Jewelry is often much more than a simple accessory—it holds memories, commitments, and symbols of love. But how can you be sure the gemstone in your hands is genuine? Whether it’s a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond, or a simulant, this guide will help you identify an authentic stone and make an informed purchase.
1. Diamonds vs. Precious Stones
A diamond is a specific type of gemstone, formed from pure carbon under extreme pressure and heat. Precious stones also include rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, each with unique characteristics. Often featured in ring collections or earrings, these stones are timeless. At Lauredi, we are committed to offering responsibly sourced diamonds and gemstones, perfect for custom creations.
• Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds have identical chemical and optical properties to mined ones. They also feature a laser-engraved serial number for traceability.
• Why Choose Ethical Jewelry: Lab-grown diamonds and certified precious metals like 18k gold combine sustainability with timeless elegance.
Explore our yellow gold Loop ring with an ethical diamond, designed to symbolize your love with elegance and responsibility.
2. What Diamonds Should Never Have
Certain inclusions or traits indicate that a stone might not be a real diamond or precious gemstone:
• Air Bubbles: Found in plastic or glass, these are never present in natural or lab-grown diamonds.
• Geometric Patterns: Simulants like cubic zirconia often have linear or regular growth patterns, unlike the natural structure of diamonds.
• Cloudy or Dull Areas: Unlike diamonds, lower-quality materials like plastic lack clarity and brilliance.
• How to Check: Use a jeweler’s loupe to examine the stone. If you spot bubbles or artificial patterns, it’s likely a fake.
3. Hardness and Durability: Key Differences
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them highly scratch-resistant. This sets them apart from many simulants.
• Glass: Can be scratched by softer metals.
• Moissanite: Very hard (9.5 on the Mohs scale) but slightly less durable than diamond.
• Plastic: Soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail.
• How to Test: Gently try scratching a hard surface. If the stone scratches the surface without being scratched itself, it’s likely a diamond or a durable material like moissanite.
4. Brilliance and Fire: The Soul of Gemstones
Precious stones like diamonds are celebrated for their unique ability to reflect light (brilliance) and disperse it into rainbow-like flashes (fire).
• Brilliance: Intense reflection of white light from the stone’s facets.
• Fire: The colorful flashes seen when light passes through the stone.
• Comparing Simulants:
• Moissanite: Produces exaggerated rainbow flashes that lack natural subtlety.
• Cubic Zirconia: Often overly brilliant with artificial dispersion.
• Glass and Plastic: Little to no fire.
• How to Test: Observe the stone under bright light. Authentic diamonds show a balanced interplay of brilliance and fire, unlike simulants.
5. Laser-Engraved Serial Numbers
Modern diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, often feature a laser-engraved serial number on their girdle. This corresponds to a laboratory certificate verifying the stone’s authenticity and characteristics.
• Why It Matters: The engraving ensures traceability and alignment with the certified report.
• How to Check: Use a loupe to find the engraving and compare it with the authenticity certificate from labs like GIA or IGI.
6. The Fog Test: A Quick Authenticity Check
One simple way to test a diamond’s authenticity is the fog test. Due to its unique thermal properties, a real diamond doesn’t retain heat—even from your breath. To perform this test, hold the stone between your fingers and gently exhale on it, as if trying to fog it up. If the fog disappears instantly, it’s likely a diamond. If it lingers, it’s probably an imitation like glass or cubic zirconia, which retain heat and moisture longer.
• Limitations: While useful, this test isn’t definitive. Combine it with other methods, like light examination or inclusion analysis.
7. Alternatives to Diamonds: Common Simulants
Simulants such as moissanite, glass, plastic, or synthetic sapphire are often used to imitate gemstones. Each has distinct characteristics:
• Moissanite: Close to diamonds in appearance but with exaggerated fire.
• Cubic Zirconia: Lacks durability and has overly uniform brilliance.
• Glass: Transparent but fragile, commonly found in costume jewelry.
• Plastic: Lightweight and inexpensive, with minimal brilliance and hardness.
• Synthetic Sapphire: Durable but less brilliant than a diamond.
8. Lauredi’s Ethical Commitment
Today’s consumers want their purchases to align with their values, including their jewelry choices. Ethical jewelry celebrates life’s special moments while respecting the environment and human rights. At Lauredi, we share this vision, offering creations that merge sustainability, transparency, and exceptional design.
• Ethical Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are an ideal alternative to mined diamonds, avoiding the environmental impact of mining. These stones are created in controlled environments, ensuring ethical practices throughout their production.
• Responsible Precious Metals: The 18k gold used in Lauredi creations is ethically certified. Durable and timeless, it’s perfect for heirloom-quality pieces, whether yellow or white gold, chosen for minimal environmental impact.
• A Lasting Legacy: Gifting or receiving an ethical piece, such as a solitaire ring or engagement band, is an investment in love and respect for the planet. These timeless pieces are not just accessories but heirlooms to pass down through generations.
• Why Lauredi? At Lauredi, we believe every piece of jewelry should tell a story while positively impacting the world. Our ateliers uphold the highest standards, from sourcing stones and metals to crafting unique designs.
By choosing ethical jewelry, you combine beauty, responsibility, and sustainability, creating a deeper connection with your precious pieces and their stories.
9. Tips for Buying Timeless Jewelry
1. Certifications: Request a recognized certificate, such as those issued by GIA or IGI.
2. Choose the Right Setting: Precious metals like yellow or white gold enhance the stone’s beauty and durability.
3. Think Symbolism: Whether it’s a solitaire ring or an engagement band, your jewelry should symbolize your love and become a family legacy.
Conclusion
Recognizing a diamond or gemstone involves a mix of physical tests, careful observation, and reliable certifications. Whether you’re drawn to rings, unique earrings, or ethical diamonds, Lauredi is here to guide you at every step, offering jewelry that’s both elegant and sustainable.
