How To Tell If A Diamond Is Real
While you can trust that James Allen sells certified diamonds, it’s always useful to know how to verify a diamond’s authenticity at home. Here are some simple tests you can perform:
The Fog Test
Breath on the diamond to fog it up like you would on a mirror. If it clears up within a couple of seconds, it’s likely a real diamond. Fake diamonds tend to stay foggy longer.
The Water Test
Fill a glass with water and drop the diamond in. Real diamonds will sink due to their high density, while fake diamonds may float or hover.
The Dot Test
Draw a small dot on a piece of paper and place the diamond over it. If you can see the dot through the diamond, it’s likely a fake. Real diamonds refract light in such a way that you can’t see straight through them.
Observing the Jewelry Setting
Examine the setting the diamond is in. Real diamonds are often set in high-quality materials like gold or platinum. If the setting is cheap or doesn’t seem to match the value of the diamond, be cautious.
Observing the Brilliance
Real diamonds sparkle intensely because they refract light. Hold the diamond under a light and observe its sparkle. Real diamonds produce sharp flashes of light, while fake ones may appear dull or overly rainbow-colored.
The Value of GIA Certification
GIA certification is considered the gold standard in diamond grading. When you purchase a diamond from James Allen, a GIA certification means that the diamond has undergone thorough evaluation for authenticity, quality, and value.