Choose a Reliable Merchant Who Will Provide a Diamond Grading Report
A diamond grading report clearly states the 4C gradings and all the description of the diamond. Generally, the reports for diamonds of 1ct or above will be accompanied with a diamond plot of inclusions. Through a magnifying tool, customers can view the report number inscribed on the girdle and also the inclusions in the diamond so as to check if they match the information on the report. At the same time, IGI and GIA, the two most credible gemological laboratories, will also upload the report of each graded diamond to their official websites. Users could simply enter the report number to view the official electronic copy of the corresponding report.
Use an Advanced Diamond Tester
Due to the exceptionally high thermal conductivity of diamonds, a thermal conductivity tester can quickly and accurately tell if a real diamond is being tested. It can test diamonds of various sizes and shapes in real time. When the tester touches the surface of a material, it will immediately identify if it is a diamond, moisannite, zircon or metal, etc.
There are some merchants in the market who claim that the moissanite/diamond simulants they sell are able to pass a diamond tester. In fact, these merchants use low-cost, low-quality testers that can always misjudge moissanite/simulants as real diamonds.
Is Self Testing Feasible?
There are many seemingly simple and quick methods to distinguish the authenticity of diamonds, these include︰
1) Refraction test - Place the diamond table face down on a white paper with black lines printed on it. Since a diamond is a singly refractive gemstone, it will only refract a single line. If a double-line effect is observed, it is not a diamond.
2) Fog test - Diamonds have strong thermal conductivity. Gently breathe on the surface of the diamond. If the mist dissipates quickly, it may be a real diamond.
3) Hardness Test - Diamonds are the hardest natural minerals. When you swipe on the surface with a pen, there will be absolutely no scratch mark.
It is important to note that there are likely to be various exceptions to self-testing that affect the credibility of the identification results. We believe that the above test methods are low in precision and accuracy, and therefore are not recommended.
