Are you thinking of investing in diamond jewelry? And want to be sure it’s the real deal? Then, knowing how to check diamond purity is essential.
Diamonds: Alluring, Magnificent, and Timeless treasures that will be yours forever for a lifetime.
However, beneath this allure lurks a dark shadow: a risk of encountering imitations.
You see, diamonds are one of the easiest precious stones to fake or imitate. Gemstones like moissanite and white sapphire can easily mimic their sparkle.
For an untrained eye, it’s difficult (almost impossible) to differentiate fake diamond jewelry from the real deal. And if you are not careful, scammers will take no time to sell you ordinary zirconia crystals for the price of a genuine diamond rock.
So, in a world of imitation, how do you tell if a diamond is real, or how to check diamond purity? This write-up will tell you how!
Related Article: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
What Are the Purity Indicators in a Real Diamond?
When learning how to check diamond purity, the first step is to look for unmistakable visual and physical cues that define genuine diamonds.
Diamonds have a way of saying, “Look at me!” Their visual drama and physical resilience make even A-class people melt over their glamour.
But how to identify a real diamond (or real deal)?
Let’s pause momentarily and break down the visual and physical traits that make diamonds unmistakably brilliant.
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Appearance: How Should a Real Diamond Look?
If you take a moment to examine diamonds, you will notice exceptional brilliance paired with fiery rainbow flashes. Wait until you hold one up to the light—it will sparkle so intensely it feels almost alive.
Unlike cubic zirconia or crystal, diamonds have a greyish-white sparkle. So, if the gemstone appears too colorful or oddly dull, you might have an imposter on your hands.
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Durability: How Does the Hardness of a Diamond Play a Role?
Here’s where diamonds flex their muscles!
Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale - obviously, it is one of the hardest natural substances on Earth (ranking above all natural minerals).
This means they laugh in the face of scratches and chips, keeping their beauty intact for decades (if not centuries).
How to Check Diamond Purity at Home?
Do you know how to check if a diamond is pure and real?
No, you don’t need a lab to uncover its secrets. With just a few household items, you can easily test your diamonds at home and determine their authenticity.
So let’s go through some of the famous diamond purity check methods and to suss it out - whether it's real or not.
1. Water Test
We will start with the easiest (and the quickest) one.
Fill a glass ¾ of the way with water. Make sure the water is clean and doesn’t contain any solvents. Then, gently drop the diamond into the glass.
If the diamond sinks to the bottom, good news, it's real. If your gem floats or lingers mid-glass, well, it’s probably not the real thing.
Logic Behind This:
A genuine diamond is denser than water, which means it will gracefully sink to the bottom. And if it doesn’t, you know the answer.
2. Fog Test
Here‘s where things get interesting.
The fog test relies on the diamond's excellent conductivity. As part of your experiment on how to identify a real diamond, all you need to do is - hold the diamond between your two fingers and breathe on it as if fogging up a mirror. Then, wait for a few seconds to identify if the diamond is real.
A real diamond will clear almost instantly—it’s a master at dispersing heat. If it stays for too long (more than 3 seconds), you have a fake one in your hands.
Think of this as the "blink and you’ll miss it" test for diamonds.
Logic Behind This:
Diamonds conduct heat. So, if the stone is real, the fog will clear within 3 seconds. Fakes stay foggy for a little longer—a dead giveaway.
3. Scratch Test
While we must mention this classic test (used widely in the past), at the same time, we advise against it.
Lightly scratch a glass surface with your stone. If it leaves a mark on the glass and looks untouched itself, you’ve got a winner. This test is better suited for loose stones or when you’re feeling particularly daring.
Logic Behind This:
Diamonds are resistant to scratching. Moreover, genuine diamonds can cut glass without a scratch in return. So, if a scratch appears on the mirror’s surface, the stone you’re holding is a fake diamond. Otherwise, the diamond is real.
4. Light Test
The most common test in this list is the UV test or the light test!
Simply hold a diamond under a UV light and watch its reaction. Under bright light, real diamonds come alive, gleaming a blue-colored glow under UV light.
Fake stones, on the other hand, might look flat or unnaturally flashy, like they’re trying too hard.
Logic Behind This:
Nothing shows off a diamond’s brilliance quite like natural light. If the diamond displays a blue glow under UV light, it's real. And if the stone does not react to the light, you know it. Step outside and let sunlight do the talking.
Expert Methods to Check Diamond Purity and Authenticity
You have done your homework in trying to know whether the diamond that’s glittering in your hand is real or not.
But how can you ensure its authenticity with absolute certainty?
This is where professionals come in!
Home tests are there to provide initial clues; for a definitive answer, you need professional evaluation. From certifications to advanced tools, here’s how experts separate the authentic from the impostors.
1. Certification: The Gold Standard
The most trusted way to verify a diamond’s authenticity is through certifications by reputable gemological laboratories.
Think of certification as your diamond’s passport—proof of its identity and authenticity.
In the world of diamond authentication, these organizations command instant respect and stand as benchmarks for trust:
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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
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International Gemological Institute (IGI)
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American Gem Society (AGS)
Prestigious organizations issue detailed certificates that outline a diamond’s quality, cut, clarity, and carat weight—essential for understanding its value. Always ask for certification. It’s the gold standard in ensuring your stone is more than just a pretty face—it’s the real deal.
Related Post: Master The Art of Buying Solitaires Diamond
2. Jeweller’s Inspection: The Art of Professional Assessment
Experienced jewelers have a keen eye for spotting the telltale signs of authenticity.
Using tools like loupes (specialized magnifiers), they inspect diamonds for inclusions—tiny, natural imperfections that set real diamonds apart from flawless simulants.
Here’s the twist: those “flaws” are a badge of authenticity.
What about the stones that look perfect? They’re usually synthetic or imitations.
Not only that! Their arsenal includes specialized diamond testers that measure both thermal and electrical conductivity – properties unique to natural diamonds.
A jeweler’s inspection is like an art critique—they can spot what the untrained eye might miss.
Related Post: What is a Costly Diamond or Platinum?
3. Advanced Tools: Laboratory Authentication
At the pinnacle of how to identify diamonds is real lies an impressive array of laboratory equipment that would look at home in a scientific research facility.
These are some of the cool gadgets used by jewelers to verify the authentication of your diamonds:
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Diamond Tester: This nifty gadget measures thermal conductivity. Real diamonds are heat-conducting pros, while fakes falter.
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UV Light Test: If your stone stays dark, it might be time to double-check its credentials.
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Spectroscope: This tool analyzes light patterns to confirm authenticity.
Professional methods are all about combining science and artistry. Together, they ensure you’re investing in a piece that’s not only beautiful but genuinely valuable.
Related Post: American Diamond Vs. Real Diamond
Why Checking Diamond Purity Matters
Whether you're buying a solitaire or heirloom jewelry, knowing how to check diamond purity ensures you’re paying for real value. Purity impacts not just brilliance but also durability and resale value. With imitations flooding the market, a quick purity check can save you from costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Authenticity is key when it comes to diamonds. While home tests offer initial insights, nothing replaces the certainty of professional certification.
At Jewelove, all our diamonds come with authenticated certificates, giving you complete peace of mind with your purchase. At Jewelove, we offer certified diamonds that pass all the purity checks. Trust our experts to help you choose a diamond that’s as authentic as it is exquisite.
FAQ’s
How can I check the purity of a diamond ring?
Start by checking for certifications from trusted gem labs. Then, use home methods like the fog or water test to check diamond purity. For complete assurance, consult a jeweller.
How do I identify a real diamond stone?
It’s all about the sparkle, toughness, and expert opinion. Assess its brilliance and hardness, then consult a professional for that final touch of certainty.
How can I tell a real diamond by eye?
Look closely—real diamonds have sharp brilliance and tiny natural flaws. If it’s “too perfect,” it’s probably not the real deal.
What’s the best way to know if a diamond is real?
The most reliable way is through professional certification and testing. While home tests can help, only a certified gemologist can definitively confirm a diamond's authenticity.
