How to Identify a Fake Diamond?

Have you ever worried about getting ripped-off while diamond shopping? The horrors of picking up the world’s most precious stone for jewellery making is real when you come to know that your purchase might be fake. The simple way of avoiding buying a fake diamond is by going to a store, online or offline, that provides all the required certificates and documents to prove the diamond’s authenticity.

But that should not be your only option. We understand that buying a diamond jewellery is a huge investment and risk that requires careful planning and execution. That is why you need to ask for expert opinion when you’re going to pick up a diamond jewellery for yourself or your loved one.

There are various ways to tell if a diamond is fake or real, and most of them do not require you to go in search of an expert gemologist.

Different Types of Diamond Tests to Identify a Fake Diamond

The Water Test

This test is quite easy to perform. But keep in mind that this examination does not conclude that a diamond is real for sure. You will need to carry many other tests and experiments to make sure that your diamond purchase is real.

For the water test, all you need is a glass/bowl of water and a loose diamond. Drop the diamond in that water-filled glass and observe its behaviour. Stone is only real when it sinks to the bottom of the glass. A fake diamond would either float on the water surface or underneath it.

Why Does the Real Diamond Float?

The density of the loose diamond is higher than the fake diamond that makes the real one sink to the bottom of the vessel.

The Scratch Test

Diamonds are one of the hardest naturally occurring stones on the Earth. They have the ability to cut glass because of their hardness.

For the scratch test, you’ll need a glass plate along with a diamond (it could be loose or attached to a ring). As per the experiment’s name, you will need to scratch the glass plate’s surface using the diamond and analyze the damage. If there is a visible scratch of the glass surface, then your diamond is real. Another stone might break or lose its smoothness and shine if they’re scratched against a glass plate.

However, it is important to note that this test might damage your diamond stone as well.

Why Does the Real Diamond Leave a Scratch on the Glass Plate?

As mentioned earlier, a diamond is among the hardest naturally occurring gems and their hardness makes it possible to cut/scratch a glass surface.

The Fog Test

This is yet another test that is easy to perform without the help of any gemologist or expert. But before commencing the experiment, ensure that the diamond stone is clean and has no visible oil spots or prints on its surface.

For the fog test, all you need is the diamond. It can either be a loose stone or attached to a stunning jewellery setting. Fog up the stone with your breath and notice it for a few seconds. If the fog clears in two to three seconds, then the diamond you own is real. Otherwise, it is fake.

Why Does Fog Clear up from Diamond Surface in a Couple of Seconds?

Diamond has the ability to disperse heat quickly that makes it impossible for the fog to stay on the stone’s surface, whereas the fake diamond stone will not have the same heat dispersion property.

The Transparency Test

Again, all you need for this experiment is a newspaper or a textbook and a loose diamond. Clean the diamond’s surface thoroughly, so its brilliance and shine are at maximum.

For the transparency test, keep the precious stone face down on the paper, i.e. the pavilion or bottom half of the stone should face you or the observer. If you can read the letters on the paper through the diamond stone, then you have a fake one. If you’re unable to read the letters, your diamond is real.

Why Can’t You Read through the Diamond?

A read diamond’s facets refract light in different directions, rather than a linear manner, making it difficult for the observer to view through the diamond stone.

The Heat Test

Another way to identify whether a diamond is real or fake is through a heat or flame test. You’ll need a lighter and a loose diamond to carry out this experiment.

For the heat test, blow the flame at the stone for about 30 to 40 seconds and immediately drop it in the cold water. A real diamond would withstand the heat and remain unscathed, but a fake diamond stone will shatter to pieces.

Why Does the Real Diamond Remain Untouched?

Real diamond stones are formed under immense pressure and heat, making them durable and tough to withstand the flame, but the same is true for other gems that are not hard enough to take on the heat.

The Weight Test

Real diamonds are usually heavier than their fake counterparts, which will give away the diamond’s authenticity. You’ll need a sensitive weighing scale that accurately measures the stone’s heaviness, which might be difficult to find. So, for this test, you’ll need to contact your gemologist.

For the weight test, you’ll have to measure the heaviness of the loose diamond and note down its weight. The fake diamond would weigh more than the real stone of the same size and shape.

Why Does the Real Diamond Weigh Less?

On the contrary, the fake diamond weighs more than its real counterpart because it contains cubic zirconia, a synthesized material that has a weighs more than 55% of the real diamond.

The UV Light Test

This experiment requires a dim-lit area with UV lights to observe the diamond’s behaviour. But we understand that it might be difficult to get your hands on the UV light equipment, so we recommend that you take your stone to an expert gemologist for an expert opinion.

For the UV light test, you will have to keep the diamond jewellery under the UV and observe its behaviour. If the stone appears to have a visible blue colour, then you have a real diamond rock.

Why Does Real Diamond Turn to Blue under UV Light?

Real diamond stones have a unique property that makes them turn to the blue shade under the UV light; this property is known as fluorescence. You can go through our ‘How is Diamond Cost Calculated?’ guide to understanding how fluorescence works.

But if you’re still confused and want to contact an expert for their opinion, then call on the below number to connect with them on Melorra. We will provide all the accurate details to you about diamonds.

WhatsApp: 7829000052

Call: 08066040000

Email: cs@melorra.com

Explore below links for better information on gold: