How to Spot a Fake Diamond
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009The only way of being 100 percent sure of a diamond’s authenticity is to take it for examinations to an independent, professional diamond appraiser. However knowing a few of the basic tell-tale signs of fake diamonds can help you more easily weed out some of the lesser quality imitations that are out on the market.
What is a fake diamond?
The most common kind of imitation diamonds are ones made out of cubic zirconia, a material substantially heavier than diamond. Cubic zirconia has many of the same properties as real gems and is a lot cheaper. Crystal is another material used for imitation diamonds, and though it can look quite real, it is cheap and much less durable than diamonds. Moissanite is a very rare mineral that looks like a diamond but has very different properties. Because it’s so rare, though, it can sometimes be more expensive than a real diamond. Finally there are lab created diamonds, which aren’t technically “fake”, as they are made of the same molecular component as the diamonds that are dug up from the earth. The only difference is their origin, and also the fact that, often, expert San Diego jewelers can spot a lab created diamond by its lack of internal imperfections.
Spotting fake diamonds
Keep in mind that the word “fake” is applicable only if the product is being advertised as a diamond when in fact it is not. Here are some of the ways you can tell apart a real diamonds from fake ones.
1. The Four Cs
Taking the time to learn about the four quality characteristics of a diamond (color, cut, carat, and clarity) will make it easier to spot shoddier imitations.
2. Quality of the Setting
Diamonds are expensive, so not many diamonds are set into cheap metals or with bad craftsmanship. If it’s loose, crooked or if the ring is poorly crafted, chances are that it’s not a real diamond.
3. Damage
Diamonds are not immune to surface damage despite being the hardest natural material on earth. However, if a gem seems too many scuffs, nicks and scratches, it’s probably not a real diamond.
4. Color Reflections
A real diamond should sparkle with different shades of white and grey. If a stone gives off rainbow reflections, it’s a clear sign that it is not a real diamond.
5. The Transparency Test
To conduct this test, turn a loose diamond upside down and place it on top of newspaper print. If you can read the print clearly through the stone, then it’s not a real diamond. Real diamonds have certain light dispersion properties that don’t allow for complete transparency.
6. Fog Test
Exhale on a diamond so that it fogs up. If the diamond is real, the fog should disperse almost immediately, as diamonds disperse heat very rapidly. If it stays fogged a while, it is definitely a fake.
Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/how-to-spot-a-fake-diamond-1189392.html
Loose Diamonds
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009Purchasing loose diamonds is a daunting task as there are far too many options including color, cut and carat weight. A prospective buyer of loose diamond can be easily misled or exploited if he is not knowledgeable about all aspects of loose diamonds.
For purchasing good quality loose diamond, the prospective buyer should know what is widely believed to be the Four Cs formula – that represents Carat weight, Clarity of diamond, Color of diamond and Cut of diamond. If one takes pain to fully understand these four parameters, then he or she is fully armed to go out and make a diamond investment. It should also be noted that the four Cs also determine the price of a loose diamond.
Whether one is a budding loose diamond enthusiast or a seasoned loose diamond buyer, there are several online websites to provide exhaustive information on how to assess and buy loose diamonds. Please remember that diamond grading certificates are also essential when purchasing loose diamonds and potential buyers must also be able to distinguish between different types of certificates.
The type of jewelry for which the loose diamond is being bought – is another factor that needs to be borne in mind while buying loose diamonds. Some diamond types are best suited for engagement rings while others are best suited for diamond stud earrings and still others for a bracelet or pendant.
For anybody diamond is a pride possession and diamond has come to be recognized as a symbol of eternal love and all engagement rings are generally diamond rings.
As buying diamonds is a bit of tricky business, most people will be wary of buying loose diamonds online. But there are huge benefits for purchasing online loose diamonds as well as diamond jewelry. Though it is somewhat hard to believe, the fact remains that some online companies have as many as 100,000 loose diamonds in stock for the intending buyer to choose from. Thus a buyer can get the right type of diamond and at a great price when shopping online.
One can purchase loose diamonds online safely and with considerable cost savings, if one cares to visit relevant websites that offer sound guidance for purchasing loose diamonds online and the necessary precautions to be taken. There are guidelines available on how to safely buy quality, certified diamonds online at discounted rates. It is good to know that in view of to low marketing costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer buyers loose diamonds and engagement rings at prices significantly lower than offline market prices.
The steps necessary to buy loose diamonds or diamond jewelry – be it online or offline – are:
• Learn the basics especially about the four Cs
• Compare prices – Spend enough time to check and compare prices as if you are impatient, you may end up paying more.
• Do not fail to take advantage of the 30-day Money-Back Satisfaction guarantee and Free FedEx overnight shipping on all diamond purchases.
• Check out the seller’s credentials
• Check out the seller’s credentials with bodies like professional jewelry associations. Make sure the supplier has acceptable return and refund policies
• Make it a point to buy only laboratory certified diamonds and demand and see whether the certificate (known as a diamond grading report) is from a recognized independent laboratory. Under no circumstances you should buy a diamond without a lab certificate from a competent recognized lab.
Brayan Peter is an expert author for Engagement Rings. He written many articles like Loose Diamonds, Wedding Rings, Pearl Jewelry, Diamond Studs. For more information visit our site http://www.jamesallen.com/. Contact me at engagementrings.info@gmail.com Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/loose-diamonds-1078472.html
