Among the most expensive gemstones in the world is the diamond. They are also one of the most commonly faked or imitated gemstones. With so many fake diamonds on the market, it can be difficult to tell the real from the fake without proper knowledge and tools. However, there are some simple ways the average person can identify a real diamond without needing expensive testing equipment. Here are 5 easy ways to identify a real diamond on diamond stone.
- Examine Under Magnification
One of the simplest methods to identify a real diamond is by examining it under magnification. All diamonds, even flawless ones, contain natural internal characteristics called inclusions. These inclusions form as the diamond crystallizes deep underground over extremely long periods of time. However, they are microscopic and only visible at higher magnifications of 10x or more.
To view a diamond’s inclusions, use a basic pocket loupe or gemological microscope. Both can be purchased inexpensively online from various retailers. When examining a diamond under magnification, look for very faint natural features inside the stone. Real diamonds may appear completely clean to the naked eye but will show subtle internal markings and structures under 10x power. Fake diamonds and imitations, on the other hand, often look completely included or “clean”. Some simulated diamonds attempt to replicate natural inclusions by adding obvious crystalline structures.
- Check for Double Refraction
One of the easiest ways to identify a real diamond is to check for its optical property of double refraction, also known as “diamond fire.” When light passes through a diamond, the stone will split or refract in a unique cross-shaped pattern due to its molecular structure and symmetry. To check for double refraction, you will need a diamond to test and a bright light source, such as a flashlight, lamp, or smartphone flashlight on its highest setting. Begin by placing the suspected diamond on a dark, non-reflective surface like felt or velvet to provide good contrast.
This will allow you to clearly see the light pattern if present. Shine the light through the side of the diamond at a slight angle rather than directly through the top. If it is a real diamond, the light beam will refract or split inside the stone and exit from the opposite side as two intersecting bright lines that form an “X” shape on the dark background. The intensity and visibility of this X-pattern may vary between diamonds based on their cut and clarity, but it should be unmistakable. Imitation diamonds, gems, and glass will not produce this characteristic cross-shaped double refraction because their molecular structure differs from real diamonds.
- Inspect Under Ultraviolet Light
One of the simplest methods to identify a real diamond is to inspect it under ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light, also known as black light, is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength slightly shorter than visible violet light but longer than X-rays. Many materials will glow or fluoresce different colours when exposed to UV light due to the way they interact with and absorb this type of radiation. Real natural diamonds are inert under UV light, meaning they do not glow or fluoresce at all. This is because pure carbon, which makes up diamonds, does not contain any impurities that can re-emit light when struck by UV rays.
Some treated fancy-coloured diamonds may display a very subtle fluorescence, but most real diamonds remain completely dark. In contrast, synthetic or artificial diamonds and diamond simulants often glow or fluoresce vivid shades of blue, red, green or yellow under UV illumination. This is because man-made diamonds and fakes contain small amounts of other elements like boron or nitrogen added during their production process. These impurities cause the materials to re-emit visible light when exposed to invisible UV wavelengths. The bright glowing colours seen in fake diamonds under UV light provide a clear and obvious distinction from real diamonds that remain inert.
- Test Specific Gravity
When compared to water, a substance’s density is described by its specific gravity. Water has a specific gravity of 1. Diamonds have an extremely high specific gravity of approximately 3.52 due to their pure carbon composition. This density is much higher than other gemstones or diamond imitations. A simple way to test specific gravity is to try placing the suspected diamond into a container of water. Real diamonds will readily sink to the bottom of the container due to their high density, while imitations that are less dense than diamonds will float or take longer to sink.
This is because imitations often contain other lighter elements besides carbon that decrease their specific gravity. For a more accurate reading of a diamond’s specific gravity, professional gemologists use a density determination kit. This involves weighing the diamond first in the air on a highly sensitive scale. The diamond is then fully submerged in a liquid such as methylene iodide, which has a specific gravity above 3.32. This ensures the diamond is completely buoyant and weightless when submerged. Its weight is measured again in this state. By comparing the two weight measurements of a diamond in air versus fully submerged in liquid, its exact specific gravity can be calculated.
- Check Diamond Certification
Getting a diamond certified is the surest way to authenticate it as real. Reputable certification laboratories like the Gemological Institute of India perform extremely thorough testing on diamonds submitted to them. They use advanced gemological equipment like microscopes and spectrometers during the testing process. The laboratory experts will carefully examine the diamond under high magnification to analyze its internal characteristics. They are looking for natural inclusions and crystal structures that are unique to real diamonds. Any suspicious features would be noted. Tests are also done to check properties like light performance, specific gravity and fluorescence response. Spectrometry is utilized to study the diamond’s optical and chemical signature. No artificial or treated diamond can perfectly mimic a natural one under this level of analysis. The laboratory can detect even subtle alterations through technology. Once testing is complete, they compile a detailed report listing out the diamond’s 4C grading as well as insights into things like possible origin and confirmation of natural status.
Conclusion
With a little practice using magnification, ultraviolet light or simple liquid tests, concerned consumers in India can feel confident they are purchasing real natural diamonds rather than artificial stimulants. If you are buying diamond online you must check certifications. Always research sellers and ask questions before making an expensive diamond purchase. Understanding these identification techniques empowers buyers to make informed choices regarding their gemstone investments. With care, anyone can avoid diamond fakes and scams.