How to Tell if Your Diamond Engagement Ring is a Fake

The jewellery market has long been flooded with synthetic stones due to the high demand for diamonds and the almost impossible geological requirements for diamonds to occur naturally; requirements that include immense temperatures and pressure, the likes of which are only found miles below the Earth’s surface. As a result, a diamond engagement ring can be extremely expensive, and as such, you will want to be sure you are actually getting what you paid for.

Too Perfect

Unless you have paid an inordinate amount for your diamond engagement ring, you can generally expect to see some imperfections in your diamond. Most natural diamonds, except for the best of the best, will display some imperfections, whether they be slight discolorations or small inclusions. Fake diamonds, on the other hand, are created in a lab and are therefore flawless.

Electricity Test

In some cases, it can be extremely difficult to tell a diamond from some other synthetic material, such as moissanite. If you are in any doubt, you can ask a jeweller to run a small amount of electrical current through the stone in order to measure its conductivity. As diamonds and moissanite conduct electricity differently, you will have scientific proof whether or not your diamond is real.

Fog Test

If you want a test that you can do for yourself at home, a low-tech alternative method involves the use of your breath. If you breathe on your diamond engagement ring – like you would when cleaning your glasses – it shouldn’t fog up, as a diamond is a potent heat conductor. If your diamond does fog up, then, unfortunately, your stone is very likely a fake.

Newspaper Test

Real diamonds have a high refractive index, meaning that light passing through the stone is sharply bent. Fake diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, tend to have more of a prismatic effect. If you place your diamond on a newspaper, a natural diamond’s high refractive index will prevent you from making out any of the letters. However, if your diamond acts a magnifier, then it is a fake. In fact, if you can even see the bottom point of a stone, then it most likely is not a real diamond.

Appraised by a Professional

This is, of course, the easiest way to ensure that your precious diamond engagement ring is actually worth what you paid for it. Ideally, you would have verified its authenticity prior to handing over a bank card. There are a number of diamond grading authorities that offer inspection services, but other than those, you can always go to a nearby reputable jeweller.

Frederick Holm writes for the F&L Designer Guides, which hosts a thriving community of independent engagement ring designers in the UK. Inspired by their journey of discovery in search of a distinctive, one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring, F&L now celebrates the works of their favourite designers and helps promote the notion of "Go Bespoke" as a more imaginative and interesting alternative to the limitations of High Street.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.