The Differences Between Natural, Lab-Grown, and Diamond Alternatives

With the growing prevalence of lab-grown diamonds, identifying the difference between a real diamond and a fake one can be more complex than you might expect. Are lab-grown diamonds real? Well, yes. However, you might subtle differences in quality when compared to mined diamonds. For a deeper comparison, consider these facts:

Natural Diamonds:

What you would classically associate with a real diamond, these diamonds are mined from the earth. Natural diamonds are minerals formed by intense pressure and heat over millions of years. Their authenticity is undeniable, and they are highly valued for their rarity and unique characteristics.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

While comprising the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are formed in a controlled environment. Professionals expose pure carbon electric pulses that create immense heat and pressure. The carbon then breaks down and crystallizes into a diamond over a timespan much shorter than millions of years. These diamonds are a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, but depending on the creation process, may not be as valuable or high-quality.

Diamond Alternatives:

Various stones, including cubic zirconia, white topaz, and white sapphire, are used as alternatives to diamonds. While these may mimic the appearance of diamonds, they differ significantly in composition and value. You can easily use the tests described below to identify these fake diamond alternatives.

10 Foolproof Ways To Identify Fake Diamonds

There are many ways to tell a genuine diamond apart from a fake one, most of which can be performed in a few simple steps at home. Here are 10 methods you can use to examine your fine jewelry:

1. Sparkle Test

One of the simplest ways to tell if a diamond is real is to test it’s unique sparkle. Authentic diamonds are incredibly reflective, resulting in a captivating play of light when exposed to a concentrated light source. Want to see this light show in action? Follow these simple steps:

• Hold your diamond jewelry up to a beam of light
• Move it around, observing the colors of light in the gem’s reflection
• Note any shades of grey and rainbow colors you see

Authentic diamonds will have both shimmers of bright light in white, grey, and other colors. However, the presence of colors other than white and grey should be very subtle. If the gem lacks reflections of light, or if the light is too colorful, it’s unlucky to be a real diamond. For example, cubic zirconia reflects more orange colors rather than white ones.

2. Examine Metal, Mounting, and Setting

Real diamonds are valuable, which is why you’re unlikely to see them poorly mounted on low-quality metals. Real diamond earrings are far more likely to be paired with high-quality materials such as yellow gold, white gold, or sterling silver. A genuine diamond will also be securely mounted with a setting that showcases craftsmanship and attention to detail. Hallmarks to look out for include:

• Real gold will include marks of 10K, 14K, 18K, etc.
• Real platinum will include marks of PT or Plat, 950 or 999.
• Sterling silver will be marked 925 or .925.
• Cubic zirconia is labeled with a CZ stamp
• Jewelry that’s only plated with silver or gold will be labeled GP, GF, EP, EPNS, SP, or SF. This may indicate a fake diamond.
• Jewelry with no hallmark is even more likely to have a fake diamond.

3. Use a Blacklight

While this test isn’t guaranteed to detect fake stones, it is a simple and useful experiment. Typically, real diamonds should emit a subtle blue fluorescence under blacklights. Place the diamond earrings under a black light and take note of the color you see. If the stone has a green, yellow, or grey glow it’s more likely to be a fake diamond.

4. Fog Test

Diamonds do not retain heat, allowing you to test their authenticity with your breath. After ensuring that your diamond is clean, breathe gently on it to create a layer of warm moisture. Authentic diamonds will disperse the fog after a few seconds, while fake diamonds will stay fogged up for over three seconds.

5. Sink or Float Test

As it turns out, diamonds are not witches! They have a high density, meaning that they will always sink in water. With that in mind, this simple test only requires a glass of water, and can be performed just about anywhere. Just ensure there’s no chance of your diamond earrings getting lost down the drain during the test. During the test, real diamond jewelry will sink to the bottom of the glass, while fake jewelry will float to the top or the middle of the glass.

6. Up-Close Examination

Examining diamonds under a jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass can give you clues as to their authenticity, with the former being more effective than the latter. Genuine diamonds often have tiny imperfections that can be seen with either instrument. Synthetic diamonds are likely to have less imperfections than their mined counterparts.

7. Try Diamond Testers

Real diamonds conduct heat rapidly, which is what this thermal conductivity probe tests. If the gem heats up quickly and disperses heat quickly, it’s a real diamond. However, if it takes a long time to heat up and retains that heat, it’s likely a fake. The easiest way to access a diamond tester is through a professional jeweler, but if you choose to invest in your own, ensure that you purchase it from a reliable seller.

8. Scratch Test

As the strongest naturally occurring substance on earth, diamonds are highly resistant to scratching. This resistance can be tested with sandpaper, but please note that if your earrings are not made with real diamonds, this method will damage the stone. This test will also not prove whether you have a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond.

• Find a rough-grit sandpaper, between 7 and 9 on the Mohs scale
• Rub the gritty side of the sandpaper against the diamond, being careful not to touch the surrounding metal on the earring
• Look closely at the diamond for scratches
• If not scratched, the diamond is likely real. If scratched, the diamond is fake.

9. Use a Diamond Scale

Every diamond has a carat weight that corresponds with its size, and a diamond scale allows you to confirm that weight. You can purchase these scales online or go to a professional jeweler. If the diamond is fake, it will be lighter or heavier than its corresponding carat and size. Cubic zirconia, for example, will be much heavier than average.

10. Consult a Professional Jeweler

Worried about damaging your diamond earrings or misidentifying the stone? Seek the expertise of a professional jeweler. A reputable jeweler can perform advanced tests that provide a definitive assessment of authenticity.

Shop Real Diamond Stud Earrings Today

Looking for real diamond stud earrings that sparkle for years? At Diamond Studs Earrings, we pride ourselves on offering authentic round and princess stud earrings. All of our earrings come in intricate designs and patterns at an affordable price, making them the perfect gift for loved ones on holidays and birthdays.

So, if you want the perfect set of genuine diamond stud earrings, contact us today!