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Bright ice posted pics of her jaw dropping 7+ ct OMC engagement ring upgrade on the Show Me the Bling forum at PriceScope! What an amazing ring, and Bright ice always has phenomenal pieces! This is a Victor Canera Pauline, what is your favorite Victor Canera setting? Well, if you saw this […]
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Dec2410 originally posted this amazing halo reset engagement ring on the Show Me the Bling forum at PriceScope. This is a fabulous sparkly beauty is a disco ball. Do you prefer a solitaire or a halo? Dec2410 had a gorgeous engagement ring, a 6-prong Tiffany style solitaire that her fiancé proposed with in […]
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Have you ever wondered how to tell a real diamond? How do you know if a diamond is real or fake?
A real and fake diamond look very similar. There are simulant and synthetic diamonds.
Many ‘fake’ diamonds look alike. In our post today we’re going to show you some ingenious ways how to tell a real diamond from a fake.
By using just one of our tests, you will learn how to tell if your diamond is real. Or is your diamond a worthless imitation? Some of the following criteria need the stone unset from the ring mount.
A synthetic diamond is also known as a lab-grown diamond. Other names include a cultured diamond or a cultivated diamond. They are produced artificially, unlike natural diamonds formed in the Earth.
Please note that our tests will not identify lab-created diamonds. Most lab-grown or created diamonds include a tiny inscription identifying them as lab-grown for this reason. You might see small writing on the girdle of a real diamond or a lab-created stone.
Diamond simulants fall into the category of imitation diamonds—stones with gemmological features similar to the real thing. Diamond Simulants differ from synthetic diamonds. In contrast, Synthetic Diamonds are actual diamonds having the same material properties as natural diamonds. For this reason, most of our tests help to identify a diamond simulant from a real one.
The following make perfect tests at home for testing fake diamonds. Some tests suit loose diamonds, while others suit diamonds already set.
The line test involves placing the stone on a single black line drawn on paper. It’s a great way how to tell a real diamond from a fake. The line test appears much more visible through a fake diamond. Place a diamond over the black line and watch the line disappear. White light bends when passing through a diamond.
A diamond of any given size will achieve a reasonably typical carat weight. For example, a 5mm round diamond will weigh close to 0.50cts (give or take a few points.) A CZ of the same size tends to way far more substantial, and this is a straightforward sign that the stone is not a diamond. You can check the size and weight of your diamond against our online size chart.
Some diamond experts use a breath test to spot a real diamond from a fake. When you breathe slowly on the surface of a diamond, moisture beads finely over the stone, disappearing very rapidly. The reason is the thermal conductivity. The fog disappears gradually from a non-diamond. For this reason, diamonds serve a use in electronics. Lab-grown wafer-thin examples make an ideal thermal conductor for circuitry. Diamonds are the best thermal conductor on Earth.
Not strictly tasting the stone, but some seasoned experts can tell a real diamond by putting it against their tongue. The icy feel of the diamond on account of the thermal properties is very subtle and difficult to detect. A diamond will take heat away from the surface of your tongue. Diamonds are very good at dispersing heat. For this reason, lab-grown diamond wafers make great thermal conductors for electronic circuits.
Here, we must be careful, since white, flawless diamonds do exist. Many synthetic/simulant diamonds imitate entirely white bright diamonds free of any inclusions. If the stone appears very white and free of any small marks, you could have a fake. Or, you might be holding a costly diamond! CZ’s often appear almost purple-white compared to diamonds. For this test, you need a 10X loupe or a magnifying glass. We grade diamond colour using a scale starting at D colour. Some imitation diamonds appear too white. However, some gemstones set into Yellow Gold pick up colour from the metal colour, appearing less white. For this reason, most gems are colour graded loose.
Compared to diamonds, many replica stones, such as Cubic Zirconia have more rounded edges to each facet. Diamonds appear sharper and keep this sharpness. Compare a diamond to a CZ under a 10X jewellers lens, and upon looking closely, this will be noticeable.
The Lila engagement ring in white gold set with a large simulant for display purposes. (From the SD showroom.)
Diamonds rarely wear. Diamonds can sometimes appear ‘smoked’ when a stone burns under high temperature—a skin results on the stone which requires polishing to remove. As a result, a smoked diamond reflects light in a reduced way with a dull surface.
Diamonds tend to keep their sharp, perfect polished facets for life. For this reason, they outperform other gems for engagement rings. Cubic Zirconia and other replica stones wear more quickly. Non-diamonds wear on the joins between facets. This detail appears under a jeweller’s lens or magnifying glass. Do not confuse wear with chips, polish marks or natural inclusions on the surface of the diamond.
Most people know that it takes a diamond to scratch another diamond. In fact, diamonds rarely pick up scratches unless it is from another stone of the same type. On Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are 10 on top of the list.
Rough materials such as sand-paper scratch diamond lookalikes, but not a real diamond. We do not advise this test to be carried out on any item unless there is no fear of damage. Most precious metals scratch easily, so be careful when considering this test.
Most natural diamonds have marks within the diamond. We refer to these as inclusions. If you can see small marks within your diamond, the chances are that your diamond is real and not a fake. Diamonds are graded under 10x magnification to grade their clarity. Many items of cheaper jewellery feature diamonds with more substantial inclusions. Some might call these natural diamonds or diamonds of a commercial grade.
If you’re passing our showroom in Ryde, feel welcome to drop. We’ll be glad to test your ‘fake diamond’ to see if it is real. We test third-party ‘diamonds’ often. If your gemstone is genuine, or not, we can set your stone into one of our designs. We must, however, identify your stone before any work starts. Please just get in touch for a quote to set your stone into one of our many settings.
When a diamond glows under UV light, this does not mean you have an artificial or fake diamond. Some diamonds reflect UV light in varying degrees. As a result, some diamonds appear to glow under intense UV light. Read more on Fluorescence in our education section of the website.
For reasons of cost, some buyers search for lookalike diamond gemstones. Many transparent white gems stand in for diamonds. Some cost far less than diamonds. But many lack the hardness and dazzle of a diamond. Here are just some gemstones used as diamond substitutes.
White Topaz costs far less than other gemstones. Also, White Topaz occurs in various fancy shapes. Some buyers use White Topaz instead of a diamond. Real diamond shoulders work well alongside Topaz. These add an element of ‘real diamond’ to a ring.
White Topaz gemstone looking very similar to a diamond.
Perhaps the best fake diamond substitute. Despite White Sapphires lacking the same ‘fire’ like a diamond, they are durable. Both Sapphires and diamond make tough gemstones, well suited to rings worn every day.
Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by the Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. He found the natural form of this gemstone within a meteorite in Arizona. At first, mistaken for diamonds, he later established the crystals were formed from Silicon Carbide. Owing to the rarity of natural Moissanite, almost all Moissanite is lab-grown. Furthermore, this diamond alternative appears similar to diamond, with visual differences. For example, the brilliance of both types of gemstone differ.
Lab-grown diamonds look identical to real diamonds, with the same physical appearance and properties. For this reason, most feature an inscription on the girdle of the stone. The words “lab-grown” appear to avoid any confusion with the genuine article.
Lab-grown diamonds work out less expensive than natural. We provide lab-grown alternatives to our rings upon request. Please contact us for a quote on our lab-grown options to any of our engagement rings.
The post How to Tell a Fake Diamond from a Real Diamond – 8 Different Ways appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.
As the Coronavirus craze becomes more prevalent, so do our clients’ concerns for how to properly maintain their ring while protecting themselves from contact bacteria. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your ring stays sterilized, but sparkling!
image source: Wikipedia Commons Jennifer Lopez has had a blowout year and what is even more impressive is that she recently turned 50. But even though she has a body to envy, what we’re really dying to get our hands on is her jewelry box and personal style. Her love of jewelry is […]
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Green Chalcedony and Swiss Blue Topaz Drop Earrings with Diamond Halo in 14k Yellow Gold at Blue Nile We know that you are as ready for Spring as we are, not just to shake off the Winter doldrums but for the vibrant Spring jewelry trends. What is your favorite trend for the upcoming season? […]
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This year, demand for Rose Gold engagement rings and wedding rings has soared. Moreover, we have completed more commissions in this metal choice than ever before. Sometimes called Pink Gold or Red Gold, Rose Gold makes a wonderful choice for diamond jewellery.
Atlantis reveals a floating Marquise cut diamond held in a tension setting in Rose Gold
In addition, we stock other more affordable jewellery styles in our showroom, also made in Rose Gold.
Compare 9 carat and 18 carat Rose Gold and you will no doubt see a difference in colour. 9 carat Rose Gold tends to be darker and more coppery by comparison. The higher Gold content of 18 carat gives it a lighter colour. For this reason, we recommend 18 carat Rose Gold. In addition, the higher Gold content makes it a more durable choice for long-term wear.
Both Rose and Yellow Gold make popular metal choices. The popularity of Yellow Gold has increased alongside Rose Gold.
18ct Rose Gold and Yellow Gold Elvish wedding rings
18ct Rose Gold has a beautiful coppery look to the metal. A warm pink hue that is unique amongst the many metal alloys. Rose Gold provides the warmest colour of any precious metal.
The composition of rose gold can vary from one alloy to another, but our own rose gold alloy contains the following materials.
Gold – 75%
Copper – 21%
Silver – 4%
There are quite a few reasons why rose gold. the following are just a few reasons why you might consider this beautiful metal option.
Many of our Rose Gold jewellery designs come from our bespoke design service. It makes a popular choice for bespoke jewellery designs. Since many jewellery chains opt for a standard White Gold for their window, Rose Gold stands apart. For this reason, the choice lends itself to alternative jewellery styles.
The natural pink colour of the Copper makes this choice the warmest of all of the precious metal alloys.
Bespoke ring design, engraved within the band. Designed and crafted by our team at Serendipity Diamonds
Choose Rose Gold to complement both white or brown diamonds. Chocolate brown diamonds make excellent gemstones better suited to Rose than to White Gold.
Bespoke Rose Gold chocolate coloured diamond engagement ring made through our bespoke ring design service.
Add rose gold to a white gold wedding ring, and possibly a matching yellow gold eternity rings and the colours just work so well together.
Tri-colour combinations of metal have been used for many types of jewellery from wedding rings to diamond earrings.
The video clip below shows our stacking Clover ring set made in three colours.
We regularly make jewellery with two or three precious metals in one item. Alternative choices include stacking rings in all three colours to create a set.
This metal choice can be combined with a platinum setting with ease, or with a white gold setting.
With the soaring price of Gold, Rose Gold continues to rise in price. As a result, this metal choice holds its intrinsic value.
Current fashion trends project Rose Gold metals to new heights. From accessories to high-end jewellery. As a result, many buyers choose it for cutting-edge contemporary jewellery designs.
Raindrop ring shown here in 18ct Rose Gold
In addition to engagement rings and wedding rings, other ring designs make modern style choices. For example, Rose Gold Signet Rings in smaller ladies sizes. We create many of our Signet Rings as petite designs, plain or customised.
Rose gold has a perfect application to compliment Vintage styles of engagement ring combining well with antique styling and vintage details. In addition, Vintage wedding rings styled in Rose Gold appear throughout our collection.
We create many of our engagement rings and wedding rings in 100% ethical Fairtrade Gold. In addition to Fairtrade White and Yellow Gold, we now offer 100% ethical Fairtrade Rose Gold engagement and wedding rings. Please contact us if you cannot see this option on our product pages.
We all know that pink is regarded as a feminine colour. The warmth of the pink coppery tones in rose gold makes this a very feminine choice. But, at the same time, it suits men’s wedding rings. In addition, the unique effect of a personalised engraving adds personality. For example, fingerprints applied around wedding rings made from Rose Gold.
Alternative men’s Rose Gold wedding rings feature an accent of precious metal on a white canvas of Gold. For example, here we see an inlaid Gold strip added to the ring.
Men’s wedding ring featuring inlaid Rose Gold. The darker colour of 9 carat Rose Gold adds contrast to the White Gold band.
The post 10 Reasons for Choosing a Rose Gold Engagement Ring & Wedding Ring appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.
Diamonds accompanied by GIA Diamond Dossiers® typically feature a micro-laser inscription applied to the edge of the diamond. The GIA report number appears microscopically engraved on the outer edge (girdle) of the diamond. This gives buyers a unique way of linking their GIA report to the physical diamond. Enter this number into GIA’s website and hey-presto – you have an electronic copy of your diamond grading report.
The girdle of your diamond runs around the outer edge between the upper crown facets and the lower pavilion facets. It is basically the thin outer edge, separating the upper part of the diamond from the lower section. The outer edge will appear as a polished, faceted or bruted (matt) surface on which the number will be microscopically lasered.
A GIA laser inscription gives the consumer greater confidence when purchasing a diamond. Retailers should use this as a further selling point since not all laboratories laser mark diamonds in this way. The inscription is permanently registered in GIA’s archive database.
The GIA inscription is invisible to the naked eye and difficult to see under 10x magnification to the untrained eye. Buyers who purchase without consultation are likely to be unaware of the presence of the inscription.
BRAND NEW SERVICE!! we now offer the option to have customised wording lasered on the girdle of your diamond. Please inquire for more information on this bespoke service. Please note this service is only available on diamonds sourced via Serendipity Diamonds.
Ahead of choosing the ring design, we can provide any GIA certified diamond housed within a ring clip and presented in the same way as an engagement ring.
Diamond merchants, jewellery retailers and manufacturers handle a large volume of certified diamonds weighing below 1 carat.
Retailers often source selections of similar diamonds to show before a sale. These diamonds often vary so slightly that they appear identical to the inexperienced eye. Similar diamonds are more easily mixed up, so having a system for checking diamonds back into their respective parcels is extremely important.
Example. When a retailer shows three diamonds – all 0.50cts in weight – graded D colour VS1 clarity, E colour VVS2 clarity and D colour VVS1 clarity, the GIA inscription allows accurate identification of each diamond. Near identical diamonds are less likely to be confused or mixed-up.
We have already touched upon the microscopic size of the laser inscription. This is a big problem for many people who don’t have the knack or trained eye whilst using a 10x loupe. Manufacturers, retailers and consumers need to be able to view their inscription but the size makes this an arduous task. The inscription size needs to be microscopic to fit discreetly onto the girdle and to ensure the beauty of the diamond is unaffected.
Based on the magnification of the viewer we sell (see below) the magnification is 20x. It will always take a little time for set-up to view the inscription but provided the number is not too feint, it should be clearly visible at this magnification. For most people, a standard diamond loupe (10x) will struggle to provide enough magnification to read the full number.
Purchase the GIA laser inscription viewer from our shop
Recent review of the GIA inscription reader emailed to us from our client in the US
If you would like to make viewing easier, we would recommend the Laser inscription viewer. This handy well-constructed device has been built for a diamond that is held within a ring mount or ring clip. An adjustable magnifying glass rests at the end of an arm which glides effortlessly around the outer edge of the diamond allowing the user to scan for the GIA inscription. Once found, the lens can be adjusted for a clear view of the GIA number. It will take the user a little time to become acquainted with the viewer but by using this instrument, the inscription will be readable.
As an added bonus, the viewer includes a hearts & arrows viewer for loose diamonds concealed within the body of the scope. (Shown here alongside the inscription viewer.)
Gemmological microscopes tend to be expensive. Furthermore, they are overkill in this situation unless you are a professional jeweller. We looked around to see if there were any new devices around the £20 – £30 mark that might be suitable. The following looked very good for the price, and convenient, especially since it connects to a smartphone.
This affordable microscope connects to a smartphone and could provide a way to capture the inscription image.
If you purchase a GIA certified, laser inscribed diamond, consider the following advice.
1. In-store – ensure that your retailer has a viewer so that you can see this important feature of the diamond. Many buyers do not require this level of detail, but some clients enjoy the reassurance of seeing their inscription.
2. If you decide upon a GIA certified diamond engagement ring with laser inscription, speak to your jeweller about positioning the diamond so that the inscription remains visible when the diamond has been set into the ring.
On a final note, if you are looking for a specific GIA certified diamond, we feature an extensive catalogue of GIA certified diamonds on our website as part of our loose diamond service – some even feature traceability back to the mine of origin. (See our GIA CanadaMark range or contact about traceable diamonds or for help on sourcing the perfect diamond.)
GIA inscriptions are not the only number appearing on diamonds. Additional serial numbers accompany other types of diamond. At Serendipity Diamonds we specialise in being able to supply diamonds that are traceable back to the very mine from where they originated.
View available diamonds and get GIA report copies and video in just 2 clicks. Contact us with your choice of diamond you wish to purchase.
The following image shows the “Canadamark” serial number that accompanies the diamond from rough to polished stone. Look closely and you can also see the GIA number reflected from the opposite girdle. Contact us if you would like us to source a diamond with traceability back to the mine. Please note that all of our CanadaMark diamonds include the laser inscribed GIA number and CanadaMark number.
Please ask us about fully traceable CanadaMark diamonds available at Serendipity Diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds look identical, even to a trained eye. For this reason, man-made diamonds feature a laser inscription on the diamond to this effect. Viewed through our inscription reader, the diamond certificate number and reference to lab-grown appear on the edge of the stone.
We photographed the following diamond to show the inscription.
Please contact us if you require any help sourcing a lab-grown diamond available upon request.
View our current promotions running at Serendipity Diamonds
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