Did you know that a real diamond is formed deep below the earth’s surface? This requires extreme pressure and high temperatures. A real diamond is therefore a product of nature and is considered the oldest and hardest gemstone in the world. But how can you recognize real diamonds? For laymen, it is not so easy to recognize a real diamond. This is because fakes and imitations look amazingly real. In the production of synthetic diamonds, the natural formation process is “imitated” in the laboratory. Technologies make it possible to give the replicas almost the same chemical properties and an almost identical appearance. Basically, it can be stated that a real diamond should always have a quality certificate. Only such a certificate can officially confirm its authenticity.
However, there are a few more tips on how you can recognize a real diamond. In the following we want to show you them and how diamonds are formed.
The creation of real diamonds
Diamonds have fascinated people and cultures for thousands of years. To this day, the “king of gemstones” stands for beauty, magic and luxury. It was attributed magical powers, it is considered a sign of love and gave its owner power in earlier times. At that time, diamond jewelry was still reserved for the high nobility. The formation of real diamonds begins 3 billion years ago deep inside the earth. For a diamond to be formed, pure carbon must be subjected to a high heat of approx. 2,000 °C and an enormous pressure of 70,000 kg/cm², which leads to crystallization. So far, real diamonds have been found in only 20 countries. In addition, the mining process is very complex.
To find 1 carat, 250 tons of rock, stone and sand must be mined and processed. Once diamonds are found, about 80% do not meet the requirements for jewelry processing. So it is hardly surprising that real diamonds have their price. Until 1725, India was considered one of the only places in the world where diamonds were found, which is why many of the most famous stones, such as the Dresden Green Diamond or the Blue Hope Diamond, come from India. Today, it is mainly diamonds that are cut here. Because only the cut reveals the true beauty of a real diamond, so that the light can refract optimally in all its facets.
Because diamonds are rare, their mining involves a lot of work and they are a finite resource, diamonds are often faked, imitated or copied. Therefore, genuine diamonds are certified.
What are certified diamonds?
A diamond certificate, also known as a diamond dossier, is an expert opinion from an independent and recognized institute in which professional gemologists and appraisers examine the gemstones based on globally defined authenticity criteria. This involves the use of various procedures, instruments and, of course, years of experience and a trained eye.
The valuation includes the carat number, shape, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, fluorescence and size. The diamond appraisal thus not only serves to recognize a genuine diamond, but also determines its value. If a diamond is appraised in the form of a brilliant, the criterion of the cut is also taken into account. Finally, a diamond appraiser takes the type of inclusions under the microscope. One of the world’s best-known institutes is the GIA. In addition to diamonds, the institution also examines colored gemstones and pearls. How can you recognize real diamonds? The easiest way is by looking at the diamond certificate.
Good to know:
The diamonds at VIVA not only all carry a certificate of authenticity, which confirmed the authenticity and quality. We go one step further and have committed ourselves to the Kimberley Agreement. The agreement between African diamond producing countries, the EU and the USA prohibits the trade in diamonds from conflict regions that sell diamonds to finance weapons. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme ensures compliance. Each diamond receives a certificate of origin, proving that the gemstone comes from a conflict-free region.
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE REAL DIAMONDS? OUR FOUR TIPS
Besides the diamond certificate, you can recognize a real diamond by a few simple tricks. Below we have compiled a few for you.
Fluorescence in black light
If you hold a real diamond under black light, it can shimmer medium to very blue. If it glows green, yellow or gray, it is most likely a fake. However, this test only works for diamonds that have a certain degree of fluorescence. This, in turn, is noted in the diamond certificate.
Letter test
Is it not a diamond, but glass? To test this, simply place the diamond upside down on the text of a newspaper or book. With a real diamond you will not be able to read the letters. The high refraction causes a high scattering, which makes it almost impossible. If it is in glass, you will be able to recognize the words well.
Detect contamination
Genuine diamonds are rarely 100% pure. With a tenfold magnification, the so-called inclusions can be seen as smaller or larger black or white dots. You need a high quality loupe or a powerful magnifying glass. Fake diamonds usually do not have such inclusions.
Go to the jeweler
The easiest way to clarify the question “How can you recognize real diamonds?” leads us to the jeweler. This can recognize 100% the authenticity of a real diamond. At the same time he gives valuable tips for diamond care. You are also on the safe side if you buy your jewelry with diamonds from quality manufacturers like VIVA, who can provide a certificate of authenticity for each diamond and, as in our case, a certificate of origin.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to your request.