You buy diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, etc., from a shop or receive a luxurious diamond as a gift from your loved ones; identifying whether the diamond you get is real is crucial. You know that diamonds are a statement of elegance in the UAE, so they should be authentic. This blog will cover 12 diamond authenticity tests that are accurate, practical, and relevant. After reading this blog, you can tell if a diamond you wear is real or fake.
Why Diamond Authenticity Matters
Before diving into learning the diamond authenticity tests, we will tell you why its authenticity matters. You must be familiar with the Dubai market, where diamonds are gifted, traded, and resold frequently. If you do not know how to tell if a diamond is real, you will experience a loss. You also know that imitation stones like Moissanite or cubic zirconia are very similar to diamonds, and the local and online markets are flooding with them, so being a UAE resident, you need to be sharp enough to identify the authentic stones.
Stat to Know
In 2023, the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) reported that AED 84 billion worth of diamonds were traded in Dubai, reaffirming its global standing in the diamond market.
Did You Know?
Dubai is one of the top three global diamond trading hubs, making it a hotspot not just for luxury buyers but also for counterfeit risks.
Natural vs. Synthetic vs. Imitation Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed deep underground over billions of years, while synthetic diamonds are manufactured in labs. These synthetic diamonds are chemically identical to the natural diamond. On the other hand, imitation stones like zirconia or white sapphire look like diamonds.
Remember that, in the UAE, elite circles trade diamond earrings, rings, or studs. If you are aware of the above three kinds of diamonds, you will get the value you paid for.
DIY Tests You Can Try at Home
We will begin with an easy test so that you can check your diamond necklace, etc., instantly after reading the blog.
1. The Fog Test
Take your jewelry and breathe on the stone as if fogging a mirror. If your jewelry carries real diamonds, the fog clears instantly as diamonds disperse heat quickly.
Pro Tip
The fog lingering on your jewelry for more than 2 seconds means the stone is not real. This is a quick test you can perform before buying the diamond ring in Dubai.
2. The Water Test
Take out a glass, fill it with water, and drop your diamond. If it sinks and reaches the base of the glass, it means the diamond is real. Diamond sinks because of high density. Other stones, like sapphire or zirconia, float or hover over water.
Note
You can perform this test only on loose diamond stones instead of diamond ear studs, bracelets, or rings.
3. The Scratch Test (Use with Caution)
You must be studying in your school that diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth, so it can make scratches on the glass surface. Try it, and if your stone makes scratches, it is a real diamond.
We do not prefer to perform this DIY test because many fake stones also make scratches, and this test does not conclusively prove authenticity.
4. The Newspaper Test
Take your stone from your diamond ring and place its flat side on the newspaper. Can you read the text or see distorted letters through the diamond? If yes, the stone is fake because real diamonds refract the light and make words unreadable.
5. UV Light Test (Fluorescence Check)
It is said that diamonds emit a blue glow when you pass the UV light from your diamond bracelet, ear studs or other accessories, but experts say not all diamonds do so, and some fake stones also reflect blue light.
6. The Heat and Cold Test
Take your stone out, which needs to be checked, and heat it with your lighter for 30-40 seconds, then quickly drop it into the cold water.
What do you see? Cracked or remain intact? If it cracks, the stone is fake.
Warning
Perform this test on a loose diamond instead of diamond earrings or rings.
7. The Sparkle Test (With a Light Source)
Please pick your stone and take it under the light. What do you see? A mix of white brilliance and colored fire or uniform sparkle?
If you see the color dispersion, then congratulations, your diamond is real. You can perform this test in the UAE’s natural daylight. Just came out of the store with your diamond chain for women or wedding ring and tested the sparkle.
8. The Dot Test
Make a dot on the paper and place your loose diamond. Is the dot visible? No? Ok—your stone is real because diamonds scatter the light intensely, making the dot disappear.
9. The Magnification Inspection
Through a magnifying glass, examine your stone closely. Do you see tiny spots, feathers, or mineral traces, or does the stone completely look flawless?
Real diamonds usually appear with tiny spots or mineral traces, while synthetic or imitation diamonds are clear.
Note
Flawless diamonds exist but are rare and extremely expensive.
10. The Weight Test
Take your diamond and other stones of the same size. If your diamond feels lighter, it is real. It is better to check the weight on a precision scale.
11. Use a Diamond Tester Pen
This device is used to check the electrical or thermal conductivity, and real diamonds conduct heat well, while fakes do not. So if the device beeps it’s real.
And for this purpose you do not need loose stones. Just take the test on your diamond ring.
12. Appraisal at a Certified Gem Lab
To get the most definitive answer, consult a certified gemologist or a reputable lab. Such labs provide a grading report that verifies the authenticity of your diamond jewelry and evaluates the cut, color, clarity, and carat of your stone.
Final Word
With luxury being a lifestyle in Dubai and across the Emirates, knowing how to check the authenticity of your diamonds is just as essential as styling them right. Use these 12 diamond authenticity tests to ensure your investment is as genuine as your elegance. From quick at-home checks to professional evaluations, UAE residents can confidently navigate the shimmering world of diamonds—without being deceived.
Carat Craft is the most reliable and trustworthy brand that delivers genuine diamonds across Dubai and the UAE. So visit our website today, place your jewelry order, and get relaxed as we only deliver you the real one!
