Beware of Fake Diamonds: How to Ensure You’re Buying the Real Thing
When it comes to purchasing a diamond, the stakes are high. Whether it’s for an engagement ring, a special gift, or an investment, ensuring you’re buying a genuine diamond is crucial. Unfortunately, the market is rife with disingenuous traders and fake diamonds. Here’s how to safeguard your purchase and spot authentic diamonds from counterfeits.
Know the 4 Cs
Understanding the 4 Cs—Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity—is fundamental to diamond purchasing. Familiarise yourself with these terms:
— Carat: Measures the diamond’s weight.
— Cut: Refers to how well the diamond is cut, affecting its brilliance.
— Colour: Indicates the diamond’s colour grade.
— Clarity: Assesses the presence of internal or external flaws.
Request Certification
Always ask for a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as:
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
• International Gemological Institute (IGI)
A genuine diamond will have a certification that details its specifications, ensuring it has been assessed by professionals.
These certificates provide detailed information about the diamond’s carat weight, cut, colour, clarity, and other important characteristics. They also confirm that the stone is a genuine diamond.
At Morgan & Co, we only source certified diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, ensuring that every stone meets our stringent quality standards. When you buy from us, you can trust that you’re getting a genuine diamond that has been independently verified by experts.
Use a Reputable Jeweller
Purchase diamonds from reputable and well-established jewellers. Look for:
— Positive customer reviews and testimonials.
— Personalised Service: Reputable jewellers focus on building relationships rather than just making sales. They should offer personalised consultations, especially for significant purchases like engagement rings or custom pieces. If a jeweller takes the time to understand your needs, budget, and preferences, it’s a good sign that they value customer satisfaction over a quick sale.
— A clear warranty policy: At Morgan & Co we provide a lifetime warranty on you band and setting and we will recommend a jewellers only insurance company to insure your new piece.
— Transparency in Information: A trustworthy jeweller will provide detailed and accurate information about the products they sell, including the Four Cs of diamonds (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight), metal types, and any treatments the stones may have undergone. They should be willing to answer all your questions thoroughly and honestly.
The Importance of Seeing Your Diamond in Person
While online shopping offers convenience, nothing compares to seeing a diamond in person before making your purchase. Every diamond is unique, and its true beauty can only be appreciated when viewed with your own eyes. By visiting our Buderim studio, you’ll have the opportunity to examine different diamonds up close, compare their qualities, and see how they perform in various lighting conditions.
We guide you through the process, ensuring that you choose a diamond that not only meets your expectations but also fits within your budget. Our focus is on transparency and education, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Know the Common Fakes
Be aware of common diamond substitutes, such as cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite. These materials can mimic diamonds but have different physical and optical properties.
The Fog Test
A quick at-home test is the fog test
1. Breath on the diamond to create fog.
2. If the fog dissipates immediately, it’s likely a real diamond. If it lingers, it might be fake.
The Scratch Test
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that a real diamond should be virtually impossible to scratch with anything other than another diamond. If you notice scratches on the surface of the stone, or if it scratches easily with a material that shouldn’t affect a diamond, it’s likely a fake.
It Doesn’t Reflect Light the Way a Diamond Should
Diamonds have a unique way of reflecting light, known as brilliance and fire. Brilliance refers to the white light reflected back out of the diamond, while fire refers to the rainbow-coloured light that the diamond disperses. When you observe a real diamond under light, you should see a beautiful interplay of these two effects. A fake diamond, on the other hand, might look dull or overly rainbow-like (as in the case of cubic zirconia, which tends to show more colourful flashes).
Check the Settings and Mount
Genuine diamonds are set in high-quality materials like 14ct or 18ct gold or platinum. Inspect the setting and mount for any marks indicating quality.
Spotting Disingenuous Traders
Look out for the following red flags
— Unbelievably Low Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. One of the biggest red flags is the price. Real diamonds are valuable due to their rarity and the extensive process required to mine, cut, and polish them. If you come across a diamond that is significantly cheaper than others of similar size and quality, it’s worth being skeptical. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
— Pressure Tactics: Legitimate traders will give you time to make an informed decision. Avoid those who pressure you into buying.
— Lack of Certification: If a trader is unwilling to provide certification or claims it’s unnecessary, walk away.
Consult an Expert
If in doubt, consult an independent gemologist. They can appraise the diamond and verify its authenticity.
Conclusion
Purchasing a genuine diamond requires diligence and knowledge. By understanding the 4 Cs, demanding certification, choosing reputable jewellers, and knowing how to spot fakes and disingenuous traders, you can make a confident and informed purchase. Remember, a genuine diamond is an investment in both beauty and value—ensure you’re getting the real thing.
Book you complementary consultation with our expert team to discuss your engagement ring or next jewellery piece.
