When you're buying jewelry, you'll see a lot of diamonds at incredible prices. However, there's a good chance that some of them aren't the real thing. While there's nothing wrong with a fake diamond (some couples prefer them), you shouldn't pay real diamond prices for one!
Fake diamonds can be made or presented in many different ways, and some fakes are even nice gems on their own. However, anyone who wants a diamond shouldn't be taken in by them. Anyone who really understands the different kinds of diamond look alikes should learn how to spot them and know when they're looking at the real thing.
Moissanite - a rare mineral that looks a lot like a diamond, but has really different chemical and physical properties. This isn't the most common diamond fake, since its rarity means that it may cost more than a natural diamond.
Cubic Zirconia - This common substitute for natural diamonds looks similar but is heavier and less costly.
Artificial Diamonds - These are actual diamonds, with the same chemical and physical properties, but they were made by humans, not by natural forces. They're usually a lot cheaper than natural diamonds.
Faceted Crystal - These cut glass stones are beautiful, but they're lower in quality and nowhere near as durable as a real diamond. A "stone" that's really crystal could even shatter in your ring.
The four Cs - carat, cut, color and clarity - can guide you in determining whether something is a real diamond or not, and if it's real, whether it's a good one. Knowing more about diamonds will help you avoid being fooled by false gems or buying cheap ones at a too-high price.
Work with jewelers you trust, and who have a good reputation. Make sure that they can answer detailed, educated questions about your diamond, and keep an eye out for the major scams.
When examining a diamond for quality, don't forget to look at the setting. These expensive gems won't be placed in a loose, crooked, or badly made setting, and if yours seems low quality, the stone probably isn't real, either.
Check the stone for damage, as well. Diamonds shouldn't be scuffed, nicked or scratch, since they resist damage. They sparkle and reflect in neutral tones, while many fakes have a rainbow sheen.
Is the stone transparent enough? Turn loose diamonds upside down onto a piece of paper with printing on it. If you do this, you shouldn't be able to read text through the light dispersion of a real stone.
You shouldn't be afraid to take a close look at your diamond, either. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to see if the stone is well cut and if it has a faceted girdle around the middle. Some high end specialty stones are numbered on the girdle, as well.
Use the fog test on suspected fakes, too. Diamonds disperse heat rapidly, meaning that if you fog the diamond with your breath, it vanishes fast. Imitation stones remain fogged for a while.
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Diamond jewellery is the ultimate gift. Diamond Tree has a great range of wedding rings available online for that special someone.
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