Diamonds are precious gemstones that have been prized for centuries for their beauty and durability. However, the demand for diamonds has also led to the creation of a vast market for counterfeit diamonds.
Firstly, lab grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory using a process that mimics the natural process of diamond formation. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, and they are often indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye.
If you are considering purchasing a diamond, it is important to know how to test its authenticity. There are a number of at-home tests that you can perform to help you determine whether a diamond is real or fake.
At-Home Diamond Testing Methods
Here are a few at-home diamond testing methods that you can try:
The fog test: Breathe on the diamond and see if it fogs up. Real diamonds will fog up and then quickly clear. Fake diamonds will either not fog up at all or will fog up and take a long time to clear.
The water test: Drop the diamond into a glass of water. A real diamond will sink to the bottom, while a fake diamond will float or float partially submerged.
The newspaper test: Place the diamond on a piece of newspaper with the flat side of the stone facing up. Look at the diamond through the newspaper. If you can see the print through the diamond, it is likely a fake. Real diamonds will block the light and you will not be able to see the print.
The ultraviolet test: Shine an ultraviolet light on the diamond. Real diamonds will glow blue or green, while fake diamonds will not glow at all.
The magnification test: Use a magnifying glass to inspect the diamond closely. Real diamonds will have small imperfections, while fake diamonds will be perfect.
Limitations of At-Home Testing
It is important to note that at-home diamond testing methods are not foolproof. There are some fake diamonds that can pass these tests. If you are concerned about the authenticity of a diamond, it is always best to have it tested by a professional gemologist.
Professional Diamond Testing
Professional gemologists have access to a variety of sophisticated tools and techniques that can be used to accurately test the authenticity of a diamond. These tools and techniques can detect even the most subtle imperfections, which can help to distinguish between real diamonds and fake diamonds.
Cost of Professional Diamond Testing
The cost of professional diamond testing can vary depending on the gemologist and the type of testing that is performed. However, a basic diamond authenticity test typically costs between $50 and $100.
Peace of Mind
If you are considering purchasing a diamond, it is worth the investment to have it tested by a professional gemologist. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are getting what you paid for.
In addition to the testing methods mentioned above, there are a few other things that you can do to help protect yourself from buying a fake diamond:
Buy from a reputable jeweler: Only buy diamonds from a reputable jeweler who can provide you with a certificate of authenticity.
Be skeptical of low prices: If a diamond seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Do your research: Learn about diamonds before you buy one so that you know what to look for.