How To Tell if a Diamond is Real at Home

Diamonds are an expensive purchase. It is important to be able to tell if the diamond is real or fake. This information can come in handy when purchasing and selling your diamond. Fake diamonds have become quite popular as they provide shine and sparkle at a fraction of the cost. Despite the common knock-offs, there are ways to tell if a diamond is the real thing.

• Examine the diamond carefully. Take note of the reflection. Shades with rainbow colors reveal fakes and low quality diamonds. Pay special attention to the way the stone is mounted. Search for possible cubic zirconium initials on the stone. Study the stone for bubbles, worn edges and ripples, which may prove to be glass. 


• Use the fog test and breathe on the stone. Check to see how quickly the surface has fogged up. A genuine diamond, being a great conductor of heat, will not sustain any moisture and the moment you breathe will not look hazy.


• Look for the color of the diamond. Place it up upon a colored sheet of paper and try to see straight through. Is it clear? If it is, there is a good chance that it is a fake. Real diamonds have a slightly yellow tint. 


• Scratch it against glass. You should be careful not to damage your gem but if it is real, the diamond will scratch the glass.


• Real diamonds come with a certificate of written legitimacy.