How to Identify Polished Diamonds and Lead Crystal Diamonds

Diamonds are timeless in their allure, but high in price. Lead crystal, conversely, sparkles and shines at a fraction of the cost. While diamonds are carbon-based stones that are mined throughout the world, lead crystal is a manmade glass, composed of silica sand, potash, and red or yellow lead. Both diamonds and lead crystal make excellent jewelry, but a discerning eye is needed to differentiate between a diamond and the stones that emulate its qualities.

Instructions

1

Examine your stone for any nicks, chips or scratches. Diamonds are very hard stones and can only be damaged by contact with another diamond. Lead crystal, on the other hand, is extremely fragile and can be damaged easily. If your stone has serious scratches or other flaws, it is likely that you are looking at a lead crystal stone.

2

Compare prices between lead crystal diamonds and polished diamonds. A one-carat diamond can cost upwards of $1,000, while a lead crystal diamond can cost a tenth of that price. Conversely, if a diamond of a carat or more seems to be priced below market value, it is possible that you are looking at a lead crystal stone.

3

Purchase your diamonds from a company certified by the Gemological Institute of America, or buy your stone that has been certified by a diamond laboratory such as the Diamond High Council. This will ensure that you are not purchasing a lead crystal stone in place of a diamond, and that your stone is of the highest quality. Both the GIA and the Diamond High Council have databases where you can find certified vendors.