When purchasing a diamond, you want to ensure it’s the real thing. Fortunately, there are some tests you can use to determine whether the stone is man-made or lab created.
Begin by understanding how lab created diamonds vs real form. Natural diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep within the earth’s crust.
1. Look at the Light Reflections
One way to tell if a diamond is real or lab created is by inspecting its light reflections. You can do this by placing the loose stone on paper or newspaper and watching how it sparkles.
If a diamond reflects light in different directions, it’s likely genuine; however, if it reflects all of the same directions, then it could be an imitation.
Another way to test a lab-grown diamonds vs. real diamonds quality is by placing it in water. A true diamond will sink to the bottom of the glass, while fake stones may float and rise or simply rest on top.
You can perform a fire test to verify whether your diamond is real or not. This method works effectively as it was formed through intense heat and pressure billions of years ago, providing ample proof that the gem has never been altered.
Additionally, it indicates the type of growth process (CVD or HPHT) and whether any post-growth treatments have been applied to alter its color. Furthermore, clarity can be assessed using either FL – I3 11-point scale or not.
2. Look at the Dots
When trying to determine whether a diamond is real or lab created, there are some easy tests you can perform. Some of them can be done at home while others require the assistance of a professional jeweler for confirmation.
Start by observing the dots. The center of each line appears white, while nearby dots fade to gray or black.
The illusion is likely caused by how our eyes process images. Because peripheral vision is limited, our brains must make assumptions about what’s going on in the fuzzy periphery.
Another simple test to see if your diamond has any flaws is to place it flat side down on a piece of paper. The diamond will refract light in different directions, making it harder to read the letters written on the page.
3. Look at the Writing
There are a few easy tests you can perform at home to verify if a diamond is genuine or lab created. First, examine the writing on the gem.
If the writing on a stone appears rounded, chipped or abraded, it likely is not a diamond. It could be cubic zirconia or another synthetic stone.
Next, test it for refraction by holding the gem flat side down onto a piece of newspaper in an area with lots of lettering.
If the letters refract light in a straight line, it’s probably natural. On the other hand, if they refract light differently, then it is likely not a diamond.
4. Look at the Brilliance
When purchasing a diamond, brilliance is one of the most critical characteristics to assess. Diamonds with high levels of brilliance will appear bright and have plenty of sparkle.
Test a diamond’s brilliance by placing it over paper with a dot drawn on it. If the dot is reflected back to you, then you know the stone is genuine.
It is essential to assess a diamond’s cut quality. The diamond should be cut in such a way that efficiently scatters and directs light towards your eye.
Conclusion
To achieve scintillation in a cut, there must be enough structural contrast so that facets have an opportunity to flash on and off.
Cut and scintillation are two crucial elements in determining how brilliant a diamond will appear. If you want an item with both excellent brilliance and fire, opt for round brilliant cuts.
