Tips for Identifying Counterfeit Diamonds

Unfortunately, while many beautiful diamonds come out of countries such as South Africa, with new technology, faux diamonds are on the rise. Because it is so hard to tell some of the real diamonds from the fake ones, there is also concern over counterfeit diamonds. The last thing a person wants is to spend good money on what is believed to be a valuable diamond only to discover it is counterfeit.

The key is to know the difference so spotting a counterfeit diamond becomes easier. Obviously, the value of a real diamond and a manmade diamond is significant. Many of the synthetic or manmade diamonds are gorgeous and in fact some are even more beautiful than a real diamond. The only difference between these diamonds and the real deal is that manmade stones are produced in a laboratory rather than being made by nature.

Manmade diamonds possess many of the identical chemical compositions of a real diamond, as well as appearance and crystal structure. Synthetic diamonds also have identical characteristics for luster, refraction quality, and hardness. One primary difference is that real diamonds have flaws, some minor and some major but with those made in a lab, they are perfect.

Counterfeit diamonds, which are imitation stones, do not have the same qualities and characteristics of the manmade diamonds. Typically, the counterfeit gems are made from glass. Then, there are cubic zirconia diamonds, which are also made in laboratories but while they appear much like a real diamond, they do not have the same chemical makeup you would see from a natural or manmade stone. For this reason cubic zirconia are extremely affordable.

People can buy synthetic diamonds and selling them is not illegal. The problem with counterfeit comes into play when the seller tries to pass the stones off as being the real thing. This type of fraudulent activity is illegal and unfortunately for the buyer, a way to lose a lot of money. If someone wants to buy a diamond other than the kind that is mined, they need to know that there is a big difference between synthetic and imitation so they should always ask.

Another deceptive practice seen by sellers trying to pass off counterfeit diamonds is using a colored substance as a means of adding color. With diamonds, the surface may have a layer of shellac or lacquer added to create a more realistic look. Then to create refractions such as those seen in real diamonds, a tiny dab of paint can be added to the bottom of the stone.

Even real diamonds can be deceptive. In this case, a seller might purchase a cheap yellow diamond and then add a little bit of purple paint to the bottom, which gives it a more beautiful appearance. While people think this would be easy to spot, the setting of the stone can easily hide the deception.

To ensure people are buying a quality real diamond or even synthetic diamond, the key is buying from a reputable source. Additionally, buyers should learn all they can about diamonds so they can look at the stone themselves to spot flaws or deceptions. Education is power and with this, counterfeit diamonds can be spotted and avoided.

Other articles of interest:

• The Future of Gemstones – Will Diamonds Remain Valuable?
• Diamond Charms Marketed Exclusively for the Youth Market
• Diamonds are Historically a Solid Investment
• Protect your Diamond Investment with a Second Opinion