond appraiser verifies your diamond ring using the AGSL’s scale and measurements for clarity, cut, color, and weight.
Use an electronic diamond tester. A diamond tester is a reliable tool to help differentiate between real diamonds and the best fake diamonds. The electronic tester will determine the authenticity of all diamonds except moissanite stones.
Examine the stone and its setting. Fake diamond rings, like zirconias, are usually set in silver or other low-quality metals. Take a close look at the diamond before purchasing. Check for indicators of metal and stone type: like “PT” or “Plat” for platinum metals, 14K or 18K for gold carat weight or “C.Z.” for cubic zirconium. Fake diamonds are easily scratched and do not have inclusions or imperfections in the stone. Real diamonds are extremely durable and difficult to nick or damage.
Try the diamond transparency test. Place your diamond upside down on a newspaper. If the written letters are visible through the newsprint than the stone is a fake diamond. A disadvantage of applying this method is that some stones may appear to be real diamonds because of the detailed cutting of the stone mimics a real diamond.
Ask yourself if the diamond engagement ring shows any fire. An authentically designed and beautifully cut diamond ring will catch the light and shine. This shine is commonly referred to by jewelers as fire. A fake diamond ring will never display adequately the real sparkle of a real diamond stone, regardless if it is white sapphire or moissanite.
Administer the fog test. Using a jeweler’s polishing cloth, clean the surface of the stone to remove any, oil or dirt. While holding the diamond between two fingers, blow your breath on to the stone. If the fog appears on the real or fake stone and remains for the next few seconds then the stone is a fake diamond. When you blow on a real diamond, the heat disappears from the stone instantly.
If you’ve received the diamond as a gift, take the bauble to the jeweler. A jeweler’s loupe doesn’t lie. If you’ve received the ring as a gift, schedule a diamond meeting with your local jeweler. Use the consultation to get expert knowledge from a diamond professional. Because the best fake diamonds look similar to real diamonds, pay for a professional examination to spot a fake.
Whether you’re in possession of a white sapphire, or a moissanite stone set within a fancy platinum or white gold ring setting, use these expert jewelry sleuthing tips to separate the costume fake diamond from the real diamond bling-bling.
Sandi Piech
September 5, 2010I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post! I love mostthings antiques, but in particular engagement rings.