Simulant Fake Diamond Detection
Diamonds have long symbolized beauty, strength, and lasting value. Whether used in engagement rings or investment portfolios, they carry substantial emotional and financial weight. But as technology has advanced, so has the complexity of diamond fraud. Simulant ‘fake’ diamonds—pose significant challenges for buyers who seek authenticity.
Without proper knowledge and sophisticated expensive tools, unsuspecting buyers can be tricked into purchasing a simulant ‘fake’ diamond, a mistake that can be costly and disappointing.
Here we explain about simulant diamonds, ways to detect them, and the shortcomings of inexpensive testing devices, which ultimately emphasizes the importance of professional verification for diamond purchases.
Understanding natural, lab-grown and simulant diamonds.
Diamonds come in three primary categories: natural mined, lab-grown, and simulants. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Natural mined diamonds.
These diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth, where intense pressure and heat cause carbon atoms to crystallize into the diamond structure we recognize. They are rare and their extraction can have significant environmental and ethical implications.
2. Real lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are ‘real’ diamonds. They have the exact same chemical composition, physical properties, and appearance as natural mined diamonds. Created through advanced technology—such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)—lab-grown diamonds form under conditions that replicate the natural diamond forming process, but in a weeks or months rather than millions of years.
Lab-grown diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice identical to natural mined diamonds. Lab-grown Diamonds are grown onto a diamond seed. A diamond seed is a thin piece of natural diamond.
Hence lab-grown diamonds are not “fake” or “imitation” diamonds; they are simply grown in a controlled environment by growing onto a diamond seed, offering an ethical and often more affordable alternative to naturally mined diamonds.
3. Simulant diamonds.
Simulant diamonds are as the name suggests, a material that ‘imitates’ the look of diamonds, but they are chemically different. They may resemble real mined or lab-grown diamonds in appearance but do not share the same chemical structure or properties. Common simulants include cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite and glass. While they can be visually striking, simulants differ from real diamonds in terms of hardness, refractive index, and durability. They are easily mass produced and hence a fraction of the cost of real mined or lab-grown diamonds.
List of Simulant diamonds
- Moissanite
- Yttrium Aluminum
- Garnet (Y.A.G.)
- Gadolinium Gallium
- Garnet (G.G.G.)
- Synthetic Sapphire
- Synthetic Spinel
- Zircon
- Strontium Titanate
- Cubic Zirconia
- Glass (Lead Glass or Leaded Glass)
- Cz diamonds (High-Quality CZ)
- Rutile (used in some diamond simulants)
- Doublets (composed of a combination of simulants and other materials)
Why it matters.
When buying a diamond, whether for an engagement ring or as an investment, it’s important to understand the differences between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and simulants.
Real diamonds are mined or lab-grown and are highly desired and valuable. Simulants are very cheap ‘Fake’ diamonds, worthless as an investment.
Common detection methods for simulant ‘fake’ diamonds.
There are several sophisticated techniques available for identifying simulant diamonds. Each has varying levels of accuracy, cost, and reliability, making professional guidance essential for most buyers.
1. Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is a highly effective method of distinguishing natural diamonds from simulant ones. By analyzing the way light interacts with a gemstone, spectroscopy can reveal unique absorption patterns linked to the atomic structure. This process is particularly useful for spotting color-enhanced diamonds and detecting simulant.
Spectroscopy requires specialized equipment such as the Raman Spectrometer costing $10’000’s and requires specialist expertise, so it’s typically only available in professional gemological labs.
How a Raman Spectrometer works:
Scattering of Light: A laser shines on a sample. Most light bounces back unchanged (Rayleigh scattering), but a small amount changes energy (Raman scattering), revealing molecular vibrations.
Analyzing Vibrations: The energy shifts in Raman scattering show the unique vibrations of the sample’s molecular bonds.
Chemical Fingerprinting: The resulting spectrum acts like a fingerprint, helping identify different substances based on their unique patterns.
Limitations: While a Raman spectrometer provides useful information about a diamond’s crystal structure and purity, additional techniques (like photoluminescence or analysis of inclusions and defects) are typically required to conclusively differentiate natural mined diamonds from lab-grown diamonds.
2. UV Light Testing
Simulant diamonds, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, exhibit different reactions under ultraviolet (UV) light compared to natural mined diamonds. Natural diamonds often display unique fluorescence, with a characteristic blue glow being the most common, although the color and intensity can vary depending on the diamond’s composition and impurities. In contrast, simulant diamonds either lack fluorescence entirely or fluoresce in patterns and colors that are not typically associated with natural diamonds, making UV light a useful preliminary test for identifying them.
A commonly used device for UV testing is the GIA DiamondCheck or portable UV lamp testers designed for gemological applications.
How UV Light Testing devices work:
Wavelength: The machine is set by the operator to the desired UV wavelength – 254 nm (shortwave) or 365 nm (longwave).
UV light: The UV light is shined directly onto the diamond to observe any fluorescence, noting its color, intensity, and distribution.
For example, a natural diamond may glow a vivid blue under longwave UV light, while simulants like cubic zirconia typically show no fluorescence or an uneven, weaker reaction.
Limitations: UV light testing is unreliable for distinguishing natural mined diamonds from lab-grown diamonds, as some natural diamonds do not fluoresce and some lab-grown diamonds mimic natural fluorescence. UV light testing is more effective for identifying simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite and should be used only as a preliminary, not definitive, method.
3. Thermal Conductivity Testing
Thermal conductivity testers measure the rate at which a gemstone disperses heat, as diamonds are excellent heat conductors. Many simulants, such as cubic zirconia, conduct heat poorly compared to natural diamonds, allowing testers to differentiate them.
How Thermal Conductivity devices work:
To operate a thermal conductivity tester, clean the gemstone, calibrate the device, and place the gemstone on a stable surface. Gently press the probe onto the stone and observe the display. A positive result indicates a diamond, but follow-up tests are needed to distinguish diamonds from moissanite or other simulants.
Limitations: Moissanite, a popular diamond simulant, has a similar thermal conductivity to natural diamonds. This similarity can cause cheap thermal conductivity testers to produce false positives, mistaking moissanite for a diamond. More advanced tests are necessary to distinguish between these two.
4. Electrical Conductivity Testing
Electrical conductivity testing works as a secondary check to thermal conductivity, as simulant diamond moissanite also has higher electrical conductivity than natural mined diamond. By combining thermal and electrical conductivity tests, professionals can better distinguish between moissanites, other simulants and natural mined diamonds.
How Electrical Conductivity devices work:
To operate an electrical conductivity tester, clean the gemstone and ensure the device is calibrated. Place the stone on a stable surface and gently touch the probe to the gemstone. Observe the reading: high conductivity indicates moissanite, while low conductivity suggests a diamond. Combine with other tests for accurate identification.
Limitations: Electrical conductivity testing cannot distinguish natural diamonds from lab-grown diamonds or detect some treated diamonds with altered conductivity. It identifies moissanite effectively but cannot differentiate it from other simulants like cubic zirconia. Results may vary due to impurities, making it unreliable alone and requiring complementary methods for accurate gemstone identification.
5. Microscopic Examination
Microscopic examination is a method used by gemologists to study a gemstone’s internal and external characteristics under high magnification. This technique is especially useful for distinguishing natural diamonds from simulants and lab-grown diamonds.
Key Features Observed
Inclusions:
Natural diamonds often contain unique inclusions, such as tiny mineral crystals, clouds, or feathers, which are formed naturally over millions of years.
Lab-grown diamonds may display distinct growth-related inclusions, such as metallic flux residue (in HPHT diamonds) or specific patterns like striations in CVD diamonds.
Simulants like cubic zirconia typically lack inclusions or have synthetic bubbles or other artificial traits.
Growth Lines:
Natural diamonds show irregular, wavy growth lines due to their natural formation.
Lab-grown diamonds exhibit parallel or structured growth lines that reflect their synthetic origin.
Polish and Surface Features:
Natural diamonds have specific wear patterns or natural etchings. Simulants may display smoother, less intricate surface details.
Fluorescence Patterns:
Under UV light during microscopic examination, natural diamonds may display unique fluorescence patterns that differ from lab-grown diamonds or simulants.
How Microscopic Examination works:
Magnification Tool: Gemologists use a binocular gemological microscope with magnifications ranging from 10x to 60x or higher for detailed analysis.
Lighting: Brightfield or darkfield illumination is used to highlight internal features and inclusions.
Gemstone Positioning: The gemstone is carefully positioned for optimal viewing from multiple angles.
Limitations: Accurate interpretation of inclusions, growth lines, and other characteristics requires significant training and experience in gemology. Without expert knowledge, an untrained observer may overlook key features or misinterpret them. Magnifying tools like handheld loupes or low-power microscopes used by hobbyists typically lack the resolution and lighting required to reveal subtle differences between natural, lab-grown, and simulant diamonds.
Why Cheap Testing Devices Can Lead You Astray When Identifying Natural Diamonds and Simulants.
1. Limited Testing Capabilities.
Most inexpensive testers rely on thermal conductivity to determine whether a diamond is real or not. However, this method is highly inaccurate when it comes to simulants like moissanite. Moissanite has a similar thermal conductivity to diamonds, so budget testers often misidentify it as a diamond, leading to false conclusions. This makes cheap testers unreliable when distinguishing between natural diamonds and simulants.
2. Inability to Detect Simulants Properly.
Many cheap testers are not equipped to differentiate between natural mined diamonds and simulants like cubic zirconia (CZ). While they might identify a stone as “not a diamond,” they won’t tell you whether it’s a high-quality simulant or a different gemstone. For instance, moissanite, which is often mistaken for a diamond, has a different refractive index and hardness, but cheap testers can’t always pick up on these nuances.
3. Lack of Sensitivity and Calibration.
Affordable testers often lack the sensitivity needed to detect the subtle differences between natural diamonds and simulants. High-end testing methods consider factors like light dispersion, fluorescence, and electrical conductivity—features that differentiate diamonds from simulants like moissanite or CZ. Cheap testers are not calibrated to detect these subtleties, which increases the chances of a misidentification.
4. False Positives or Negatives.
A common issue with inexpensive testers is their tendency to provide false results. They may incorrectly identify a simulant as a diamond, or fail to recognize a simulant at all. This can mislead buyers into thinking they have a real diamond when they actually have a simulant, or vice versa. Professional testing, by contrast, uses more comprehensive methods to ensure accuracy.
Why This Matters.
When buying or selling a diamond, whether for investment or personal use, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re getting. Cheap testers are not reliable for distinguishing natural mined diamonds from simulants, and using them could lead to confusion or costly mistakes. For an accurate assessment, especially when the value or authenticity of the stone is important, always seek out a professional gemologist or certified testing service.
The Role of Professional Certification and Reliable Labs.
Given the challenges involved in distinguishing between natural mined, lab-grown and simulant diamonds, buyers should seek a professional evaluation from reputable gemological institutions. Certificates from organizations such as: Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or International Gemological Institute (IGI), and The Assay Office, provide an in-depth analysis of a diamond’s characteristics and can distinguish between natural mined diamonds, real lab-grown diamonds and simulant diamonds.
Avoiding Simulant Diamond Scams.
1. Insist on Certification: Always request a certificate from a recognized gemological testing laboratory. Certificates detail a diamond’s origin, authenticity, and other crucial characteristics.
2. Know the Source: Buy only from reputable jewelers or established diamond dealers who provide full transparency about the diamond’s origin and testing.
3. Consult a Gemologist: Before making a purchase, consider hiring an independent gemologist to verify the stone’s authenticity if it lacks certification.
4. Beware of Bargain Prices: If a diamond’s price seems unusually low, this could be a red flag, as synthetic or simulant diamonds are often sold at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds.
5. Avoid Relying on Cheap Testers: Do not rely solely on low-cost testing devices to verify a diamond’s authenticity, especially if purchasing online or from a private seller.
Conclusion
Distinguishing a natural mined diamond from real lab-grown diamond and a simulant diamond requires a multi-faceted approach, as non-natural diamonds continue to evolve in quality and complexity.
Professional certification, gemological testing, and a well-informed buyer are essential to avoid costly mistakes in diamond purchasing.
While the allure of bargain testers may tempt you, these devices cannot replace the accuracy and reliability of lab-based analysis, making professional verification an essential step in purchasing genuine mined or lab-grown diamonds.
Every Eqiux™ Diamond is a guaranteed 100% real lab-grown diamond.
Every Eqiux™ Diamond has a Report from a recognized gemological testing laboratory.
Every Eqiux™ Diamond has a lazer etched identification on the Diamond itself.