3 replies to this topic

[kkemp]

what is a safe or the most common way to prove a diamond is real or not to the untrained eye?

[denverappraiser]

‘Real’ is sometimes difficult to define and there are several products that tread on the border. Laboratory grown stones are rather difficult to detect and are very much in the news at the moment. Fracture filling will add some non-natural attributes to the stone that will cause some to count them as not real while others will accept them. This is also pretty difficult to detect. CZ’s are a common stimulant that can be detected with a thermal probe or, if unmounted, by the ‘read through effect or by weight (they are significantly heavier than diamonds). Moissonite, another popular stimulant can be detected by microscopic examination and the visual doubling of the culet when examined through the crown facets. There are several other simulants on the market that come through occasionally and they are usually detected by microscopic examination. A bit of practice with a loupe will go a long way because most simulants just don't 'look' right when examined carefully.

For most people, the easiest way is to take it to a jeweler or an appraiser and ask ‘em. Most will answer this kind of question for free.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA

[ben]

I´m partial to the conductivity test myself. The conductivity tester is a handheld and very inexpensive tester. The user touches the diamond with the tip of the instrument, and an indicator lights up if it is a real diamond. However most consumers do not have this tool and would not be inclined to purchase one. The easiest way for a consumer is to walk into a jewelry store and ask nicely. A good salesperson will have a conductivity tester in their shirt pocket and will be able to tell you right away.

[nightmare]

denverappraiser, on Feb 10 2005, 12:28 PM, said:

For most people, the easiest way is to take it to a jeweler or an appraiser and ask ‘em. Most will answer this kind of question for free.

good point...but pelase ensure you do take it t someone you trust - if that's possib;e - have heard a few too many stories of stones 'not being quite the same when they came back' from being appraised. Im sure this is VERY uncommen practice, but it does happen.....

this link worth looking at - earlier conversation on the subject

[url="http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?showtopic=1443"][url]http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?showtopic=1443[/url][/url]

cheers
Night