How to recognize a diamond on a ring?

How to tell the difference between a real diamond and a fake diamond? It is difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake jewelry. To do this, you need to understand the materials: the gemstone and the metals. Diamonds can be easily replaced or imitated by other, less expensive gems. Therefore, this information is even more relevant for diamonds than for other gemstones. In this guide, you will learn how to spot real natural diamonds from their imitations. What fake diamonds can be found set in antique rings , earrings , and other antique or second-hand diamond jewelry? Many people mistake similar stones for diamonds because of the term "fake diamonds". The most commonly used imitations are: cubic zirconia, moissanite, colorless sapphire (corundum), colorless spinel, glass...

The different types of diamonds on rings

Natural diamonds

A natural diamond is a rough diamond that has been formed from carbon under high pressure and high temperature conditions inside the Earth's crust. Natural diamonds are the most sought after for their unique characteristics and exceptional properties. Once cut in a "brilliant" or "old cut", they are considered the most precious of gems and are highly sought after for their aesthetic qualities and value. Natural diamonds are generally colorless, but there are naturally colored diamonds: blue, red, yellow, brown...

Synthetic diamonds

A synthetic diamond, also called an artificial diamond or a cultured diamond, is a diamond that is created using the same techniques and components that are used to create a natural diamond. The only difference is that the formation process is carried out in a laboratory rather than in nature. Synthetic diamonds are somewhat less expensive than natural diamonds and can be produced in large quantities.

Fake diamonds

"Fake diamonds" are imitations and gemstones that are used to replace natural diamonds in jewelry. They can be artificial stones (cubic zirconium oxide, moissanite, synthetic diamond, glass, colorless sapphire) or natural stones (all gemstones that exist in nature and are colorless).

How to tell real diamonds from fake ones on a ring?

There are many ways to distinguish real diamonds from fakes. Certified diamonds can be differentiated from fakes by following the methods in this list for analyzing jewelry. Necklaces, earrings, and rings all follow the same methodology. Of course, for a more advanced appraisal, visit a gemologist or antique jewelry expert.

The hardness test

Diamonds are known to be eternal. It is rated at 10 on the hardness scale of stones, also called the "Mohs scale". This means that it is one of the hardest materials in the world. It is notably used on many machines with functions such as cutting, polishing and planing. The test consists of rubbing sandpaper on your diamond. If the latter resists scratches, you have a real diamond. If it ends up scratching, it is an artificial stone or not, lower than the diamond on the Mohs scale, it is therefore a fake diamond. Be careful, this test does not work on synthetic diamonds and it can be dangerous for your stone if it is not a diamond!

The magnifying glass test

You should know that a completely pure natural diamond is extremely rare, therefore, you are supposed to observe natural impurities inside your diamond. Just look inside the stone with a 10x magnifying glass. If you see any imperfections, it is probably a natural diamond. If you do not see any impurities, it is probably a synthetic diamond or another synthetic stone imitating the famous gemstone.

The fog test

Just blow on the diamond in the same way as on a window, if a fog forms and takes a long time to go away: it is a fake diamond. If the fog does not form: it is a real diamond.

The thermal test

Diamond has its own unique thermal properties: low contact temperature. Simply put, diamonds are cool to the touch at room temperature. If you put the tip of your tongue on the diamond and it feels cold, it must be a real diamond or a lab-grown diamond. If it feels warm, it is a fake.

The glass of water test

If your diamond is not set in a piece of jewelry, you can use the glass of water test. Simply dip the diamond in a glass of water. If your stone floats, it is a fake or lab-grown diamond. Use tweezers to retrieve it.

Blank sheet test

For all diamonds cut today, it is impossible to see through it. To check the test, simply place the diamond (on the flattest side) on a black line on a white sheet of paper or a piece of newspaper. If you can see the line through it, it is most likely a fake diamond.

Why go see an antique jewelry expert or a diamond expert gemologist?

If these simple tests are not conclusive and if doubt persists, we strongly advise you to consult an expert in antique jewelry and/or a gemologist, because after all, it is their job!

Go see an antique jewelry expert:

An antique jewelry expert is a person who specializes in the evaluation, authentication, and appraisal of antique and pre-owned jewelry. Antique jewelry experts are usually antique dealers or people with extensive knowledge of the history and evolution of jewelry. They can help you recognize fake jewelry and counterfeit pieces.

Disadvantage: Some experts, dealers and auctioneers are not specialized in gemstones. This is a one-time and very expensive training. Therefore, the person advising you may not be able to tell you if your jewelry is a real gemstone and give an estimate of the stone.

Go see a gemologist:

A gemologist is a professional who deals with the identification, evaluation and classification of all precious stones, both organic and ornamental. A gemologist may also specialize in the trade and certification of precious stones or precious metals. They are qualified to identify and evaluate gems based on their physical, chemical and optical characteristics. In case of doubt, the gemologist goes to a laboratory to analyze the stone in question. Indeed, some good quality gems require a trip to the laboratory in order to refine the expertise and estimate. Example: a pigeon blood ruby ​​is not worth the same price as a Thai ruby.

Disadvantage: Gemologists are rarely specialized in the history of jewelry. They will therefore be able to inform you about the quality and prices of your gemstones, but not about the quality and price of the jewelry as a whole.

Lucky for you, Angéline Chanson from Maison Mohs is both a gemologist and an expert in antique jewelry. As a result, she can tell you about the two sides of your jewelry: the gem and the work of the jeweler!

How to buy a genuine diamond?

To buy a real, quality diamond, start by learning about diamonds. Their price is the combination of several criteria: its weight (carat), its size (cut), its purity (clarity) and its color (color). To learn more about these criteria, consult the 4 Cs of diamonds. Then, determine your budget.

Finally, consult a gemologist, diamond expert or qualified jeweler to purchase your stone. At Maison Mohs, all our jewelry is appraised by our expert in jewelry and precious stones. When we believe that the gem (diamond, colored diamond or other colored gem) has interesting characteristics, we have a certificate prepared by our independent scientific laboratory. When it is mentioned on our sheet, ask to see the certificate of authenticity.

On other gems, the laboratory certificate is not carried out, because the gem in question has a value lower than the cost of this document. On the other hand, Maison Mohs carries out its quality certificates automatically on all jewelry, thanks to our gemologist, an expert in precious stones.

If you would like a laboratory certificate regarding your diamond (or any other gemstone), please do not hesitate to ask us for a quote by writing to us at bonjour@maisonmohs.com.

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