How to tell if your Diamond is the real deal
The timeless allure and everlasting beauty of diamonds make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. But with advancements in technology and the rise of lab-grown diamonds, distinguishing between real and synthetic diamonds has become more crucial than ever.
Professional Verification
To verify the authenticity of a genuine diamond, it is essential to rely on professional grading services such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), IGI and EGL. Diamond reports provide a definitive distinction between naturally mined diamonds and lab-grown alternatives.
By shopping with a trusted retailer like Milano, you can ensure that you are getting a genuine, natural diamond with full transparency and expert guidance.
Tips for Buying Authentic Diamonds
Milano upholds a strict Commitment to Authenticity, guiding customers through the purchasing process with complete transparency and thorough answers to any questions. Each diamond from Milano comes with an official report, guaranteeing its authenticity.
Before the arrival of Lab Diamonds, the biggest fear was getting a CZ (Cubic Zirconia) or a Moissanite instead of a Natural Diamond. While the chances of that are much lower with Lab Diamonds, it's still good to keep an eye out for simulants or look alike.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Although lab-grown diamonds share similar physical properties with natural diamonds, their formation processes differ significantly. Understanding the distinctions between the two types of diamonds is essential for making an informed purchase decision, especially when considering factors like clarity and market value.
Cost Comparison
Lab-grown diamonds and diamond alternatives can be significantly more affordable than natural diamonds, with prices up to 90% lower. However, natural diamonds retain their value better.
Tests for Authenticity
- The Water Test: A genuine diamond is likely to sink to the bottom of a glass of water. A key thing to keep in mind about the water test is that it doesn't help differentiate between Lab Diamonds and Natural Diamonds. The water test is used to ensure that the stone you have is a diamond (which is dense) as opposed to glass.
- The Fog Test: Breathing on a diamond should cause the fog to dissipate almost instantly, indicating its authenticity, though this test may not always be accurate.
- The Heat Test: Due to the composition of Diamonds (Lab and Natural), they are able to conduct heat better. If the Gem is not a diamond, exposing it to heat and rapid cooling will shatter it.
- The Technology Test: With the advancement of technology, there are now tools that can help differentiate between Natural Diamonds and other replicas such as Lab Diamonds, Moissanite, CZ and Glass. Take your Diamond to the nearest jeweler (or send it in to Milano) to have it tested in the latest authentication machines.
What to Look for in Diamond Certification
A reputable diamond certification, such as GIA, should include details on the diamond's carat weight, cut, color, clarity, proportions, measurements, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, and inclusion plot. Diamonds manufactured and certified more recently will also have inscriptions of the Lab Cert #
Checking for Imperfections and Inclusions
Imperfections or inclusions in a natural diamond are unique characteristics that give each stone its individual identity. Using a jeweler's loupe for closer inspection can reveal these features and help determine the authenticity of the diamond.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing diamonds, knowledge and verification are key. Trusting certified professionals and reputable sources like Milano, ensuring proper certification, and understanding the tests for authenticity can help you make an informed decision when investing in a Natural Diamond.
