TEST RELIABLE TO ENSURE A DIAMOND IS REAL? – rachid hbachou

IS THE SCRATCH TEST RELIABLE TO ENSURE A DIAMOND IS REAL?
The scratch test was a once widely used technique that aimed to determine the hardness of a gemstone’s mineral. The test involved scraping the loose gemstone along a mirror to see if it would scratch the mirror or the stone.

While a diamond is formed with very strong materials, fakes like cubic zirconia and moissanite are quite durable and scratch-resistant as well. For these reasons, the scratch test is not accurate. You are better served to use other tests such as a thermal conductivity test or having the diamond inspected with a professional loupe tool.

HOW TO SPOT OTHER STONES THAT AREN’T REAL DIAMONDS
With the rising popularity in other gemstones, here are some steps to spotting a stone that to the naked eye may appear similar to a real diamond.

15) How to Recognize Synthetic Diamonds
With an increasing prevalence of synthetic diamonds, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds. Synthetic diamonds have similar chemical and molecular components to real, natural diamonds.

Because of their intricate internal qualities, we recommend having the diamond reviewed by an expert. They can run the conductivity test and look at the stone under high magnification. Even when it’s unclear to the naked eye how a synthetic diamond differs from a natural diamond, it is crucial for resale and insurance values.

16) How to Recognize Cubic Zirconia
A cubic zirconia is one of the easier fake diamonds to test for authenticity. By using the sparkle test, for example, it’s relatively easily gauge the amount of sparkle and fire a stone is giving off.

In addition, cubic zirconias reflect orange tinted light. They also weigh more than a real diamond and generally don’t have imperfections or inclusions. Real diamonds will have inclusions that can be seen by the naked eye or under a diamond expert’s microscope.

17) How to Recognize White Sapphire
Sapphires are commonly available in blue and a wide range of colors including white, which looks clear to the naked eye. White sapphires are often posed as diamonds but don’t offer the diamond’s signature sparkle and contrast of dark and light areas.

If the stone seems more blurred in coloring—meaning it doesn’t have distinct light and dark parts—it is likely to be a white sapphire.

18) How to Recognize Moissanite
Perhaps the best actor in the fake diamond world is the synthetic moissanite. Distinction between the two is usually difficult for the naked eye and requires the expertise of a diamond professional.

An electricity conductivity test will indicate if the gemstone is a moissanite or a true diamond. Note that the thermal conductivity test is not a valid technique for recognizing moissanite because they have nearly identical thermal conductivity as diamonds.

19) How to Recognize White Topaz
While a white topaz may look like a diamond at first glance, several characteristics separate it from a real diamond.

The exterior is softer than a diamond and is easily scratched by other materials. You can also look closely at a white topaz using magnification to see if there are any scratches on the surface. Diamonds will not have scratches because of their durable composition.

CONCLUSION
Many of the tests in this guide, like the fog test and the thermal conductivity test, can help determine if a diamond is real.

But due to the number and complexity of synthetic gemstone materials, we recommend consulting a diamond expert or jeweler to review the pieces you already have in your home. These experts are trained in knowing how to spot a fake diamond.

If you’re using our diamond education or diamond experts for purchasing a diamond, you’ll never have a problem knowing if it’s real or not. Any diamond you purchase will come with a legitimate GIA or AGS certificate and all you need to do is ensure the diamond matches the certificate.

If you have further questions, be sure to check out our questions page where we answer common inquiries with honesty and helpful tips.

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