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Submitted by: Larry J. Reaves
Diamond engagement rings are expensive and deliberately so because they are intended to be symbolic of a life together and commitment of the most serious kind. Unfortunately, for most couples buying a diamond engagement ring there is plenty of scope for unscrupulous merchants and jewelers to pass off sub-standard and fake diamonds but charge the high prices the genuine article commands.
So how do you tell the fake from the real thing?
There are simple tests you can arrange to have done on your diamond ring, so here are some simple steps you can follow:
1. Use a Diamond Tester
A diamond tester is an electronic measuring device which can help determine the authenticity of a diamond by using its weight. The precise atomic weight of diamond is known with extremely precise accuracy and if the stone deviates from the accepted weight range then it is a positive test for the stone being a fake. The electronic tester cannot positively tell you that the stone is a real diamond however, because it may be an artificial diamond or constructed from materials which emulate the weight range.
2. Use the Scratch Test
Diamond is the hardest natural material known to man and so it should be capable of scratching glass. If the diamond stone is unable to scratch glass then you have a fake on your hands.
3. Look for Perfection in the Stone
If your diamond is perfect, then the risk of it being a fake is higher. Genuine diamonds carry flaws and imperfections, even the most expensive stones and this is only a natural consequence of how they are formed. Absolutely perfect diamonds with no flaws or inclusions should be treated with a very high degree of suspicion and is more than likely an artificial stone.
4. Seek an Appraisal for insurance Purposes
Arrange for your stone to be appraised, both for insurance purposes and also to establish that you have a real diamond on your hand. A diamond appraiser will be able to establish the authenticity of your diamond engagement ring using the American Gem Society Laboratories grading system which takes into account the cut, clarity, carat (weight) and color the so-called Four C s .
5. Real Diamonds Have Great Fire
When the light hits a diamond the sparkle will be intense and you will see an intense light in the center of the diamond: this is known as a stone s fire . By contrast, fake stones will not be able to compete in terms of sparkle or the intensity of the fire and you can quickly tell the difference when you have a genuine diamond to compare next to fake one.
6. Fog and Breath Test
The fog and breath test is simple to perform hold the ring in front of your mouth and breathe on it. The stone will fog with your breath and if it is a real diamond, the fog will lift rapidly as diamond will not hold the fog to itself. If the stone is a fake, the fog will remain on the stone for around 10 to 15 seconds which is a clear sign it is not a genuine diamond.
There are other things you can look for too: when you hold a diamond to the light you will not see all the colors of the rainbow laid out like some kaleidoscope. You should see some shades of grey within the color scheme and if you don t, then you know you have a fake. In addition, real diamonds are never set in anything other than platinum, titanium or gold (10K or better) and rarely in some other high-quality metal.
About the Author: By
Lawrence Reaves
, freelance writer for DanforthDiamond.com, a leading authority on loose diamonds, affordable engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING.
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