How to Tell if an NZ Diamond Earring is Real?

How to Tell if an NZ Diamond Earring is Real?

Diamonds are stunning and have been in use for so many years. They are beautiful, rare and valuable. Yet with so many imitations on the market, How to tell if an NZ diamond earring is real? Thankfully, it is easy to verify your diamond earrings through the following techniques. In this guide, we describe the steps you may follow to verify if diamond earrings are real or fake.

Why Knowing Matters

Understand if your diamond earrings are authentic. Synthetic diamonds are not of the same value as the real ones. The originality of gemstones is important if you are purchasing them, selling them or if you are given diamond earrings as an inheritance!

Visual Examination

1. Observe the Brilliance

Original diamonds possess distinctive sparkle. They reflect light in two forms:

  • White Light (Brightness): This is what gives diamonds a bright sparkle.
  • Fire: This is the rainbow colours showing when light hits it.

Fake diamonds can sparkle, but their fire often looks dull or overly colourful.

2. Examine Flaws

Inclusions are the common features in natural diamonds and they are the basic imperfections of a stone. Try to look for inclusions using the jeweller’s loupe or any type of magnifying glass. If the stone is too perfect, it might be fake.

3. Examine the Setting

Real diamond earrings are mostly made to be placed in gold or platinum, which is a quality material most of the time. Usually, you can find impressed marks like “14K,” “18K,” or “PT” at the back of the setting. If the metal used for the jewellery appears to be cheap or light, the stone used could very well be fake.

Simple Tests You Can Do at Home

1. The Fog Test

It is one of the simplest tests that one can conduct. Here's how you do it:

  • Keep the diamond close to your mouth.
  • Blow it like air on a mirror to fog it up.

As you know, an authentic diamond cannot keep the fog for more than one or two seconds because it actively disperses heat. 

2. The Water Test

The water test uses a simple glass of water to check density. Follow these steps:

  • Fill a clear glass with water.
  • Gently drop the diamond earring into the glass.

It will sink straight to the bottom. Fake stones, such as glass or cubic zirconia might float or sink slowly.

3. The Scratch Test

Diamonds are very hard and scratch-resistant. To check:

  • Place a metal tool, like a nail or a small file.
  • Carry out a light scratch on the stone surface.

If the stone scratches easily, it's probably a fake. Although diamonds are hard, be careful while using this test, as it might scratch other gemstones in your earrings.

4. Reflective Test

Hold the diamond against a bright light source and examine its reflection. Genuine diamonds refract light in two ways:

  • White Light (Brilliance)
  • Coloured flashes of light, like a rainbow (fire)

A fake diamond may flash more rainbow colours but lacks the same intensity as a real diamond's sharp fire.

5. Use Newspaper or Text

This method is best suited for loose stones but can be applied to earrings:

  • Place the diamond face down on a sheet of printed text.
  • Try to read the words through the diamond.

The facets of a true diamond would scatter light, so you will not be able to read easily or at all. A fake diamond, such as glass or cubic zirconia, may let you see the text. These simple tests can determine if your diamond earrings are genuine. Though not 100 per cent foolproof, they are a good starting point to use before getting professional confirmation.

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Advanced Tests

1. Use a Diamond Tester

Diamond testers are portable instruments that measure a stone's thermal conductivity. Real diamonds conduct heat well while artificial stones don't. You can purchase or hire a diamond tester for a more precise check.

2. Black Light Test

Exposing the diamond to UV light. Genuine diamonds usually radiate a blue hue under UV lights. It is not a test you can rely on since not all diamonds will react to a black light.

3. Investigate with a Loupe

A jeweller’s loupe can reveal details invisible to the naked eye. Look for inclusions, imperfections, and sharp edges. Fake diamonds often have rounded edges or appear too flawless.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re still unsure, consult a professional jeweller or gemologist. They have tools like microscopes and X-ray machines to verify authenticity. A professional appraisal can also confirm the value of your diamond earrings.

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Tips to Avoid Buying Fakes

  • From trusted Seller: Buy your diamond earrings from experienced jewellers or certified sellers, and do your homework on reviews, certifications, return policies, etc.
  • Certificate: The authentic diamonds usually come with a certificate from such organizations as the GIA. This certificate serves as proof of the quality and authenticity of the diamond.
  • Beware of Too Good Deals: If it is too low, then it probably is too good to be true. Quality diamonds cost a premium.

Common Diamond Imitations

1. Cubic Zirconia

It is the most common imitation diamond. It is cheaper and less durable.

2. Moissanite

Moissanite closely resembles diamonds but has more rainbow sparkle. It's less expensive.

3. Glass

Glass is easily detected because it is much less durable and does not sparkle like a diamond

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The Bottom Line

How to tell if a diamond earring is real? - Knowing if your diamond earrings are real needn't be difficult. Using the above testing methods allows you to confidently determine authenticity. For tips on diamond jewellery, do not hesitate to seek professional advice at Bodega Diamond to avoid making costly mistakes.

Diamonds are an investment and also a symbol of timeless beauty. Ensuring their authenticity would guarantee their value and longevity for years in the future!

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