Introduction
A diamond is one of the most precious stones in the world, and it is often used as a symbol of love and commitment. But before you make such an important purchase, it is important to know that the diamond you are buying is real. There are several ways to tell if a diamond is real, including examining the clarity, cut, and imperfections, looking at the way light reflects off of it, and taking it to a professional gemologist for an appraisal.
How to Check the Diamond’s Clarity and Cut
The first step in determining if a diamond is real is to examine the clarity and cut of the stone. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the size, number, and visibility of any internal flaws known as inclusions. The cut of a diamond refers to the angles and depth of the stone, and it can affect the amount of sparkle and brilliance the diamond has. To estimate the quality of the cut, you should look at the diamond from different angles and observe how light reflects off the edges and facets of the stone.
Look for Imperfections with a Magnifying Glass
When examining a diamond, you should use a 10x magnifying glass to look for any imperfections. Inclusions are small flaws inside the diamond that can indicate whether it is real or not. If you see any dark spots, cracks, or chips, then the diamond is likely not real. You should also look for surface flaws such as scratches, nicks, and abrasions. These types of imperfections can be found with the naked eye, but using a magnifying glass can help you identify them more easily.
Observe How Light is Reflected off the Diamond
The way light reflects off of a diamond is another indicator of its authenticity. When light hits a real diamond, it will produce a rainbow of colors known as fire. This effect is caused by the diamond’s ability to refract and disperse light. Fake diamonds will not have this effect, and they will appear dull and lifeless. You can compare the sparkle of the diamond to other real diamonds to get a better idea of whether or not it is genuine.
Put the Diamond in a Bowl of Water to See if it Sinks or Floats
Another test you can do to determine the authenticity of a diamond is to put it in a bowl of water and see if it sinks or floats. Real diamonds are very dense, so they will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Fake diamonds, on the other hand, are less dense and will float at the top. This is a good way to quickly tell the difference between a real and a fake diamond.
Compare the Diamond to a Known Real Diamond
If you have access to a real diamond, then you can use it to compare the diamond in question. Start by evaluating the color, size, and shape of the two diamonds. A real diamond will usually be a slightly yellowish color, while a fake diamond will often be too white or too blue. Next, compare the carat weight of the two diamonds to see if they are the same. If the diamond in question is significantly lighter than the real diamond, then it is likely not real.
Take the Diamond to a Professional Gemologist for an Appraisal
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of the diamond, then the best thing to do is take it to a professional gemologist for an appraisal. A gemologist will be able to identify any imperfections or irregularities that could indicate the diamond is not real. They will also be able to assess the clarity, cut, and carat weight of the diamond and provide an official appraisal. This will give you peace of mind that the diamond you are buying is genuine.
Conclusion
To ensure you are getting a real diamond, it is important to examine the clarity, cut, imperfections, and reflection of the stone. You should also compare the diamond to a known real diamond and take it to a professional gemologist for an appraisal. By following these steps, you can confidently purchase a real diamond.
