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is there a way to test if it is a real diamond

P: 1/16/2003 10:34:34 PM
aussieguy Rough Rock Total Posts: 2 Last Post: 1/17/2003 Member Since: 1/16/2003	Aloha I have a couple of loose stones in my jewelry collection and before taking them to an appraiser is there a way for a complete novice to at least determine if it is a real diamond? Please show me a way to not look like a real dumbo by taking a piece of junk to an appraiser... Thanks Heinz
Posted: 1/16/2003 10:34:34 PM

There are 9 replies to this message. There are 9 replies on this page.

P: 1/16/2003 10:49:18 PM
dymonite Rough Rock Total Posts: 49 Last Post: 12/17/2003 Member Since: 10/7/2002	My understanding is that it can be difficult to tell without physical testing by an equipped lab - I am not sure what the process is though (obviously not a destructive test ) There are giveaways such as: No inclusions at all (very rare in diamonds except IF grad) Bubbles in Cubic Zirconia (but can be mistaken for inclusions) Tests such as scratching glass is not useful or recommended and thermal conductivity testing can be even misleading.
Posted: 1/16/2003 10:49:18 PM

P: 1/17/2003 8:01:10 AM
Richard Sherwood Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,879 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 9/25/2002	With the disclaimer that you should be sure and take the stones to an expert for confirmation, here's a couple fun "tests" you can do. They all require having a diamond for comparison. These are tests to distinguish between diamond and cubic zirconias only: THE "HUFF" TEST Hold the stone in question next to a diamond and "huff" on them with your hot breath. Both stones will fog up. The diamond will clear up rapidly, while a CZ will take a little longer. THE "SEE THRU" WATER TEST Put the stone is question in a glass of water, along with a diamond. A CZ (with a 2.2 refractive index versus diamond's 2.42) will appear more "transparent" than a diamond. It will look more "washed out", or "ghostlike" compared to a diamond. THE "READ THRU" NEWSPRINT TEST Put the stone in question alongside a diamond, face down over newsprint. You'll be able to slightly read thru a CZ, but not a diamond. THE "DISPERSION" WATER TEST In a dark room, put the stone in question in the bottom of a glass alongside a diamond, face down. Lift the glass up a couple inches, and shine a flashlight down on them vertically from above. Diamond has a dispersion of 0.44, while CZ's is 0.66, 50% more. You will see a circular pattern of light images under the stones which has been "streched out" into a rainbow spectrum. If one of the stones is a CZ, it's rainbow spectrum will be 50% longer, more "stretched out" than a diamond. The difference in look is obvious. THE "GIVE IT AS AN ENGAGEMENT RING" TEST Give stone in question to your fiancee as an engagement ring. If she throws it back in your face within 24 hours, it is a CZ. Rich, Independent GG Appraiser Sarasota Gemological Laboratory
Posted: 1/17/2003 8:01:10 AM

P: 1/17/2003 12:51:02 PM
optimized Cut Rock Total Posts: 306 Last Post: 11/1/2003 Member Since: 12/28/2002	THE "GIVE IT AS AN ENGAGEMENT RING" TEST Give stone in question to your fiancee as an engagement ring. If she throws it back in your face within 24 hours, it is a CZ. ROFLMAO! That has got to be one of the funniest things I've ever read here on the forums! Classic! Thanks for the laugh, Richard!!! -Tim "Economy of words has never been my strong suit"
Posted: 1/17/2003 12:51:02 PM

P: 1/17/2003 1:21:38 PM
aussieguy Rough Rock Total Posts: 2 Last Post: 1/17/2003 Member Since: 1/16/2003	Not only is the "Engagement" test a ripper the other tests are pretty useful Thank you all for replying Much appreciated....
Posted: 1/17/2003 1:21:38 PM

P: 1/18/2003 8:21:14 AM
Richard Sherwood Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,879 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 9/25/2002	I have found the "Engagement Ring Test" to have a high ratio of positive identification. Rich, Independent GG Appraiser Sarasota Gemological Laboratory
Posted: 1/18/2003 8:21:14 AM

P: 1/18/2003 10:57:01 AM
justme Cut Rock Total Posts: 184 Last Post: 10/28/2003 Member Since: 12/5/2002	"This is a test, it is only a test." Annoying Attention signal sounding This is a test of the Real Engagement Ring System. The women of your area in voluntary cooperation with the Federal, State and local authorities have developed this system to keep you informed in the event of an fake engagement ring. If this had been an actual diamond the Attention Signal you just heard would have been followed by big smiles, tears and kisses. This concludes this test of the Real Engagement Ring System."
Posted: 1/18/2003 10:57:01 AM

P: 1/18/2003 5:31:17 PM
ccuheartnurse Ideal Rock Total Posts: 709 Last Post: 11/27/2007 Member Since: 5/22/2002	LOL LOL@ Richard! My bf would often joke with me that he was going to get me a CZ instead of a diamond. He was so smug & even said "how would you know the difference"? Those are fighting words! I told him I would have the stone appraised the very next day so he better not think for one second he would get away with it! haha As it turned out, I went to pick up the stone & I was the one to take it in for the appraisal. And you can bet your loop I'll be there when the stone gets set. Judy :-)
Posted: 1/18/2003 5:31:17 PM

P: 1/18/2003 9:33:04 PM
Richard Sherwood Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,879 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 9/25/2002	Thank God for women. We men would still be Neandarthal's, living in caves, if it weren't for them. A diamond is the least we can do... Rich, Independent GG Appraiser Sarasota Gemological Laboratory
Posted: 1/18/2003 9:33:04 PM

P: 1/19/2003 7:50:49 AM
Colored Gemstone Nut Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,267 Last Post: 10/1/2009 Member Since: 11/21/2002	Hey Rich-I guess with age comes wisdom? Sounds like you know who butters your bread brotha....Lol..... -Josh Rioux Sitka, Alaska Josh Rioux Haines, Alaska The Colored Gemstone Nut
Posted: 1/19/2003 7:50:49 AM

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