How to Recognize a Diamond?

Jewellery is often much more than just an ornament: it represents memories, commitments or symbols of love. But how can you be sure that the gemstone you have in your hands is authentic? Whether it is a natural diamond, a laboratory diamond or a simulant, this article explains how to recognize a real stone and guides you to an informed purchase.

1. Differences between Diamonds and Gemstones

A diamond is a specific gemstone, formed from pure carbon under extreme pressure and heat. However, gemstones also include rubies, sapphires and emeralds, each with unique properties. These stones are often used in ring collections or earrings. At Lauredi, we are committed to offering a selection of precious stones and diamonds from responsible sources, perfect for tailor-made creations.

• Natural and synthetic diamonds: Diamonds created in the laboratory have exactly the same chemical and optical properties as those mined from the Earth. They are also laser engraved with a serial number, ensuring their traceability.

• Why choose ethical jewelry: Synthetic diamonds and certified precious metals, such as 18 carat gold, allow you to respect sustainability values ​​while investing in a timeless piece.

Discover our yellow gold loop ring with an ethical diamond, designed to symbolize your love with elegance and responsibility.

2. What Diamonds Should Not Have

Certain inclusions or features may indicate that this is not a genuine diamond or gemstone:

• Air bubbles: Typical of plastic or glass, they are never present in natural or lab-grown diamonds.

• Geometric Patterns: Simulants like cubic zirconia often have linear or regular growth patterns. These patterns do not correspond to the natural structure of the diamond.

• Cloudy or dull areas: Unlike diamonds, lower quality materials, such as plastic, lack clarity and shine.

• How to check? Examine the stone with a jeweler's loupe. If you see bubbles or unnatural patterns, it's probably an imitation.

3. Hardness and Strength: The Key to Differentiating Simulants

Diamond is the hardest natural material, reaching 10 on the Mohs scale. This hardness makes it extremely resistant to scratches, which sets it apart from many simulants.

• Glass: May be scratched by softer metals.

• Moissanite: Although it is very hard (9.5 on the Mohs scale), it is slightly less resistant than diamond.

• Plastic: Very soft, it can be scratched by a nail.

• How to test? Gently try to scratch a hard surface with the stone. If it scratches the surface without scratching itself, it is probably a diamond or a hard material like moissanite.

4. Brilliance and Fire: The Essence of Precious Stones

Precious stones, particularly diamonds, are renowned for their unique ability to reflect light (brilliance) and disperse it into colorful bursts (fire).

• Shine: White light is intensely reflected by the facets of the stone.

• Fire: Refers to the bursts of colored light visible when light passes through the stone.

• Comparison with simulants:

• Moissanite: Produces exaggerated rainbow shards that lack naturalness.

• Cubic zirconia: Too shiny, with often artificial dispersion.

• Glass and plastic: Produce little or no fire.

• How to test? Observe the stone under a bright light. Genuine diamonds show a subtle balance of brilliance and fire, unlike simulants.

5. Laser Engraved Serial Number

Modern diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, often include a laser-engraved serial number on their girdle. This number corresponds to the laboratory certificate which guarantees their authenticity and their characteristics.

• Why it's important: This engraving ensures the traceability of the stone and guarantees that it corresponds to the certified report.

• How to verify: Examine the girdle with a magnifying glass to read the inscription, then compare it to the certificate of authenticity issued by a recognized laboratory, such as the GIA or IGI.

6. The Fog Test: A Simple Trick to Recognize a Diamond

A quick and effective test to verify the authenticity of a diamond is the fog test. Thanks to its unique thermal properties, a genuine diamond does not retain heat, including that produced by your breath. To perform this test, hold the stone between your fingers and gently blow on it, as if you were trying to fog it with mist. If the fog disappears instantly, it's probably a diamond. On the other hand, if it persists for a few seconds, it is more likely that the stone is an imitation, such as glass or cubic zirconia, which retain heat and humidity more.

• Be careful of the limits: This test is a good indicator, but it is not definitive. It is best used in addition to other methods, such as light examination or inclusion analysis.

This simple test is a practical way, accessible to everyone, to obtain a first impression of the authenticity of a stone before resorting to more technical tools.

7. Alternatives to Diamonds: Common Simulants

Simulants like moissanite, glass, plastic or synthetic sapphire are often used to imitate gemstones. Each of these materials has characteristics that distinguish them:

• Moissanite: Very similar to diamond in appearance, but produces exaggerated fire.

• Cubic zirconia: Lacks durability and has too uniform shine.

• Glass: Transparent but fragile, often used in costume jewelry.

• Plastic: Light and cheap, it lacks shine and hardness.

• Synthetic sapphire: Although it is durable, its luster is less compared to diamond.

8. Lauredi

’s Ethical Commitment

Increasingly, consumers want their purchases to reflect their values, and that includes jewelry. ethical jewelry allows you to celebrate important moments while respecting the environment and human rights. At Lauredi, we share this vision by offering creations that combine sustainability, transparency and exceptional design.

• Ethical Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are an ideal alternative to mined diamonds, avoiding the environmental impacts of mining. These stones are created in controlled environments, ensuring ethical practices throughout their production. This means that no fragile ecosystem is disrupted, and that the working conditions of employees in production chains meet international standards.

• Responsible precious metals: The 18 carat gold used in Lauredi creations is certified for its ethical provenance. It is a durable alloy, ideal for pieces that resist time and generations. Whether it is yellow gold or white gold, these metals are selected for their minimal environmental impact.

• A lasting legacy: Giving or receiving an ethical piece of jewelry, such as a solitaire ring or an engagement ring, is investing in an object that symbolizes love and respect for the planet. These timeless pieces are not just accessories, but also an heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation.

• Why choose Lauredi? At Lauredi, we believe that every piece of jewelry should carry a story while having a positive impact on the world. Our workshops work carefully to ensure high standards, whether in the selection of stones or metals, or in the creation of unique designs.

By opting for ethical jewelry, you choose to combine beauty, responsibility and sustainability, thus creating a deeper connection with your precious pieces and their history.

9. Tips for Buying Timeless Jewelry

1. Certifications: Require a recognized certificate, such as those issued by the GIA or IGI.

2. Choose the right setting: Precious metals like yellow or white gold enhance the stone while guaranteeing its durability.

3. Think about symbolism: Whether it's a solitaire ring or an engagement ring, your jewelry should symbolize your love and become a family heirloom.

Conclusion

Recognizing a diamond or gemstone requires a combination of physical testing, careful observation and reliable certificates. Whether you opt for a ring collection, unique earrings, or an ethical diamond, Lauredi is here to support you every step of the way, offering you jewelry that is both durable and elegant.