The most reliable way to determine the authenticity of any stone, including a diamond, is to take it to a jewelry expert and have it assessed. However, if you own a diamond and are wondering whether it’s real, there are some simple tests you can perform at home before you bring the diamond in for appraisal. If you aren’t familiar with the structure and components of a diamond, it can be easy to believe something like a cubic zirconia, so these tips can save you time and heartache. None of these tests should be considered conclusive, though they can give you an idea of where to begin.

Home Tests for Authenticity

Water Test

One of the simplest tests, all you need for this one is a glass ¾ full of water and your stone. A real diamond will have high density and sink, while a fake will float at or below the surface of the water. While this is a simple test, it will not work if your diamond is attached to a setting, like a ring, as the metal will likely sink either way.

Fog Test

In this test, you can hold your diamond between two fingers and breath heavily onto it. A diamond will become lightly fogged in response to the moisture and heat of your breath. However, a diamond will also dissipate the fog almost immediately because it conducts heat. A fake will take several seconds for the fog to disperse.

Check Your Setting

If the diamond is already set in a ring, the setting and mount can help you understand its authenticity. A real diamond will only be set in high-end materials like gold or platinum, with side-stone or halo setting rings. The ring’s center should contain markings that indicate the type of gold used, such as 18K, or numbers that reflect the platinum. A “CZ” stamp is a giveaway that the gemstone is not genuine.

Shatter the Stone

Because diamonds are extremely strong, they will not respond to intense heat, where fake stones will. To test this, you can fill a glass with cold drinking water and then safely (using plyers or fire-safe gloves) to heat the stone for about 40 seconds, then drop it into the water. If the stone shatters, it is not a true diamond. Obviously, you should not use this method if you do not want to risk damaging jewelry with a fake stone.

Sparkle Test

This one doesn’t require anything but a sharp eye. When holding the stone under a normal lamp, do you see colorful reflections of light? Do you see bright shimmers of white? A real diamond will reflect white light well, creating a lot of sparkle. Fake stones will not have this same quality.

After you’ve performed your chosen tests, you can confirm your findings with the experts at Diamond Treasures in Dallas, TX. We will be able to use professional techniques to determine if your stone is real, its value, and help you make sure the setting and mount are exactly what you’re looking for in a diamond piece.