How to Tell if A Diamond is Real

Our expert guidance from our Damiani Jewellers professionals will help you distinguish real diamonds from imitations. Our insights aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to avoid counterfeit diamonds and make informed jewellery decisions. Recognizing the authenticity of a diamond is crucial, confirming that your precious gemstones retain their value and allure. Explore our tips and advice to become a more informed jewellery enthusiast, safeguarding your investments and treasuring the true splendour of genuine diamonds. Trust Damiani Jewellers for valuable insights into the world of exquisite gemstones and fine jewellery.

Use the Fog Test

The Fog Test is a simple at-home method to determine the authenticity of a diamond. By breathing on the diamond's surface, you can observe its reaction. If the diamond clears immediately, there's a higher likelihood that it's real. Real diamonds disperse heat rapidly, causing the moisture from your breath to vanish swiftly. In contrast, a fake diamond or cubic zirconia may retain the heat, causing the fog to dissipate more slowly. While this test offers a basic indicator, it's important to note that it's not foolproof, and professional evaluation is recommended for absolute certainty about a diamond's authenticity.

Try the Sparkle Test

The Sparkle Test is a visual method to distinguish a real diamond from imitations. Authentic diamonds are renowned for their impressive sparkle, dispersing white and rainbow-coloured light when exposed to light sources. This distinctive brilliance, known as fire and scintillation, sets real diamonds apart from imitations. While some imitation diamonds may have a degree of sparkle, they typically lack the same intensity and play of colours that authentic diamonds exhibit. Observing how a gemstone responds to light and captures its mesmerizing sparkle can be a valuable clue in identifying real diamonds, making the sparkle test a useful tool in differentiating the genuine from the counterfeit.

Give it the Loupe Test

The Loupe Test involves inspecting a diamond under a jeweller's loupe or magnifying glass to identify tiny, pinpoint-like imperfections known as inclusions. Authentic diamonds frequently contain these natural flaws, as they are formed deep within the Earth over millions of years. These inclusions can appear as small crystals, dark spots, or feather-like shapes within the diamond. On the other hand, many fake diamonds, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, are often nearly flawless, lacking these characteristic inclusions. By carefully examining these imperfections, experts can often differentiate real diamonds from imitations with a high degree of accuracy.

Test the Diamond’s Weight

The Weight Test is a practical method for determining a diamond's authenticity. Diamonds are known for their extraordinary density, making them heavier than most imitation stones. To conduct this test, compare the weight of the suspected diamond to that of a real diamond of similar size. A genuine diamond should feel noticeably heavier in your hand. While this method can provide a useful clue, it's essential to consider that there are synthetic diamonds and high-quality imitations that closely mimic the weight of real diamonds. Therefore, for absolute certainty, it's advisable to consult with a professional jeweller or gemologist who can perform more accurate assessments.

Give it the Scratch Test

The Scratch Test involves assessing a diamond's hardness by attempting to scratch glass. Real diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances and can indeed scratch glass. However, it's necessary to exercise caution with this method, as it is destructive and not recommended for valuable stones. Scratching a valuable diamond can result in permanent damage, diminishing its value. It's advisable to rely on less invasive tests, such as the Sparkle, Loupe, or Professional Testing, to determine a diamond's authenticity without jeopardizing its integrity.

Consider Professional Testing

For a definitive assessment of a diamond's authenticity, Professional Testing is the most reliable method. Consulting a qualified jeweller or gemologist with access to specialized tools like a diamond tester or a refractometer ensures an accurate evaluation. These instruments can precisely measure a diamond's electrical conductivity, refractive index, and other properties unique to real diamonds. Professionals can also identify synthetic diamonds and discern them from natural ones. By entrusting your diamond to experts with the right equipment, you receive a conclusive evaluation, providing peace of mind and certainty about your precious gem's authenticity. This approach is especially recommended for valuable or high-stake diamonds.

Trust Your Diamonds to Damiani Jewellers

We proudly encourage you to trust your diamonds to Damiani Jewellers. At our Woodbridge jewellery store, we take pride in our expertise in diamonds. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing you with top-notch service and guidance. Whether you need jewellery repair, custom design, or want to explore our stunning collection, we are here for you. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to quality, Damiani Jewellers is your trusted partner in all things diamonds. Visit our showroom to discover more or contact us today. Your precious diamonds deserve nothing but the best, and that's exactly what we offer.