The Inclusion Test: All fake diamonds have one thing in common, none have any inclusions or internal blemishes. So if you didn't pay an arm an a leg for your diamond, yet it has perfect clarity…chances are you have a lemon on your hands. The U.V. Test: While it's true that about a third of diamonds turn fluorescent blue when put under an ultra violet light, and 99% of fakes don't, this test isn't that accurate since not all diamonds have fluorescent qualities. So while you could do this test yourself at home with store-bought black light, it wouldn't tell you much unless your diamond has fluorescent qualities. Detecting Treated Diamonds: Some real diamonds have flaws, that jewelers fix by injecting liquid silicone into the stone. This "clarity enhancement" is similar to the way chips in car windshields are fixed. The problem is that these diamond fixes aren't permanent. Exposure to sun, heat, and even some household cleaners will turn the silicone different colors or make it fall out altogether. You can often spot filled diamonds with a 10 power loupe, but using a binocular microscope is easier. In most states, it is against the law to sell you a treated diamond without first telling you. Again, with this test, you will need to view your diamond unmounted. Turn the diamond onto its face, point side up, and examine it carefully. If you see flashes of single colors, then you are looking at a fracture filled, treated diamond. If you see flashes with many rainbow colors at once, then you are probably looking at a fracture of an untreated diamond. |
