Is Your Diamond Genuine? Here’s How to Find Out

Known for being the hardest natural substance on Earth, diamonds possess remarkable  durability in addition to their ageless beauty. Their incredible resilience makes them resistant to wear, able to endure significant pressure, and resist damage like no other gemstone. Due to their exceptional value and beauty, diamonds are frequently imitated or counterfeited. Ensuring the authenticity of your diamond is essential for protecting your investment. Windsor Jewelers has curated a comprehensive guide to help customers identify genuine diamonds from imitations. This valuable resource highlights the key characteristics to look for, ensuring confidence in the authenticity and worth of each piece.

Water Test

This test is exactly what it sounds like— you can test the authenticity of your diamond jewelry simply by dropping it into a glass of water and seeing whether or not it floats. The water test relies on the density of diamonds compared to most imitation stones. When dropped into a glass of water, a real diamond will sink immediately because its density is higher than water and most simulants. However, lighter, fake stones like cubic zirconia or glass tend to float or descend slowly. While this test can offer a quick check, it’s not foolproof since some imitation stones may also sink. For a more accurate result, consider combining it with other methods of testing.

Fog Test

This simple test puts the heat conductivity of diamonds to the test. Breathing on the stone creates condensation, and this condensation can help reveal whether or not your diamonds are real. A real diamond will disperse the fog almost immediately due to its ability to quickly transfer heat, while simulants like cubic zirconia lack this property, so they remain foggy for a few seconds longer. This simple test provides insight into a diamond's authenticity, though it's best used in combination with other verification methods for more accurate results.

Scratch Test

Performing the scratch test taps into one of a diamond's most famous traits: its unsurpassed hardness. As the hardest natural material on earth, a real diamond will easily scratch glass or a mirror without suffering any damage. To perform this test, gently drag the stone across a glass surface— if it leaves a mark, this is a good indication of its authenticity. However, this test should be performed with caution. Repeated attempts can damage both the surface being scratched, and possibly the stone if it's not handled carefully.

Magnification Test

When using the magnification test, you’ll want to closely inspect both the diamond’s interior and surface. Real diamonds often contain small imperfections known as inclusions, which can be seen under magnification. These natural flaws are almost always present in mined diamonds. In contrast, fake stones— especially synthetic or lab-grown ones— tend to appear flawless. Checking for these imperfections helps distinguish a real diamond from its imitations, as the lack of flaws is often a sign of a manufactured or lower-quality stone.

Heat Test

As you may expect, this test relies on a diamond's innate ability to resist extreme temperature changes. By heating the stone with a lighter for about 30 seconds and then dropping it into cold water, you can gauge its resilience and its authenticity. Real diamonds remain unaffected by such rapid temperature shifts, while fakes, especially glass or other simulants, may crack or even shatter due to thermal shock. This test exemplifies the durability of real diamonds, though it should be performed carefully to avoid accidental damage to non-diamond materials.

Bring Your Diamonds to Windsor Jewelers

At Windsor Jewelers, we understand that at-home tests can offer some valuable insight, but the most reliable way to verify your diamond’s authenticity is through a professional evaluation. The expert teams at both our Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina jewelry stores specialize in comprehensive jewelry appraisals, ensuring your beloved diamond is genuine. We also offer custom design services, allowing you to craft something truly unique from the finest materials. Whether you're in the market for natural or lab-grown diamonds, our collection has something for every style. To explore your options with confidence, request an appointment for a personalized consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members today.