How do you know if diamond is real?
When it comes to diamonds, determining whether a diamond is real or fake can be tricky for those who are not experts in the field. However, there are a few simple tests you can perform to determine if a diamond is real.
One of the most common ways to tell if a diamond is real is by conducting the fog test. Simply breathe on the diamond like you would on a mirror. If the diamond immediately fogs up and the fog stays for a few seconds, it’s likely to be fake. Real diamonds disperse heat quickly and won’t fog up easily.
Another way to check the authenticity of a diamond is to perform the water test. Drop the diamond into a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it’s probably real, as diamonds have high density. If it floats at the top or lingers in the middle, it’s likely a fake.
Real diamonds are also known for their excellent ability to conduct heat. You can use a simple test by touching the diamond to your lips. A real diamond will feel cold to the touch for a short period due to its ability to conduct heat away from your body.
Lastly, you can use a diamond tester to determine if a diamond is real. These devices use heat conductivity to differentiate between real and fake diamonds. If the diamond tester indicates that the gem is a diamond, it’s likely real.
FAQs
1. Can a fake diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes, some high-quality fake diamonds made of moissanite or cubic zirconia can pass diamond testers because they have similar thermal conductivity to real diamonds.
2. How can you tell if a diamond is real or cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is much lighter than a real diamond. You can compare the weight if you have a real diamond to compare it with.
3. Do real diamonds show up on x-ray?
Yes, real diamonds are visible on x-rays due to their dense composition, as opposed to fake ones.
4. Can a real diamond scratch glass?
Real diamonds are known for their hardness, so they can scratch glass. If the diamond easily scratches the glass, it’s likely to be real.
5. How can you tell if a diamond is real at home?
Apart from the tests mentioned above, you can also check for imperfections in the diamond under a loupe. Real diamonds often have imperfections, while fake diamonds are usually flawless.
6. Are real diamonds always clear?
Real diamonds come in different colors, including yellow, black, blue, and pink. The presence of color doesn’t necessarily indicate that a diamond is fake.
7. Can a real diamond shatter easily?
No, real diamonds are incredibly durable and don’t shatter easily. If a diamond shatters upon impact, it’s likely fake.
8. Do real diamonds have reflections?
Real diamonds have a high refractive index, which causes light to reflect in many colors within the diamond. Fake diamonds may lack this colorful reflection.
9. Can you scratch a real diamond with another diamond?
While diamonds are hard, they can be scratched by other diamonds. If you are able to scratch a supposed diamond with another diamond, it may not be real.
10. Do real diamonds have to be set in a precious metal?
No, real diamonds can be set in any material, including stainless steel. The setting doesn’t determine the authenticity of the diamond.
11. Are real diamonds magnetic?
Real diamonds are not magnetic. If a diamond is attracted to a magnet, it’s likely a fake.
12. Can you tell if a diamond is real based on its price?
While real diamonds are generally more expensive than fake ones, the price alone doesn’t guarantee authenticity. Fake diamonds can also be priced high to deceive buyers.