Diamond bracelets are a stunning piece of jewelry that can add elegance and luxury to any outfit. However, with the high cost of diamonds, it’s important to make sure you’re getting what you paid for. You don’t want to end up with a fake or low-quality diamond bracelet.
Here are some tips to help you determine whether your diamond bracelet is real.
Look at the Setting
The first thing to examine is the setting of the diamonds. If the diamonds are set in white gold, yellow gold, platinum, or silver, they’re likely to be genuine. It’s not common to use precious metals for fake diamonds as it would defeat the purpose of trying to pass them off as real.
Check for Hallmarks
Hallmarks are small marks often found on the inside of the bracelet that indicate the metal used in the piece. Genuine diamond bracelets will often have hallmarks indicating the purity of the precious metal used in the setting. For example, 14k, 18k or 24k gold or PT for Platinum are common hallmarks found in jewelry.
The Fog Test
Breathing onto the diamonds is a simple test that can help identify if they’re real or fake. Real diamonds disperse heat almost instantly so fog will not form on the surface. Fake diamonds, however, take a bit longer to dissipate heat, so fog may appear on the surface for several seconds before disappearing.
The Water Test
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of your diamond bracelet, try the water test. Fill a glass with water and drop your bracelet in it. Genuine diamonds will sink while imitation ones will float. This test is because real diamonds have higher density compared to most of the imitations in the market.
Inspect the Diamonds Closely
Examine the diamonds closely under bright light using a magnifying glass. Real diamonds have imperfections and flaws known as inclusions that are often small and not visible to the naked eye, but can be seen under magnification. If the diamonds in your bracelet are completely flawless and don’t have any blemishes or imperfections when viewed under magnification, then they may be synthetic stones or imitation diamonds.
Check the Quality of the Cut
Diamonds are cut into many different shapes, sizes, and styles. However, genuine diamonds will always have a high quality of cut. The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and polished, and it can greatly impact the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Look for symmetrical, well-proportioned cuts with sharp edges, as this is an indication of a genuine diamond.
The Scratch Test
Another way to check if diamonds on your bracelet are real is to scratch them using sandpaper or another hard surface. Real diamonds are extremely durable and are virtually impossible to scratch, so if you see any scratches or marks on the surface, you might be dealing with fake diamonds.
Get a Diamond Tester
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your diamond bracelet, consider investing in a diamond tester. These devices use thermal conductivity to determine whether a stone is a genuine diamond or not. They work by measuring the rate at which heat is conducted through the gemstone. A low reading indicates that the stone is not a diamond, while a high reading suggests that it is.
In conclusion, there are several ways to determine if the diamond bracelet you’ve purchased is real or fake. By examining the setting, checking for hallmarks, conducting the fog test, trying the water test, inspecting the diamonds closely, checking the quality of the cut, and even using a diamond tester, you can have peace of mind knowing that your diamond bracelet is the real deal. Always take the time to thoroughly examine your jewelry before buying, to avoid being duped by unscrupulous sellers.
