What A Real Diamond Looks Like

Separating a diamond look alike from the real thing is one of the biggest challenges a new gemologist faces.

What a real diamond looks like.

A light fog will form on the diamond because of the moisture and heat in your breath. If the stone s mounting appears to be plated or is only a semi precious metal like copper or aluminum the diamond itself may be fake. Something like a scratch test could help you determine if the diamond under the question is in fact real. Diamonds and their simulants can share some optical and physical properties.

A halo is like a push up bra for a diamond it ll make the stone look a carat to a carat and a half larger than it actually is. Similarly if the setting looks sloppy or like poor quality craftsmanship the diamond may not be particularly valuable. In the chart below you ll find common diamond look alike stones and real diamonds arranged by specific. If the fog dissipates right away the diamond is real.

If you want to make your diamond look bigger either set your diamond with side stones or with a halo says landau. If it takes several seconds for the fog to disperse it is likely a fake diamond. However two properties specific gravity and birefringence hold the key to distinguishing diamonds. For the fog test hold the diamond or ring between two fingers and breath on it with a puff of air.