Diamonds are often seen as a symbol of luxury, prestige, and status. However, with the increase in popularity of diamonds, there has also been an increase in the production of fake diamonds. Fake diamonds are made to look like the real deal, but they are not worth the same amount of money as genuine diamonds. It's important to know how to spot a fake diamond to avoid being scammed. In this blog post, we'll share some tips from the pros on how to spot a fake diamond.
- Use a Diamond Tester
One of the easiest ways to determine if a diamond is fake is to use a diamond tester. A diamond tester is a device that tests the thermal conductivity of the diamond. Since diamonds have high thermal conductivity, the diamond tester will beep if the diamond is real. However, this method is not foolproof, as some fake diamonds are designed to fool diamond testers.
- Check for Scratches and Chips
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, and it's difficult to scratch or chip them. If you notice scratches or chips on the surface of the diamond, it's likely that the diamond is fake. Real diamonds are resistant to scratches and chips, so if you see any of these on the surface of the diamond, it's probably not genuine.
- Look for Inclusions
Inclusions are natural imperfections that occur within the diamond. Real diamonds have inclusions, and they can be seen under magnification. If you notice that there are no inclusions in the diamond or if they look too perfect, it's possible that the diamond is fake. However, some high-quality diamonds may have few or no inclusions, so this method is not 100% accurate.
- Check the Refraction
Diamonds have a unique way of refracting light that causes them to sparkle. If you look at a real diamond, you will notice that it reflects light in a rainbow pattern. Fake diamonds, on the other hand, often have a different type of refraction that doesn't look as natural. If you notice that the diamond doesn't sparkle or reflect light in a rainbow pattern, it's possible that it's fake.
- Examine the Setting
The setting of a diamond can provide clues about its authenticity. Real diamonds are often set in high-quality metals such as platinum, gold, or silver. If you notice that the setting is made of a low-quality metal, it's possible that the diamond is fake. Additionally, real diamonds are often set with prongs that hold the diamond securely in place. If you notice that the prongs are poorly made or don't hold the diamond securely, it's possible that the diamond is fake.
- Look for Fogging
Real diamonds don't fog up, but some fake diamonds do. If you notice that the diamond is fogging up, it's possible that it's fake. To test this, you can breathe on the diamond to see if it fogs up. If it does, it's likely that the diamond is not real.
- Get a Professional Appraisal
If you're still unsure if a diamond is real or fake, you can get a professional appraisal. A professional appraiser will be able to examine the diamond under magnification and provide an expert opinion on its authenticity. However, this method can be expensive, and it's not always necessary.
In conclusion, there are several ways to spot a fake diamond. These include using a diamond tester, checking for scratches and chips, looking for inclusions, examining the setting, checking the refraction, and looking for fogging. While none of these methods are foolproof, they can help you determine if a diamond is genuine or not. If you're still unsure, it is best to get a professional appraisal.
