When you’re choosing a diamond, authenticity matters. Whether you’re buying or inheriting a piece, knowing if the stone is truly a diamond or an imitation is crucial. At Perrara, we understand the importance of transparency and quality. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you identify a real diamond from imitations with a series of practical tests you can try yourself. Remember, while these tests are helpful, the most definitive way to verify authenticity is through professional evaluation and certification.

What to Look for in a Real Diamond

Real diamonds have characteristics that make them distinct. Known for their exceptional sparkle and high refractive index, diamonds scatter light to produce a brilliant, white sparkle known as “brilliance.” Compared to imitation stones like cubic zirconia, real diamonds have a unique interplay of light, a sharpness in their facets, and often contain natural imperfections, called inclusions. This guide outlines at-home and professional tests to determine if a stone is genuine.

13 Tests to Tell if a Diamond is Real

At-Home Diamond Tests

These simple tests can help you get an initial sense of authenticity, though they are not foolproof. For certainty, consult a jeweller for professional verification.

1. Flashlight Test
   Shine a flashlight directly at the stone and observe the way it reflects light. A real diamond will refract light brightly, while a fake might appear dimmer or lack the same intensity. This is due to diamonds’ high refractive properties.
2. Sunlight Test
   Take the stone into natural sunlight or near a bright window. Genuine diamonds display a bright white sparkle with subtle flashes of rainbow colours. If the stone appears overly colourful or lacks this brightness, it may be an imitation.
3. Mirror Test
   Place the stone in front of a mirror and examine its reflection at different angles. Diamonds will scatter light intensely, creating strong reflections in the mirror. A fake stone may not show this same brilliance.
4. Water Test
   Fill a glass with water and carefully drop the loose stone in. A real diamond, due to its density, will sink to the bottom. Imitation stones are often lighter and may float or suspend near the surface.
5. Fog Test
   Breathe lightly on the stone to create a layer of fog. Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat, so the fog should dissipate quickly. If the fog lingers, it could be a sign that the stone is not a diamond.
6. Setting Test
   Real diamonds are typically set in high-quality metals like gold or platinum. Check the inner band of the ring for stamps such as “14K,” “18K,” or “PT.” If you see a mark like “CZ,” it indicates cubic zirconia, not a diamond.
7. Dot Test
   Place the diamond flat on top of a dot drawn on a piece of paper. Look through the diamond directly above the dot. A real diamond’s light-scattering abilities make the dot hard to see, while an imitation stone may allow the dot to be visible.
8. UV Light Test
   Under UV light, some diamonds emit a faint blue glow. While not all diamonds fluoresce, this test can still provide insight. If there’s no glow, it doesn’t mean it’s fake, as not all diamonds have this quality.

Professional Diamond Tests

If you’re still uncertain after at-home tests, visiting a jeweller for a professional evaluation is the best way to confirm authenticity. Here’s what they may check:

1. Diamond Certificate
   A certificate from a trusted gemological lab, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is the gold standard in verifying a diamond’s authenticity. Certificates detail the diamond’s qualities, including cut, clarity, colour, carat, and its authenticity.
2. Diamond Tester
   Jewellers use a diamond tester to measure the stone’s thermal conductivity. Diamonds conduct heat rapidly, and a tester can distinguish between real diamonds and many imitations based on this characteristic.
3. Magnifying Glass Test
   A jeweller’s loupe, offering 10x magnification, allows the jeweller to closely examine the stone. Real diamonds often have natural inclusions or tiny internal marks, while imitations may appear flawless. Additionally, they check for sharpness in facet edges—an indicator of authenticity.
4. Weight Test
   Diamonds have a specific density, making them lighter than some imitators, like cubic zirconia, of the same size. A jeweller can weigh the stone and compare it to an authentic diamond of the same carat size to assess its density.
5. Conductivity Test
   Besides thermal conductivity, jewellers may also test electrical conductivity, as diamonds have unique conductive properties compared to fakes like moissanite, which often conducts electricity.
6. Black Light Test
   A jeweller can use black light to examine fluorescence. Although this isn’t a definitive test, many real diamonds display a faint blue glow. Combined with other tests, this can add confidence in a diamond’s authenticity.
7. Precision Scale
   Using a precision scale, a jeweller can weigh the stone, as diamonds are less dense than cubic zirconia or moissanite. By comparing the weight of a suspected diamond to a known one of the same size, the jeweller can help confirm authenticity.

Understanding Lab Diamonds vs. Simulants

Lab-created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, making them real diamonds. In contrast, simulants like cubic zirconia mimic the appearance of a diamond but lack the same qualities. While lab diamonds and mined diamonds hold similar value and appeal, simulants are a lower-cost, temporary option with different qualities and longevity.

Choosing the Right Diamond for You

Authenticity is vital when selecting a diamond, and Perrara is here to help you make an informed choice. For those looking to purchase a diamond, opting for one that’s certified by a reputable gemological lab is the surest way to ensure quality. The team at Perrara offers expert guidance, access to high-quality certified diamonds, and a wealth of knowledge to ensure you feel confident in your choice.

Discover Perrara’s Collection of Certified Diamonds At Perrara, we know that every detail counts. From our carefully curated collection of certified diamonds to our team’s dedication to excellence, we’re here to make your diamond selection a cherished and trusted experience. Connect with our team to explore your options and find a diamond that resonates with your style, values, and authenticity.

With Love, Perrara