Diamonds are not those sparkling symbols of love that bedazzle with the beauty of affection, but are a serious investment for the future. Epitomizing pride, prestige, and a legacy that truly transcends all boundaries and jewelry stereotypes, diamonds, at the pinnacle of luxuriousness, have been an authoritative presence in the gem and jewelry world for years. But with so many convincing imitations saturating the market, it is hard to determine the authenticity of a genuine diamond.
With those savvy buyers falling victim to the fraud, the rise in counterfeit levels has shaken the jewelry enthusiasts and collectors, flooding the market with plastic replicas and high-grade synthetics; the risks are real. Consequently, it becomes crucial to identify a real diamond. And most importantly, where to buy one safely is like from Jewels of NYC, your trusted source for certified, pre-owned, and unworn luxury jewelry.
A Diamond Certification Needed
A certificate of authenticity carries more weight than any other source of genuineness. Reflecting authoritativeness, reputable labs like GIA, IGI, and AGS evaluate diamonds based on cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
A report that is certified by professionals and experts in the field is your assurance that what you are buying is genuine, and certainly not a lab-grown or imitation stone. At Jewels of NYC, every diamond piece comes with verified documentation, so you never have to guess.
Mounted Diamonds and the Light Test
Mounted diamonds should necessarily refract light in such a way that you cannot see straight through the stone to the bottom of the setting. A genuine diamond does not appear transparent when viewed from the top; therefore, if it does, it is undoubtedly an imitation.
This is due to an optical property known as brilliance, and it is undoubtedly one of the key defining characteristics of a diamond. At Jewels of NYC, our experts specialize in authentic stones that meet the highest industry standards.
A Reading Test or a Newspaper
Place an unmounted face down on a newspaper. The easiest way to test the purity of a diamond at home is to place the diamond face down on a sheet of newspaper or printed material with fine text. Figure out what letters are written on the stone. If the print is visible or those might look distorted but readable, this would be a fake.
An authentic diamond’s refractive index is so high that it could easily scatter light in multiple directions, preventing clear, penetrative vision through the surface of the diamond. A reason why diamonds sparkle is that the dispersion of light causes the ray to be scattered in multiple directions simultaneously. While this isn’t a foolproof method, it’s a quick and simple visual cue to help you spot an imitation before taking it to a jeweler for verification.
Assessing the Reflections
A genuine diamond is an unmistakable reflection of subtle beauty with a glimmer that defines its top-end luxuriousness and opulence. When exposed to light, a diamond reflects shades of white and grey from within, featuring colorful flashes that are also known as “fire,” which project outward onto surrounding surfaces.
What you witness is a balanced play of light and aesthetics, proving a key hallmark of authenticity. If by any chance, the stone sparkles brilliantly, with vivid rainbow colors inside the gem itself, that’s a clear warning sign. Diamond simulants, including cubic zirconia or Moissanite, create this excessive internal color dispersion, which, although mimicking beauty, lacks the refined optics of a genuine diamond.
While eye-catching, these unnatural hues are a giveaway. When in doubt, consult professionals—or shop from trusted sources like Jewels of NYC, where quality and authenticity come standard with every purchase.
Detection of the X-Ray
Tightly packed carbon atoms give them an exceptionally high atomic density—a physical trait that sets them apart from most imitations. When subjected to X-ray analysis, a real diamond appears clearly on the image, while fakes or diamond simulants, such as glass, cubic zirconia, or quartz, go undetected due to their lower density and different atomic structure.
The method, however, is not intended for home use and must be performed using specialized equipment in a dedicated setting. It is undoubtedly one of the most proven ways to confirm authenticity.
For those serious about validating their diamond, working with a trusted jeweler or gemologist is key. At Jewels of NYC, we ensure every diamond—whether pre-owned or unworn—undergoes thorough expert evaluation, giving you complete confidence in your investment.
Analyse the Sparkle Test
One of the most captivating traits of a real diamond is its unique light performance. A genuine diamond, when held under light, emits the warmth, glow, and hues of white flashes (brilliance) and subtle, rainbow-like reflections (fire). The rainbow colors should present themselves on the surrounding surface, not swirl within the stone itself.
This is the result of diamond’s unparalleled refractive index, which allows light to bend and scatter outward in a manner that only a few materials can replicate. Fake diamonds, in contrast, often reflect rainbow hues internally, giving them an overly vibrant or "too perfect" appearance that may appear impressive to the untrained eye but lacks authenticity.
For diamonds that promise real sparkle with verified brilliance, trust professionals like Jewels of NYC, where every gemstone is handpicked and precision-tested for authenticity and quality..
Make Use of Sunlight to Cross-Check
A simple yet effective way to check the authenticity of a diamond. When a genuine diamond is exposed to sunlight and natural light, it displays a white and grey brilliance within its facets, glimmering and creating a subtle yet unmistakable sparkle. Casting delicate rainbow flashes, the use of natural sunlight and its brightness will create rainbow flashes onto nearby surfaces.
Displaying diamond’s unique ability to display vibrant, rainbow-like colors inside the stone itself, these do not just appear on the outside, thus showing that the diamond surely is a fake substitute. This is a quick, easy, and hassle-free test that can be conducted at home with minimal effort. With complete confidence, you can now rely on trusted retailers, including Jewels of NYC—experts in premium, authenticated luxury diamonds and fine jewelry.
The Water Float Test
A quick, easy, and accessible way to check at home if a diamond is real is by using a water test. Real diamonds are dense and heavy, so when dropped into a glass of water, the natural gemstone sinks straight to the bottom. If the stone lingers or floats near the surface, it's likely not a genuine diamond.
The water float test is a simple, aesthetic, and damage-free method that is the first step in identifying fake diamonds, thereby indicating professional verification. This damage-free test is a simple way to spot fakes before turning to trusted experts like Jewels of NYC for a professional evaluation.
Skip the Mirror Scratch Test
Real diamonds indeed scratch glass or mirrors due to their unrivaled hardness. The method, however, is not foolproof, and the test comes with its flaws. Modern synthetic gems, such as Moissanite, can also leave scratches, making it difficult to distinguish them from natural gems, which is where the significance of test results can prove unreliable.
Additionally, attempting this method may damage your stone or surface. For a safer and more accurate assessment, it's best to consult a certified jeweler, such as Jewels of NYC, who can provide expert verification using professional tools.
Fire Resistance Test
Real diamonds are exceptionally heat-resistant and can withstand extreme temperature conditions when exposed to them. Being heated via a flame and then dropped into water, unlike their imitations made of glass or quartz, which may shatter, these remain resilient and won’t break at all, thus resisting the temperature change.
The test, however, comes with its drawbacks, and the most significant of them is that the fire resistance test could pose a risk to your gem and jewelry set, notably the setting, and should never be attempted at home. For safe and accurate diamond authentication, it’s best to rely on a certified jeweler with the right tools and expertise. For secure, expert-level verification, rely on Jewels of NYC, where each piece is evaluated with precision and care.
The Breath Fog Test
An easy-to-carry-out and straightforward test at home, the breath fog test can closely determine if a gemstone is a diamond or not. You need to breathe on the stone as you would on a mirror, and you can observe how easily and quickly the fog disappears.
Authentic diamonds clear the heat instantly, and so the fog vanishes quickly, requiring a second or two. However, if the stone retains the fog longer, the gemstone is likely not a genuine diamond. While helpful, this test isn’t conclusive, so it’s best to follow up with a professional evaluation for certainty. While easy to perform at home, it’s best to follow up with an expert check from trusted jewelers, such as Jewels of NYC.
Check the Type of Setting
While not a definitive or foolproof test, checking the type of setting would provide helpful hints, thus paving the way for the diamond’s authenticity. Genuine, high-quality diamonds are typically set in precious, high-quality metals, including 10K, 14K, or 18K gold, or platinum, often stamped with markings such as 585, 750, 900, or 950, or PT or Plat. If the ring is carved out of a cheap metal or marked with ‘C.Z’ (cubic zirconia), the stone certainly is not a genuine diamond. At Jewels of NYC, every item is meticulously inspected to ensure genuine quality and craftsmanship.
Sandpaper Test Works
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substances, which can easily withstand abrasive surfaces like sandpaper without any damage. If the gemstone is rubbed slightly against sandpaper, scratches or visible wear are easily noticeable, and the piece is likely a counterfeit. However, this method can be risky and might damage the setting or surface finish, so it’s not generally recommended unless you’re willing to take the risk.
Do the Weight Comparison
If you have access to a similar-sized cubic zirconia, a simple weight comparison can be performed. Diamonds, being less dense, are naturally lighter in weight compared to cubic zirconia. A real diamond weighs approximately 55% less than a comparable CZ. However, this is not always conclusive; the method remains helpful, as it can aid in identifying fakes when used in conjunction with other methods.
Look for Natural Imperfections with a Loupe
Real diamonds typically have minor internal flaws known as inclusions, which can be spotted using a jeweler’s loupe. In contrast, fake diamonds, such as cubic zirconia or Moissanite, often appear flawless. You can ask your jeweler to demonstrate how to use a loupe or examine the diamond in-store to verify its authenticity. If a stone looks too perfect, it might not be the real thing.
Ask your jeweler, such as the trusted professionals at Jewels of NYC, to demonstrate how to identify inclusions and adequately evaluate the diamond.
Consult a Trusted Seller
Due to the rising prevalence of diamond imitations, it is more important than ever to seek professional help by consulting a trusted seller who can counter the rise of counterfeits. Buying from reputable jewelers with verifiable credentials adds a sense of authenticity, thereby providing peace of mind. Equipped with professional tools and techniques, a trusted veteran is a hallmark of genuineness.
At Jewels of NYC, you’re not just buying luxury jewelry—you’re investing in authenticity, backed by years of expertise and glowing customer reviews. Their commitment to precision and transparency makes them a top choice for discerning buyers seeking premium, pre-owned, or unworn luxury pieces.
