They say that diamonds are a person’s best friend and rightly so. Their incredible beauty has captured the hearts of millions all over the world and with good reason. It’s no wonder that women’s diamond jewellery is an absolute must-have in every collection.
With diamonds having such a high value, it is no wonder that there are a large number of fakes popping up on the scene today. That said, with the right tricks and steps, telling apart a fake diamond from a real one can be done easily. Cheque out these simple tests that teach you how to tell if a gemstone is real!
How to Cheque if a Diamond Is Real
1. The Water Test
Grab a glass of water and drop the diamond in. If it’s real, it’ll sink to the bottom because diamonds are heavy. A fake diamond will usually float or stay near the surface. Simple way to tell a real diamond vs a fake, right?
2. The Fog Test
Wondering how to tell if diamonds are real at home? Hold the diamond between your fingers and breathe on it, just like you would fog up a window. A real diamond won’t fog up easily because it disperses heat so quickly. If it stays foggy for a few seconds, it’s likely fake.
3. The Scratch Test
One of the differences between real and fake diamonds is that real diamonds won’t scratch easily, as they are the hardest natural material. Try scratching the surface of a glass or ceramic plate with the stone. If it leaves a scratch, it’s probably real. But if not, it could be a fake. You can also use sandpaper to do this as the sandpaper test is an easy way to differentiate between a real and fake gemstone. But be careful, you don’t want to damage the diamond’s surface – do this only if you’re really unsure!
4. The Light Reflection Test
Wondering how can you tell if a diamond is real with ease? Hold your diamond under a bright light and look at how it reflects. A real diamond will reflect light in a spectrum of colours, creating that sparkling rainbow effect. Fake diamonds may not have the same brilliance.
5. The Heat Resistance Test
Diamonds can withstand extreme heat. If you heat the diamond with a lighter for about 30 seconds and then drop it in cold water, a real diamond will be just fine. Fake ones, however, might crack due to the sudden temperature change.
6. Using a Magnifying Glass or Loupe
Real diamonds have tiny imperfections called inclusions, which make them unique. Use a magnifying glass or jeweller’s loupe to examine the diamond. If it’s perfectly flawless, it might be a fake, since real diamonds typically have some natural imperfections.
7. UV Light Test
Place your diamond under a UV light (like a blacklight). Real diamonds will usually glow blue, while most fake diamonds won’t glow at all. If it gives off a different colour, it could be a sign of a synthetic diamond.
8. Reading Test
An authentic diamond refracts light, which makes it difficult to read print through it. Place your diamond on a piece of newspaper and try to read through it. If you can, it’s likely fake. Real diamonds will blur the print due to their refractive properties.
9. Halo Test
Use a penlight and shine it through the diamond. A real diamond will create a distinct halo around it when the light passes through. If the light goes straight through without creating a halo, the stone is probably fake.
10. Conducting a Professional Diamond Test
If you really want to be sure, a professional jeweller easily knows how to cheque if a diamond is real. They can use specialized equipment like a diamond tester to test your diamond and confirm the same. This is the most reliable way to know for sure.
Now that you know the tricks to test if a diamond is real or fake, you can confidently inspect your jewellery! Whether you’re buying a diamond or just curious about your own collection, these simple tests can save you time and money. But if in doubt, always consult a pro— a real diamond is a big investment, after all!
Read More: How to Tell If a Coloured Diamond Is Real?
- How To Tell If a Pink Diamond Is Real
- How To Tell If a Brown Diamond Is Real
- How To Tell If a Yellow Diamond Is Real
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I test a diamond at home?
Yes! There are several simple tests, like the water test or fog test, that you can try at home to cheque if a diamond is real.
2. Will a fake diamond reflect light like a real one?
Not exactly. Real diamonds reflect light in a rainbow spectrum, giving them that dazzling sparkle. Fake diamonds may lack that level of brilliance.
3. What should I do if I think my diamond is fake?
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to take your diamond to a professional jeweller who can conduct a proper test to confirm whether it’s real or not.
