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<p data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1"></strong>Jewelry is often much more than just an ornament: it represents memories, commitments, or symbols of love. But how can you be sure that the precious stone in your hands is authentic? Whether it’s a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond, or a simulant, this article will explain how to recognize a genuine stone and guide you toward an informed purchase.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">1. Differences Between Diamonds and Gemstones</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">A diamond is a specific type of gemstone, formed from pure carbon under extreme heat and pressure. However, gemstones also include rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, each with unique properties. These stones are often featured in <strong data-mce-fragment="1">collections of rings</strong> or <strong data-mce-fragment="1">earrings</strong>. At Lauredi, we are committed to offering a selection of responsibly sourced gemstones and diamonds, perfect for custom creations.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds</strong>: Lab-grown diamonds have the exact same chemical and optical properties as those mined from the Earth. They are also laser-inscribed with a serial number to ensure traceability.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Why Choose Ethical Jewelry?</strong>: Lab-grown diamonds and certified precious metals, such as <strong data-mce-fragment="1">18-carat gold</strong>, allow you to embrace sustainability while investing in a timeless piece.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Explore our <a title="Loop pear diamond ring" href="https://lauredi.com/products/bague-loop-poire" data-mce-href="https://lauredi.com/products/bague-loop-poire"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Loop ring in yellow gold with an ethical diamond</strong></a>, designed to symbolize your love with elegance and responsibility.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">2. What Diamonds Should Not Have</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Certain inclusions or features can indicate that the stone is not an authentic diamond or gemstone:</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Air bubbles</strong>: Common in plastic or glass, but never found in natural or lab-grown diamonds.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Geometric patterns</strong>: Simulants like cubic zirconia often have linear or regular growth patterns, which do not match a diamond’s natural structure.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Hazy or dull areas</strong>: Unlike diamonds, lower-quality materials like plastic lack clarity and brilliance.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">How to Check</strong>: Use a jeweler’s loupe to examine the stone. If you spot bubbles or artificial patterns, it’s likely an imitation.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">3. Hardness and Durability: Key to Distinguishing Simulants</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Diamond is the hardest natural material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes it extremely resistant to scratches, setting it apart from many simulants.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Glass</strong>: Can be scratched by softer metals.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Moissanite</strong>: While very hard (9.5 on the Mohs scale), it’s slightly less durable than diamond.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic</strong>: Soft and can even be scratched by a fingernail.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">How to Test</strong>: Gently try to scratch a hard surface with the stone. If it scratches the surface without being scratched itself, it is likely a diamond or a hard material like moissanite.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">4. Brilliance and Fire: The Essence of Gemstones</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Gemstones, especially diamonds, are renowned for their unique ability to reflect light (<strong data-mce-fragment="1">brilliance</strong>) and disperse it into colorful flashes (<strong data-mce-fragment="1">fire</strong>).</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Brilliance</strong>: White light is intensely reflected by the stone's facets.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Fire</strong>: Refers to the rainbow-like flashes of color seen when light passes through the stone.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Comparison with Simulants</strong>:</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Moissanite</strong>: Produces exaggerated rainbow flashes that lack natural subtlety.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Cubic zirconia</strong>: Overly brilliant, with often artificial dispersion.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Glass and plastic</strong>: Produce little to no fire.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">How to Test</strong>: Observe the stone under bright light. Authentic diamonds show a balanced interplay of brilliance and fire, unlike simulants.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">5. Laser-Engraved Serial Numbers</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Modern diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, often include a <strong data-mce-fragment="1">laser-engraved serial number</strong> on their girdle. This number corresponds to a lab certificate that guarantees their authenticity and characteristics.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Why It Matters</strong>: This engraving ensures the stone's traceability and verifies it matches the certified report.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">How to Check</strong>: Examine the girdle with a loupe to read the inscription, and compare it with the authenticity certificate issued by recognized labs like GIA or IGI.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">6. The Fog Test: A Quick Way to Spot a Diamond</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">A quick and effective way to verify the authenticity of a diamond is the <strong data-mce-fragment="1">fog test</strong>. Thanks to its unique thermal properties, a genuine diamond does not retain heat, including from your breath. To perform this test, hold the stone between your fingers and gently breathe on it as if trying to fog it. If the fog disappears instantly, it is likely a diamond. If it lingers for a few seconds, the stone is likely an imitation, such as glass or cubic zirconia, which retain heat and moisture more.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Limitations</strong>: While helpful, this test is not definitive. It’s best used alongside other methods, such as light examination or inclusion analysis.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">7. Common Diamond Alternatives</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">Simulants such as moissanite, glass, plastic, or synthetic sapphire are often used to imitate gemstones. Each has characteristics that set them apart:</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Moissanite</strong>: Very similar in appearance to a diamond but produces exaggerated fire.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Cubic zirconia</strong>: Lacks durability and appears overly brilliant.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Glass</strong>: Transparent but fragile, often used in costume jewelry.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic</strong>: Lightweight and inexpensive, it lacks brilliance and hardness.</p>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">• <strong data-mce-fragment="1">Synthetic sapphire</strong>: Durable but with less brilliance than a diamond.</p>
<h2><strong data-mce-fragment="1">8. Lauredi’s Ethical Commitment</strong></h2>
<p data-mce-fragment="1">More and more consumers want their purchases to reflect their values, and this includes jewelry
