How to Determine a Fake or Real Diamond

According to the website diamondtrade.com, "The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. It was said by some that they were the tears of the gods." While people know better nowadays, many people still hold diamonds in high regard as being both strong and beautiful. Because of this and their continual desirability, imitators often try to pass off low-quality stones such as cubic zirconia and moissanite as the real thing. However, there are tactics you can employ at home to clearly distinguish a real diamond from a fake.

Instructions

1

Place your diamond underneath a 1200x microscope. You should be able to see a few inclusions. According to John Cordova, DCA certified Diamontologist, an inclusion is "any mark or blemish in the interior of a diamond" such as a crack or cavity. A real diamond will have inclusions, whereas a fake one won't.

2

Rub a piece of sandpaper against your diamond. While this might sound harmful to your diamond, keep in mind that a diamond is the hardest substance on earth; if it's real, it won't get scratched. Examine the surface: if you see scratches, it's not a real diamond.

3

Purchase a cubic zirconia of the exact same size and weight of the diamond in question. Place them both, one at a time on a scale. The diamond, if it's real, should weigh half as much as the cubic zirconia. If they're the same weight, the diamond is fake.

4

Purchase a UV light and plug it in. Turn off all other lights in the room and close any window shades. Place the diamond in question under the UV light. It should glow fluorescent blue. If it doesn't, it's likely a fake.