HOW DO YOU CHECK DIAMONDS?

[Peyton Manning]

Ok, without buying anything, how can you check if a find is a real diamond?
I found a pin yesterday.

If I hit it with a hammer and the stone doesn't break, does that indicate it is real?

 

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[Ammoman]

I would not recommend hitting it with a hammer. Just because its hard don't mean it won't shatter. Take it to your local crooked pawn shop and have them check it.

 

[ARC]

Heh... hit it harder with a bigger hammer. :P

Clean it the best you can... then look into it with best loop / mag you have...
If you see nothing but perfectly clear... might be a fake.
IF you see striations or black spec(s) that would be carbon and would point more toward real.

Stop in any pawn shop and just ask them to test it. Or jewelry store.
Don't sell till you get an honest idea of value bya asking several different ones.

Oh if you see nothing and it is very clear... this does not definitely mean a fake...
A high quality stone will have no visible defects etc.

 

[Nitric]

Nope, a diamond will shatter if hit with hammer! How do I know this? I've smashed a few scrapping gold! It was a quick and easy way to remove stones, when in a hurry.

Everyone has there own way and tricks, The simplest? Take it to a local jeweler and ask if they will check it for you. The glass test isn't fool proof and glass will scratch glass, a cheap diamond tester doesn't rule out Moissanite. (or didn't use to). If you want to play around there are tests that will rule out other materials. and if you look real close you might be able to see carbon or inclusions. Some people can tell by color and look. I was good at it in the past. But to try to explain that? is hard with out things to compare and under different lights.

If you want to know now? take it to a jeweler! If you want to play around? There are tests online and I'm sure people in the threads know. My memory sucks, and it's been a few years back so I don't remember any specific ones off hand. Just my two cents!

Another thing! Don't get upset if the jeweler tells you a price that you think is too cheap. Most smaller diamonds aren't worth much. There was a point when gold was High and everyone was scrapping, most guys in the area weren't even buying, or paying for anything below 3/4 carat (75 points). There was so many floating around at that time. It had to be flawless!

 

[releventchair]

Wave it at a curvy blonde.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I would feel stupid taking it a jeweler if it's obviously glass, guess I'll send the wife

 

[DanWho]

Go to aliexpress, they have a cheap tester for about $12 shipped. Dont know how long it will work but should do ok in a pinch.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Only way you will know is to get a good diamond tester or take it to a jeweler or pawn shop, you cant tell otherwise....

 

[Nitric]

Here's a link if you want to play around...It might not be fool proof, but it might rule some stuff out.

5 Ways to Tell if a Diamond is Real - wikiHow

 

[G.I.B.]

I have a diamond tester. Send it to me and I'll test it for you.

 

[Nitric]

I have a diamond tester. Send it to me and I'll test it for you.

Jeff Gordon"Hey? Why does this look like the stone was set with pliers? Is this even my stone?"
Gib" hmmmm... must have happened in shipping! All I know...Is your stone was fake!"

DO I have it close?

 

[joesmarbles]

very simple test, If you can see news print or book print through it, it is zircon.....Joe McDonough

 

[G.I.B.]

Jeff Gordon"Hey? Why does this look like the stone was set with pliars? Is this even my stone?"
Gib" hmmmm... must have happened in shipping! All I know...Is your stone was fake!"

DO I have it close?

No sir, you don't have it close.

I'd NEVER use a common set of pliers...

 

[8mygritz]

1 of these...pretty cheap on ebay.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

1 of these...pretty cheap on ebay. View attachment 1283426

The cheap diamond testers will not tell you if the stones are Mossanite or diamond, look at directions you posted of the diamond tester, it tells you it can't tell if stones are Mossanite which are used as fake diamonds...

Unless you buy one that can tell difference between Mossanite and diamond you want know if diamonds are real with out having it tested by jeweler...

 

[Peyton Manning]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I found it in an old park and really doubt they are real. I mean they couldn't be right?
Just couldn't through it away without being sure ya know?

 

[smokeythecat]

I went through some gravels from the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas I had brought home awhile back. A long while back. To make a long story even longer I'm going there in a few weeks to have THEM test the
two weird stones I found. And look for diamonds of course.

 

[ChampFerguson/TN]

Diamonds will definitely shatter. They are crystals and have cleavage planes.

They will not be scratched by a file or corundum (ruby).

The easiest, best and most certain way to test is via Index of Refraction, but that's not possible without a specialized oil or a testing machine.

Usually, the setting is a good indication of whether it is a valuable stone or not. Rare is the diamond in a silver setting/ring.

A good way to test for natural vs manmade stone is to closely examine it under the highest power magnification you have available. A natural stone will virtually always (99.99999999999999999999999999999999999) have flaws in it such as inclusions and obvious cleavage planes. This works for all gemstones.

Best thing to do is take it to a jeweler, coin, or pawn store. Be laughed at- what do you care? If you are close to me, I'd be happy to give you my opinion.

I didn't stay at a holiday inn, but I am a geologist and lifelong rockhound.

 

[ScubaDetector]

I have ARA test all my diamonds. They are worthless unless over 3/4 carat anyway.

 

[CoilyGirl]

Send it to me and I'll send ya a minie ball in exchange. Seriously I hope it is real. You can usually get a good idea if the stone is real by the looks of the setting. A jeweler isn't going to make fun of you just by asking.