Pave diamonds, with their intricate setting and dazzling brilliance, have become a beloved choice for those seeking eye-catching jewelry. However, distinguishing between real and fake pave diamonds can be a challenge, even for the seasoned jewelry enthusiast. Understanding how to tell if pave diamonds are real requires a blend of knowledge about diamond properties, the setting, and the careful examination of key features.
This article will guide you through the process of verifying the authenticity of pave diamonds, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing or assessing such pieces.
Understanding Pave Diamond Settings
Before diving into the details of how to identify real pave diamonds, it’s important to first understand what pave diamonds are and how they are set.
What is a Pave Setting?
A pave setting involves small diamonds being set closely together, covering a piece of jewelry’s surface in a seamless, sparkling manner. The term “pave” originates from the French word “pavé,” meaning “paved,” referring to the way the diamonds are laid out to resemble a paved road. Pave settings are commonly found in rings, earrings, and necklaces, and are especially popular for engagement rings, where the setting creates the illusion of a larger, continuous diamond surface.
Types of Pave Settings
There are various types of pave settings, including:
Bezel Pave – where a small metal rim surrounds each diamond.
Shared Prong Pave – where multiple diamonds share prongs or tiny claws that hold them in place.
Invisible Pave – where diamonds are set so closely together that the metal is barely visible, enhancing the appearance of the stones.
Understanding the specific pave setting will help you understand the context in which diamonds are set and help you distinguish real diamonds from simulated ones.
Key Features to Examine When Identifying Real Pave Diamonds
Knowing what to look for when assessing pave diamonds is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key features to focus on:
Check for the Diamond’s Sparkle and Brilliance
Real diamonds have unmatched brilliance. Their sparkle comes from how light interacts with the facets within the stone, reflecting and refracting it. Pave diamonds, though small, should exhibit this same brilliance.
How to Check: Look at the diamonds in different lighting conditions. Genuine diamonds will sparkle under various light sources. If the stones appear dull, cloudy, or lack shine, they may not be real.
Examine the Setting
Real pave diamonds are expertly set to minimize the visibility of the metal and maximize the stones’ visual impact.
How to Check: Examine the setting closely. For real diamonds, the metal prongs or bezels should appear fine and well-crafted, ensuring that each diamond is securely set. If the setting looks cheap or poorly constructed, this could indicate that the diamonds are not real.
Inspect the Diamond’s Color
While diamonds come in a range of colors, real diamonds generally exhibit a color that falls within certain standards of clarity, including near-colorless shades (graded D to G).
How to Check: If you notice a yellow or brownish tint to the diamonds, they may not be of the quality expected in real diamonds. It’s important to compare the stones to a known real diamond to discern any significant color discrepancies.
Look for the Presence of a Certification or Stamp
Real diamonds typically come with certificates from gemological laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society). These certificates confirm the quality and authenticity of the diamonds.
How to Check: Check for any certification paperwork that accompanies the jewelry or look for a stamp or hallmark on the piece. Real diamonds will often have a laser inscription on their girdle (the edge of the stone), indicating authenticity and certification.
Assess the Diamond’s Clarity
Real diamonds should have minimal imperfections, also known as inclusions, which are typically visible only under magnification.
How to Check: Use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass to inspect each diamond in the pave setting. If you see visible flaws or bubbles, the diamonds are likely to be synthetic or imitation.
How to Differentiate Between Real and Fake Pave Diamonds
Use of Synthetic Diamonds and Moissanite
In today’s market, synthetic diamonds and moissanite are often used as alternatives to natural diamonds. While they may look similar, there are key differences in their properties.
How to Check: A simple way to test if a diamond is real is by using the fog test. When you breathe on a diamond, a real diamond will clear up almost instantly, while a synthetic one will hold the fog for a longer time. You can also purchase a moissanite tester, which can detect moissanite stones in a pave setting.
Check the Metal Content
Fake pave diamonds are often set in low-quality metals such as brass, copper, or even plastic. Real pave diamonds, on the other hand, are typically set in 14K or 18K gold, platinum, or other durable precious metals.
How to Check: Check the metal for any stamps such as “18K” or “Platinum.” If the metal feels light or flimsy, the pave diamonds may be fake.
Tools to Help You Test the Authenticity of Pave Diamonds
Diamond Tester
A diamond tester works by measuring the conductivity of a stone. Diamonds are poor conductors of heat, while other materials like moissanite conduct heat at a much faster rate.
How to Check: Use a diamond tester to quickly verify if the pave diamonds are genuine. A diamond tester can be purchased from specialized jewelry stores or online retailers.
Jeweler’s Loupe
A jeweler’s loupe is a small magnifying glass that allows you to closely inspect the diamonds and setting.
How to Check: Use the loupe to carefully examine the clarity, inclusions, and setting. Real diamonds will have a distinct shine and sharp, clear facets that are difficult to replicate.
Refractive Index Testing
A refractive index test measures how light bends as it passes through a diamond. Real diamonds have a high refractive index, meaning they bend light more than most other materials.
How to Check: This test requires a specialized refractive index tool, often available through jewelers. It can be an effective way to distinguish between real and fake diamonds.
Understanding the Role of Pave Diamonds in Jewelry
Pave diamonds are used in a variety of jewelry types, from engagement rings to earrings and necklaces. They add a touch of sophistication and sparkle, often used to enhance the beauty of a single large diamond or to create a full diamond-encrusted surface.
Popularity of Pave Diamonds
Pave diamonds are especially popular in engagement rings because of the halo effect they create around a center stone, making the diamond appear larger and more brilliant. Their intricate and detailed craftsmanship requires a skilled jeweler to set the diamonds precisely, making them a symbol of quality and luxury.
Conclusion
Identifying real pave diamonds involves a careful assessment of the diamonds’ sparkle, clarity, and the overall craftsmanship of the setting. While the task can be tricky, using the right tools and knowledge will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re purchasing a piece of jewelry or evaluating one you already own, understanding the properties of genuine pave diamonds ensures that you invest in authentic, beautiful pieces that will last for generations.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently distinguish real pave diamonds from their synthetic or imitation counterparts, ensuring that you only invest in the best.
Related topics:
