How to understand that cubic zirconia is real?

wikiHow works on the principle of wiki, which means that many of them are written by many authors. When it was created, it was edited and edited, and the total number was anonymous, 115 people. Number of sources used in this article: 14. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page. Number of views: 131. In this article: It’s very tempting to know if your diamond is real. Do you want to know for sure? Most inquisitive citizens turn to professional jewelers to find out. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to find out if the diamond in front of you is real. All you need is a little light, some water or warm breath and a jeweler’s loupe. See Step 1 to learn more about this and the wonderful world of diamonds. 1 method from 5:

Checking set diamonds at home

• Using a real stone can help if you place it next to the suspect one and “fog” both with your breath. You will be able to see how the real stone remains transparent, while the fake is immersed in fog. If you blow on the fake several times, you will see that condensation will begin to form on it. With each blow, the fake will become more and more covered in fog, while the real stone will remain transparent as it was.

Check the frame and installation. A real diamond will most likely not be set in a cheap metal setting. [1] X Source of Information The hallmark on the inside of the frame indicates that it is real gold or platinum (10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750, 900, 950, PT, Plat) and this is a good sign. While the “CZ” stamp means that the main stone in the piece is not a diamond. [2] X Information source CZ. placed on cubic zirconia, which is a type of artificially created diamond.

• Cubic zirconia and man-made diamonds (which must pass all other tests) are generally free of defects. This is because they are grown in a sterile environment, instead of in a “laboratory of the earth” where there is a lot of chance. A gemstone that looks too perfect is most likely fake.
• However, it is possible for a diamond to be flawless. Do not use the presence of inclusions as a decisive factor in determining the authenticity of a diamond. Do other tests first before determining that it is a fake.

2 method from 5:

Checking unset diamonds at home

• Newspaper method: Turn the stone over and place the top side on the newspaper. If you can read the text through the stone or even see distorted black spots, then it is probably not a real diamond. The diamond refracts light so strongly that you will not be able to see the seal marks. (There are exceptions: for example, if the diamond is cut disproportionately, the seal may be visible through it).
• Checking with a dot: Using a pen, draw a small dot on a piece of white paper and place the stone over the dot. Look down at the point through the stone. If the stone is not a diamond, then you will see circular images. You won’t see the point through a real diamond. [3] X Source of information

• Instead, do a “shine” test. A real diamond shines significantly brighter than a similar crystal or quartz. You may even want to put your crystal or quartz aside.
• Don’t confuse shine with reflection. The sparkle comes from a diamond after intense light is refracted on the facet of the stone. The reflection must preserve the color of the light that is being refracted. So look for intense light, but not colored light.
• If there is a stone that sparkles even brighter than a diamond, it is moussanite. This gemstone is so similar to a diamond that sometimes even jewelers have difficulty distinguishing them. To distinguish them without special equipment, bring the stone close to your eye. Shine the light through the stone. If you see that the stone shines with all the colors of the rainbow, then this is a sign of double refraction. This is characteristic of moussanite, not diamond.

Throw a stone into a glass of water and see if it sinks. Due to its high density, a real diamond will sink. The fake will remain on the surface in the center of the glass.

Heat the stone and see if it breaks into pieces. Heat the stone with a lighter for 30 seconds and then drop it into a glass of cold water. Rapid expansion and contraction will exceed the tensile strength of weak materials such as crystal or quartz, causing the stone to shatter from the inside. A real diamond is very strong, so nothing will happen to it.

3 method from 5:

Professional diamond inspection

• The heat test is carried out in the same way as the destruction test. But instead of watching whether the stone will shatter under rapid compression, watch how long the diamond maintains its temperature.

• A regular temperature test cannot determine which is a diamond and which is a moussanite. Make sure the test is electrical conductivity and not thermal conductivity.
• If you test a lot of diamonds at home, you can purchase a combination tester online or in specialty stores.

• To achieve a better view, use a microscope with 1200x magnification.

• The only way to properly test is to know that the real diamond is approximately the same size and shape. Without a diamond to use for comparison, it will be difficult to determine authenticity by weight.

• Ultraviolet testing can probably help you narrow down your choice, but try to avoid making decisions about a diamond’s authenticity based solely on the result of this test. As stated above, some diamonds glow under ultraviolet light and some do not. It is also possible that the fake is coated with something or treated to glow in ultraviolet rays. [10] X Source of information

• If you want to have the stone tested by x-ray, you will need to take the stone to a professional diamond testing laboratory or arrange with a local x-ray center.

4 method from 5:

Obtaining Evidence of Your Diamond’s Authenticity Getting

• The assessment consists of two steps: first, the issue of identification and evaluation of the stone is clarified, and then the value is determined. Ideally, the independent appraiser should have a graduate degree in gemology from a gemological institute in your country that is not directly involved in the sale of diamonds. [11] X Source of information This way you can be sure that this is really science.

• natural or artificial stone
• was the stone painted?
• is the stone treated with anything?
• Does the stone correspond to the description in the document provided for retail sales?

Order an assessment certificate. Regardless of the test you choose, the best and most reliable way to determine the authenticity of a diamond is to check its documentation and speak with a gemologist or appraiser. Certification and grading will ensure that your stone’s authenticity has been proven by a true expert. Confirmation is especially important if you are buying a stone blindly, as when ordering online. Ask for a certificate.

• The certificate includes a lot of information about your diamond, such as carat weight, dimensions, proportions, clarity, color, cut.
• The certificate may also contain information that the jeweler is not required to reflect. This may include:
  • Glow or the tendency of a diamond to emit a faint glow in ultraviolet rays. [13] X Source of information
  • Polishing or surface smoothness
  • Symmetry or degree of perfection of the reflection of edges in relation to each other

  

  • Each diamond, just like a person, is unique. New technologies allow gemologists to determine the unique qualities of your gemstone, creating a kind of “fingerprint” of it. Registration usually costs less than RUB 4000 and can help for insurance purposes. If a diamond stolen from you with a “fingerprint” appears in an international database, you can return it by presenting a document that proves that it is yours. [14] X Source of information

  5 method from 5:

  Differences between diamonds and other stones

  

  Definition of synthetic diamonds. Lab-produced or synthetic diamonds will still be identified as real diamonds. They only cost a fraction of the cost of diamonds mined from nature. However, they are (mostly) chemically identical to natural diamonds. It is best to talk to professionals about the differences between these diamonds.

  

  • Diamond and moussanite have similar thermal conductivities. When using only a diamond tester, it may show that the stone is a diamond when in fact it is a moussanite. It is important to test each stone with both a diamond tester and a moussanite tester. For professional jewelers, the best option is a combination diamond/mussanite tester.

  

  Definition of white topaz. White topaz is another stone that looks like a diamond to the untrained eye. However, white topaz is much softer than diamond. The hardness of a mineral is determined by its ability to scratch and be scratched by another mineral. A stone that can easily scratch another stone without being scratched is hard (and vice versa for soft stones). Real diamonds are some of the hardest minerals on the planet, so look for scratches on the edges of your stone. If your stone has been scratched by something, it may be white topaz or another substitute.

  

  Definition of white sapphire. Contrary to popular belief, sapphires are not only blue. In fact, these stones are available in almost any color. The white version of sapphire, which is transparent, is often used as a diamond substitute. However, these stones do not contain the sharp, sparkling contrast between light and dark facets that is typical of a real diamond. If you find that your stone lacks clarity, appears icy, and doesn’t have much contrast between the light and dark edges, it may be a white sapphire. [16] X Source of information

  

  • It is also known that cubic zirconia has a greater color spectrum than a real diamond when light is directed onto the stone. Diamond sparkle and reflection should be largely colorless, while cubic zirconia can project colored reflection. [17] X Source of information
  • Scratching glass with a diamond is a common method of testing the authenticity of a diamond. It is generally accepted that if a stone scratches glass without being scratched itself, then it is a real diamond. However, if the cubic zirconia is of high quality, it can also scratch the glass. Therefore, this test is not definitive for determining the authenticity of a diamond. [18] X Source of information

  

  • What is the difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia and how to check a stone for a fake
  • Diamond as it is
  • Diamond analogues
  • How to distinguish a natural diamond from cubic zirconia
  • Differences between moissanites and diamonds
  • How to distinguish a real diamond from a fake

  According to statistics from the Assay Chamber, in Russia almost 80% of the total number of diamonds sold are fake or imitation! These are stones similar in their characteristics to natural diamonds, or diamonds, but of technical quality, which cost from 50 cents. Although the cost of real ones starts from $500 per carat. Even in trusted chain stores, customers can run into fake stones.

  What is the difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia and how to check a stone for a fake

  You can distinguish some stones quickly, easily, and even in a store. And some are so similar to diamonds that only specialized equipment and numerous tests will help. Therefore, when purchasing, you should study the information on the tag and contact trusted stores. Buying second hand is always buying a pig in a poke.

  But it’s not all that scary. Let’s talk about interesting facts that will help identify a diamond. Let’s get acquainted with simple methods that can be used at home and even in the store.

  Diamond as it is

  A diamond that has undergone special processing to give it the desired shape and maximize its beauty is called a diamond. In its classic form, the stone is transparent and colorless. But there are different colors – yellow, green, pink, blue, black and others. Their color is given by the addition of boron, iron or nitrogen. The rarest (and therefore most expensive) are black, pink and blue stones. They can only be found in private collections.

  • It is almost impossible to crush such a stone; pressure of several tons is required.
  • You can only scratch it with a diamond. On the Mohs scale, hardness is 10 out of 10, although gold is only 3 out of 10.
  • When hit with a hammer it breaks like brittle glass.
  • Shows a noble glow in various shades of gray when exposed to light.
  • Exposure to ultraviolet light promotes a blue glow.
  • The stone can burn when exposed to high temperatures (over 850°C).
  • Any acids other than hydrofluoric acid have no effect on the diamond.
  • Doesn’t fade. Even after a hundred years it remains just as bright and shimmering.

  The final cost is strongly influenced by the purity of the stone, which is determined by the absence of defects, transparency, cleanliness of processing and number of carats. After all, only 20% of natural stones are suitable for use in jewelry. The rest show turbidity, cracks and various inclusions.

  Important. Diamond settings are made only from gold or platinum, while the lower part of the stone does not come into contact with the metal due to the characteristics of light refraction. When a processed diamond is inserted into a piece of jewelry, it is impossible to see its corners and top.

  Diamond analogues

  The high cost of diamonds has led to the emergence of analogues – cheaper stones that are similar in appearance to processed diamonds. These are mostly artificially created stones. At the same time, bona fide sellers indicate information about the characteristics and names of stones on product tags and certificates.

  

  The following are used as precious stones:

  • Moissanite. 90% similar to natural diamond. Glows and sparkles more intensely than a diamond. It is found in a narrow range of colors – colorless, yellowish, black and greenish. It is almost impossible to distinguish by eye.
  • cubic zirconia Another name is zircon. They produce transparent and colored stones. There are a total of 6 known colors that shine brightly. It differs from a diamond in that it shimmers with rainbow highlights, becomes cloudy and dull over time, and chips.
  • Sapphire. A type of mineral corundum. The colorless version is quite rare in nature, so grayish or yellowish sapphires are brought to the required cut. They have a bluish tint, since the natural color of sapphire is blue.
  • Topaz is a semi-precious stone that is characterized by high transparency and many shades. Copies the versatility of diamonds, the depth and purity of color. But it has a heavenly tint that penetrates the entire structure of the stone.
  • Rhinestone. After cutting it becomes dazzlingly brilliant. But it cannot provide the play of light that is observed in diamonds. Crystal is often set in silver.
  • Swarovski crystals are synthetic crystal that contains various impurities. During their production, a special coating is applied that creates incredible shimmer, adds a slight smokiness or the desired shade. But their structure is fragile and aesthetic properties are lost over time.

  A natural diamond is a good investment. After all, the number of stones in nature is limited. It takes from several hundred to a billion years for one crystal to appear. And artificial stones can be obtained today. At the same time, the technologies for their production are being improved, which leads to cheaper stones.

  How to distinguish a natural diamond from cubic zirconia

  

  The external characteristics of cubic zirconia and diamonds are similar – white color, excellent shine. Experiments with additives made it possible to obtain cubic zirconia of various shades. Even an imitation of polychrome alexandrite! But the main difference is in the optical properties and shape of the edges.

  Let’s look at the main differences:

  Weight for the same volume

  depends on the size of the stone: large ones are slightly smaller, small ones are brighter

  There are differences, but checking them is not always possible. After all, how to check the stones that are inserted into rings or earrings?

  There are several simple home methods that will help you distinguish a diamond from cubic zirconia:

  • Optical (visual) inspection. For the test you will need any printed text. We put a magnifying glass and our stone on it. If you can read the small text, it means you have cubic zirconia in front of you. You won’t be able to see the text through a diamond. Don’t have the text at hand? A pen and a piece of paper will help. Draw a line and look through the stone being tested. Cubic zirconia will display a line, but diamond will not.
  • Breathe on the stone. If the stone is fogged up, it means that you have cubic zirconia in front of you.
  • Fat analysis. Take vegetable oil, a pipette and drop it onto the stone. On a diamond, a drop will remain untouched, but on a cubic zirconia it will spread out. Just remember to treat the stone afterwards.

  If the product is not new, then a method that takes into account the hardness of the stone is suitable. It is known that a diamond is rated at 10 points on the Mohs scale, but cubic zirconia is rated at 7,5–8,5 points. This means that it is easy to distinguish which stone is which – during use, scratches and small cracks should appear on the cubic zirconia. We take a microscope, and if you don’t have one at hand, then a magnifying glass with 10x magnification or a regular one. We are conducting an inspection. There should be scratches on the cubic zirconia, but the diamond will remain untouched (as if it was just from a display case).

  There is an opinion that you can verify the authenticity of a stone using water. They say that a diamond sinks, but artificial stones do not. But if you have a ring or earrings in your hands, then you won’t be able to use this method. Metal will pull any stone to the bottom.

  Another statement is that a diamond is not visible in water. Fundamentally wrong! After all, the refractive index is different: water has 1,33, while a cut diamond has 2,4. To identify a diamond, take a flashlight and look at the stone. In water, the edges of diamonds are visible, but there are no reflections. Cubic zirconia creates colored reflections at a certain incidence of light.

  If you buy a product abroad, then pay attention to the labeling. For cubic zirconias the designation CZ is used. The absence of any identification marks should alert you.

  Differences between moissanites and diamonds

  

  Moissanite is basically a man-made stone. There are specimens in nature, but their number is negligible, and the cost of extraction is high. Therefore, there is no point in passing off natural stones as diamonds, since their cost differs only slightly.

  Artificial analogues are almost identical to diamonds:

  260% due to cutting

  25% more, sparkles brighter even during the day

  Dispersion (responsible for the play of light)

  And the difference in thermal conductivity values ​​and the structure of stones is so small that even instruments make mistakes. Therefore, at home, it is almost impossible to figure out which stone is which. You need either special equipment or a natural diamond to make the comparison.

  For example, check the hardness of a diamond. Moissanite can only be scratched with a diamond. Even during long-term use there are no cracks or small scratches left on it. So examination with a magnifying glass or microscope will not give results.

  Shine can only be assessed by comparison. In this case, the shape of the stones being compared must be the same, and the authenticity of the diamond is confirmed by a quality certificate. To identify a diamond, take a white sheet of paper, water, a transparent container and a flashlight. Pour water into a container and place it on a sheet. Then we lower the stones into the water. When you point the flashlight, the stones will cast reflections on a sheet of paper, the shape of which resembles the flame of a burner. We evaluate the brightness, length and shape of these reflections. In moissanite, the rays will be longer, with multi-colored tints and brighter. In this case, the diamond will have a warm yellowish color, and moissanite will have a bluish color.

  Various tests are carried out in laboratory conditions:

  • Optical evaluation. A certain setting of the microscope allows you to obtain a ghosting effect.
  • Checking specific gravity. A special liquid (usually toxic) is selected in which moissanites float and diamonds sink. But for stones that are inserted into jewelry, this method is not suitable. The metal will pull the stone to the bottom in any case.
  • Electrical conductivity assessment. Each moissanite has its own characteristics, but diamond is stable in this regard. There are various devices, even pocket versions. But they are expensive and are not needed by the common man.
  • Ultraviolet testing. Examine stones under UV rays. Moissanite absorbs rays. But for small stones such a study does not give a 100% guarantee.

  If you don’t mind the stone, you can conduct a thermal test. You will need a gem, matches or a lighter. Apply a flame to the moissanite or diamond and wait until the stone smokes. After cleaning, we evaluate the appearance. The diamond will return to its original appearance, but the moissanite will become cloudy and greenish.

  But there are interesting facts that you can use. Artificial stone fogs up from breathing and there are no greasy stains left on the surface if you pick it up. With a diamond, everything will be completely opposite (it does not fog up and marks remain on it).

  

  How to distinguish a real diamond from a fake

  There are high-quality analogues and handicraft fakes, which are often sold via the Internet, at hand. Let’s look at ways to avoid wasting money and buy something truly worthwhile.

  When buying second hand, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • Price. If it is several times smaller, then most likely this is a fake. After all, you can make a cut like a diamond for almost any piece of glass, but this will not make it cost as much. Keep in mind that the price of 0,25 carats starts from 60 rubles, for 000 carats the price increases three times.
  • Cut. Diamonds always have perfectly smooth edges, without smooth lines or roundings. A simple magnifying glass will help identify flaws. In this case, the edge between the top and bottom of the diamonds should be rough.
  • Flaws. The fewer there are, the higher the cost. Natural stone always contains a small number of dots and opacities. The artificial specimen is impeccable.
  • Scratches. Any stone, except diamonds and moissanites, can be scratched. The glass cannot even withstand a nail file.
  • Transparency. Although a processed diamond is transparent, you won’t be able to see anything through it—only a shining point.
  • Framing. The setting for diamonds is made only from gold – not lower than 585 standard or platinum. Stories about fine silver are tales of swindlers.
  • Fastening. The diamond is not glued, so the bottom always remains exposed. The same cannot be said about artificial stones.
  • Temperature. A real diamond is always cool, even in the heat or clenched in a fist. Counterfeits immediately take on the body temperature of the environment.

  These methods will help protect yourself from outright fakes. But it won’t help to exclude the purchase of artificial rather than natural diamonds. After all, an artificial diamond completely replicates the properties of the real thing. Only laboratory methods are needed here.

  There are express checks using testers. They help determine the authenticity of a stone within 10 minutes. But outdated models only evaluate thermal conductivity, so they will not be able to identify moissanite. But testers who examine the refraction of light will immediately identify a “fake” stone. But this method is only applicable to processed diamonds.

  The maximum effect is achieved by specialists who evaluate reflectivity, photoluminescence and luminescence.

  And most importantly. For each natural processed diamond, a certificate is issued indicating its characteristics. GIA, HDR and AGS certifications are valued. In Russia, certification of natural stones is carried out according to its own certification system. In particular, the document provides not only detailed information about the characteristics of the stone, but also its portrait (photograph) and personal number. Therefore, you can always find out what kind of stone is inserted into the jewelry by looking at the tag on the jewelry.

  Have you decided to sell a diamond item? Depending on the planned timing of the sale, you can use the services of jewelers, auctions or purchases. If you are willing to wait (although the period is unknown), then contact antiques specialists. But if you want to get money right away, then come to the pawnshop.

  In the Goldman buying network, a piece is appraised in front of you, and the stones are appraised separately. We always honestly disclose the diamond or similar used in your jewelry. All operations are photographed and video recorded, so you can always make a claim if you do not agree. The price for the product is fixed and does not change during the sales process.

  Visits are available by appointment. And we value our customers, so we pay a bonus after the sale.