{"id":9716,"date":"2026-06-30T04:27:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T04:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/?p=9716"},"modified":"2026-06-30T04:27:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T04:27:18","slug":"how-to-tell-if-a-diamond-is-real","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/blog\/how-to-tell-if-a-diamond-is-real\/","title":{"rendered":"Comment savoir si un diamant est authentique (10 tests qui fonctionnent vraiment)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"9716\" class=\"elementor elementor-9716\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-1551a6c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1551a6c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70ca1c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"70ca1c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:139;66-204\">Your grandmother left you a ring. The diamond looks real \u2014 it catches the light beautifully and feels substantial in your hand. But is it?<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:309;206-514\">Or maybe you scored what looked like a deal of a lifetime on a secondhand marketplace. Before you celebrate, it's worth running a few checks. Fakes have never been more convincing. Cubic zirconia, moissanite, and lab-grown diamonds can all fool the naked eye \u2014 and some will even fool a basic diamond tester.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:408;516-923\">As an OEM fine jewellery manufacturer, Provence Jewellery works with diamonds at every stage \u2014 from grading loose stones to setting finished pieces for retailers across the US, UK, and EU. We've exhibited at JCK Las Vegas and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, and our team has verified hundreds of thousands of diamonds over the years. Here is what we actually check \u2014 and what you can do at home.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:127;925-1051\">By the end of this guide, you'll know which tests work, which are myths, and exactly when you need to bring in a professional.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-c10d07f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c10d07f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75cd6a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"75cd6a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Makes a Diamond \"Real\"? (The Answer Is More Nuanced Than You Think)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2bfc14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"c2bfc14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"15:1-15:155;1135-1289\">Before you start testing, it helps to understand what you're actually testing for \u2014 because \"is my diamond real?\" turns out to be two different questions.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"17:1-17:294;1291-1584\"><strong>Natural mined diamonds<\/strong> are carbon crystals formed roughly 100 miles beneath the earth's surface over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. They're brought to the surface through volcanic activity and contain unique inclusions that act like a fingerprint. No two are identical.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"19:1-19:538;1586-2123\"><a title=\"lab grown diamonds\" href=\"\/fr\/lab-grown-diamonds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Diamants cultiv\u00e9s en laboratoire<\/strong><\/a> are chemically, optically, and structurally identical to mined diamonds. They're pure carbon in the same cubic crystal structure, created in weeks rather than billions of years using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technology. They are not fake diamonds \u2014 they are real diamonds. According to IGI, lab-grown diamonds now account for approximately 40% of new diamond sales by weight. Every home test and most professional testers will confirm a lab-grown diamond as \"real.\"<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"21:1-21:353;2125-2477\"><strong>Diamond simulants<\/strong> are a completely different category. These are stones that look like diamonds but are made of different materials: cubic zirconia (ZrO\u2082), moissanite (silicon carbide), white sapphire, white topaz, and glass. When most people ask \"is my diamond real?\", they're trying to rule out simulants \u2014 not distinguish natural from lab-grown.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"23:1-23:117;2479-2595\">This distinction matters enormously for the tests below. We'll tell you clearly what each test can and cannot catch.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a8d2c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1a8d2c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-9732\" alt=\"Diagram comparing natural diamond formation underground versus lab grown diamond CVD process\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diagram-comparing-natural-diamond-formation-underground-versus-lab-grown-diamond-CVD-process-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bba93d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"bba93d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"25:1-25:33;2597-2629\">Stone Properties at a Glance<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2d8e4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_table\" data-id=\"b2d8e4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_table.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-el-table-wrap wd-reset-all-last\">\n\t\t\t<table class=\"wd-el-table\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<thead class=\"text-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-634a061\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-7ade373\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Stone<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-5218171\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Duret\u00e9 (Mohs)\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-b4de55b\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Refractive Index\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-316ce11\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Density (g\/cm\u00b3)\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-a51e630\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thermal Conductivity\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-f9241e4\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Passes Home Tests?\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<tbody class=\"text-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-2abf475\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-4527691\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Natural Diamond<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-f8131ea\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>10<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-df45eb8\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2.42<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-3756b0e\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>3.51<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-81daf3f\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Excellent<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-95155d4\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>All home tests\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-9776509\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-680a0e3\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Lab-Grown Diamond\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-c49c8dd\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>10<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-b16cf83\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2.42<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-899860b\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>3.51<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-434ffec\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Excellent<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-b3ee993\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>All home tests\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-a8bc019\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-9c750b1\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Moissanite<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-0873d3e\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>9.25\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-5d853fe\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2.65\u20132.69\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-9b14a74\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>3.22<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-a11168e\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Excellent*<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-774c0e5\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most home tests*\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-59232fe\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-c0bb317\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Zircone cubique (CZ)\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-cad408c\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>8.5\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-0a4008d\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2.15\u20132.18\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-5838af8\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>5.6\u20136.0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-d1dd7c4\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Pauvre<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-f62ecda\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Fails fog, sparkle tests\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-f125292\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-6e1feac\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>White Sapphire\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-7860645\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>9<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-ef5ce11\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>1.76\u20131.77\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-75824f1\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>4.0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-8070aa7\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Faible<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-16a4601\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Some visual tests\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr class=\"wd-table-row elementor-repeater-item-3e38746\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-53fe673\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Glass<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-620b2ca\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>5\u20136\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-6bb1dbd\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>1.52<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-abf07fa\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2.2\u20132.5<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-4d4a2a4\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Pauvre<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"wd-table-cell elementor-repeater-item-4c2a677\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\">Fails most tests<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09bce7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"09bce7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"36:1-36:178;3190-3367\">*Moissanite disperses heat almost as rapidly as diamond, causing basic thermal testers to give a false positive. An electrical conductivity tester is required to distinguish it.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-236a89f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"236a89f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dde122 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1dde122\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">At-Home Tests (No Special Equipment Required)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f4a8960 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"f4a8960\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"42:1-42:213;3424-3636\">These seven tests need nothing more than items you already own. Used in combination, they'll rule out cheap glass and most CZ \u2014 but no single test is definitive. Work through them as a sequence, not in isolation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-2a40423 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2a40423\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a41f0f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a41f0f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 1: The Fog (Breath) Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59e7b9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"59e7b9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"48:1-50:20;3678-3748\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> Nothing<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"52:1-52:134;3750-3883\">Hold the stone with tweezers or between two fingers. Exhale a warm breath directly onto the surface, as if you were fogging a mirror.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"54:1-54:217;3885-4101\">A genuine diamond is one of the best heat conductors on earth. It disperses heat so rapidly that any fog clears in under one second. Glass and cubic zirconia retain heat \u2014 the fog will linger for two to five seconds.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"56:1-57:245;4103-4397\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Glass, most cubic zirconia<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Moissanite dissipates heat almost as quickly as a diamond and will also clear in under a second. This test cannot distinguish the two. It's also unreliable on very small stones, which lose heat faster regardless of material.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-e46e56e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e46e56e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2db6e5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2db6e5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 2: The Water \/ Density Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee357f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"ee357f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"63:1-65:20;4442-4526\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> A full glass of water<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"67:1-67:101;4528-4628\">Drop the loose stone (unmounted only) into a full glass of water and watch what happens immediately.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"69:1-69:154;4630-4783\">A real diamond, with a density of 3.51 g\/cm\u00b3, sinks to the bottom without hesitation. Some types of glass are less dense and may float or descend slowly.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"71:1-72:274;4785-5104\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Very low-density glass<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Cubic zirconia is actually denser than diamond (5.6\u20136.0 g\/cm\u00b3) and sinks faster. Moissanite (3.22 g\/cm\u00b3) also sinks. This test cannot identify CZ or moissanite, and it's completely useless for mounted stones. Treat it as a quick preliminary filter only.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-26ce172 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"26ce172\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4824b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c4824b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 3: The Newspaper \/ Dot \/ Read-Through Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c27391 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"1c27391\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"78:1-80:20;5164-5245\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> White paper, a pen<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"82:1-82:175;5247-5421\">Draw a small black dot on a piece of white paper. Place the stone table-side down (flat side facing the paper) over the dot. Look through the top of the stone, straight down.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"84:1-84:233;5423-5655\">A real diamond refracts light so aggressively that the dot becomes invisible or completely distorted \u2014 you won't be able to read through it. If the dot or any text is visible and legible through the stone, it's likely not a diamond.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"86:1-87:285;5657-5990\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Glass, CZ, white sapphire<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> This test only works reliably on loose, unmounted round brilliant cuts. Fancy cuts \u2014 particularly emerald and asscher cuts \u2014 are designed for clarity of view and may allow some read-through even in a genuine diamond. Mounted stones can't be tested this way at all.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-84d4f5c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"84d4f5c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-809bf37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"809bf37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 4: The Sparkle \/ Light Reflection Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6964d32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"6964d32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"93:1-95:20;6046-6150\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> A direct light source (daylight or LED)<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Moyen<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"97:1-97:128;6152-6279\">Hold the stone under a direct light source and tilt it slowly, watching how it reflects light both inside and from the surface.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"99:1-99:475;6281-6755\">A real diamond produces two distinct optical effects: <em>brilliance<\/em> (white and grey light reflected internally) and <em>fire<\/em> (rainbow flashes projected externally onto surrounding surfaces). What you should NOT see is an abundance of rainbow colours inside the stone itself. That disco-ball, spectral effect inside the stone is characteristic of moissanite, which has a higher refractive index (2.65\u20132.69 vs diamond's 2.42) and produces significantly more chromatic dispersion.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"101:1-102:248;6757-7062\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Glass, white topaz, low-quality CZ<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Moissanite is actually more brilliant and more fiery than diamond \u2014 so an \"almost too sparkly\" stone is a red flag, not a green light. A dull stone may also simply be dirty rather than fake; clean it before drawing conclusions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-9c461ae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9c461ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dbc61c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3dbc61c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 5: The Setting and Hallmark Inspection<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a04979f elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"a04979f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"108:1-110:20;7118-7219\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> A magnifying glass or phone macro lens<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"112:1-112:157;7221-7377\">Examine the metal setting under a loupe or a macro lens. Genuine diamonds are almost never set in low-quality base metals \u2014 the economics simply don't work.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"114:1-114:40;7379-7418\">Look for stamped marks inside the band:<\/p><ul><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\" data-sourcepos=\"116:1-118:30;7420-7547\"><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"116:1-116:62;7420-7481\"><strong>Gold:<\/strong> 18K or 750 (75% pure gold), 14K or 585, 9K or 375<\/li><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"117:1-117:36;7482-7517\"><strong>Platinum:<\/strong> PT950, 950, or PLAT<\/li><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"118:1-118:30;7518-7547\"><strong>Silver:<\/strong> 925 or Sterling<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"120:1-120:267;7549-7815\">In the <strong>UK<\/strong>, the Hallmarking Act 1973 requires that any gold, silver, or platinum article sold commercially must carry an assay office mark from one of the four UK Assay Offices (London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield). An unmarked setting is a serious red flag.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"122:1-122:160;7817-7976\">In the <strong>EU<\/strong>, most member states mandate national hallmarking. Germany, France, Italy, and others each have their own stamp systems for precious metal purity.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"124:1-125:270;7978-8323\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Cheap simulants set in base metal or plated settings<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Hallmarks confirm the metal quality, not the stone. A genuine diamond can technically be set in silver or 9K gold, though this is uncommon for higher-value stones. Conversely, a CZ can be set in 18K gold \u2014 hallmarks alone don't authenticate the gem.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-3763794 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3763794\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45abd11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"45abd11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 6: The Magnification \/ Inclusions Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60eb4a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"60eb4a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"131:1-133:20;8379-8491\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> A 10x jeweller's loupe or smartphone macro lens<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Moyen<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"135:1-135:83;8493-8575\">Under magnification and bright light, examine the interior of the stone carefully.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"137:1-137:352;8577-8928\">Natural diamonds almost always contain inclusions \u2014 internal characteristics formed during crystallisation. These might appear as tiny carbon spots, feather-like fractures, needle-like crystals, or wispy clouds. A stone that looks completely perfect under 10x magnification is either an extremely rare Flawless (FL) graded diamond, or it's a simulant.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"139:1-139:241;8930-9170\">Also examine the facet edges. Diamond's extraordinary hardness (Mohs 10) gives it razor-sharp, precise facet junctions. Simulants, being softer, often show slightly rounded or worn edges \u2014 especially at the culet and at facet intersections.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"141:1-142:339;9172-9573\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Glass, CZ, and most synthetic simulants<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Lab-grown diamonds also contain inclusions \u2014 different types depending on the growth method (metallic inclusions in HPHT stones, pinpoint clouds or graining in CVD). A skilled gemologist can often distinguish growth type under magnification, but not untrained eyes. The loupe test cannot tell you natural vs lab-grown.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-0f2c89a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0f2c89a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bea399b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bea399b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 7: The UV \/ Black Light Fluorescence Test<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e652bca elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"e652bca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"148:1-150:20;9632-9741\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> A UV \/ black light (widely available, \u00a310\u2013\u00a320)<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"152:1-152:59;9743-9801\">In a darkened room, hold the stone under a UV black light.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"154:1-154:141;9803-9943\">Approximately 30\u201335% of natural diamonds emit a blue glow under UV. A strong green or yellow fluorescence often suggests a simulant like CZ.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"156:1-157:254;9945-10267\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Some CZ (which may fluoresce yellow or green)<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> This is a supporting clue, not a test. The majority of genuine diamonds \u2014 65\u201370% \u2014 show no fluorescence at all. Absence of glow is not evidence of a fake. Some lab-grown diamonds also fluoresce blue. Never use this test in isolation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-b07bc15 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b07bc15\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-396fe01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"396fe01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tool-Assisted Tests (For Greater Accuracy)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fe3078 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"4fe3078\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"42:1-42:213;3424-3636\">If you're serious about authentication \u2014 for an inherited piece, an insurance claim, or a significant purchase \u2014 a modest investment in the right tools will give you far more reliable answers.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-fdfa1a9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fdfa1a9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e32ec5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e32ec5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 8: Diamond Tester (Thermal Conductivity)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3be916e elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"3be916e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"169:1-171:20;10571-10665\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> Diamond tester probe (\u00a330\u2013\u00a3120)<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"173:1-173:242;10667-10908\">A diamond tester works by sending a small heat current through a probe tip pressed against the stone. Diamond conducts heat so efficiently that the device reads \"diamond\" almost instantly. Glass, CZ, white sapphire, and white topaz all fail.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"175:1-175:99;10910-11008\">These devices are widely available online and are a worthwhile addition to any jeweller's toolkit.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"177:1-178:259;11010-11330\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Glass, CZ, white sapphire, white topaz<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> Moissanite. Its thermal conductivity is almost identical to diamond's, and every basic diamond tester on the market will give a false \"diamond\" reading for moissanite. If there's any chance the stone is moissanite, you need the next test.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-8f51a86 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8f51a86\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35f6172 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"35f6172\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 9: Dual Thermal + Electrical Tester (The Moissanite Detector)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c29024 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"8c29024\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"184:1-186:20;11409-11522\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> Dual-function diamond\/moissanite tester (\u00a380\u2013\u00a3200)<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"188:1-188:293;11524-11816\">Advanced testers \u2014 such as the Presidium Duo Tester or GemOro Ultratester 3 \u2014 measure both thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Moissanite is weakly electrically conductive in a way that diamonds are not. A dual tester gives a definitive diamond vs moissanite reading in seconds.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"190:1-190:152;11818-11969\">For anyone testing stones professionally or for high-value purchases, the dual tester is the single best tool investment available to a non-gemologist.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"192:1-193:210;11971-12248\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Simulants, CZ, and moissanite \u2014 definitively<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> It still cannot distinguish a natural diamond from a lab-grown diamond. Both are chemically identical and both will read \"diamond.\" For that determination, you need laboratory spectroscopy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-811c7da e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"811c7da\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87c42dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87c42dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Test 10: The Double Refraction Check (Loupe Method for Moissanite)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a30424c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"a30424c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"199:1-201:50;12327-12442\"><strong>Tools needed:<\/strong> 10x jeweller's loupe<br \/><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Moyen<br \/><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 (specifically for moissanite)<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"203:1-203:160;12444-12603\">Diamonds are singly refractive \u2014 light passes through in one direction, and internal lines, facet junctions, and reflections all appear as single, sharp lines.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"205:1-205:312;12605-12916\">Moissanite is doubly refractive \u2014 light splits into two rays as it passes through, causing a distinctive \"doubling\" of internal features. Under a 10x loupe, look at the facet edges inside the stone from the side or from an oblique angle. In moissanite, you'll see those interior edges appear doubled or ghosted.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"207:1-207:175;12918-13092\">This is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to flag moissanite without any electronic equipment \u2014 and it's a skill that becomes quick and intuitive with a little practice.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"209:1-210:159;13094-13300\"><strong>What it catches:<\/strong> Moissanite, specifically<br \/><strong>What it misses:<\/strong> This test is not useful for identifying CZ, glass, or white sapphire. It's a targeted moissanite check, not a general authentication test.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-c6b9c59 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c6b9c59\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b12909 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b12909\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When Home Tests Are Not Enough<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d5f88c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"2d5f88c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"216:1-216:406;13342-13747\">Here's the hard truth: if the stone in question is a lab-grown diamond, every single test above \u2014 from the fog test to the dual diamond tester \u2014 will confirm it as \"diamond.\" Lab-grown diamonds are not fakes. They are genuine diamonds. But if what you need to know is whether a stone is natural or lab-grown \u2014 for insurance purposes, estate valuation, or resale \u2014 home testing cannot give you that answer.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"218:1-218:322;13749-14070\">For definitive natural vs lab-grown determination, you need laboratory spectroscopy: UV-Vis absorption testing and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy reveal the subtle growth signatures that distinguish HPHT and CVD lab-grown diamonds from natural ones. This is only available through a certified gemological laboratory.<\/p><h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"220:1-220:43;14072-14114\">Certification: The Only Certain Answer<\/h3><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"222:1-222:348;14116-14463\"><a title=\"GIA grading reports\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gia.edu\/gem-lab-service\/diamond-grading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>GIA grading reports<\/strong><\/a> are the gold standard. Every GIA-graded diamond has its report number laser-inscribed on the girdle (the outer edge of the stone), visible under 10x magnification. You can verify this number against GIA's public report database at gia.edu\/report-check. The report confirms natural vs lab-grown, the 4Cs, and any treatments.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"224:1-224:220;14465-14684\"><strong>IGI certificates<\/strong> are widely used for lab-grown diamonds and are a valid form of documentation, though it's important to compare like with like when evaluating stones across different labs, as grading standards vary.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"226:1-226:278;14686-14963\"><strong>Professional appraisers:<\/strong> When seeking an independent appraisal, look for appraisers holding the GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) credential or, in the UK, the Fellowship of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA). These are the recognised professional benchmarks.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"228:1-228:172;14965-15136\"><strong>UK resources:<\/strong> HM Assay Offices \u2014 particularly Birmingham and Edinburgh \u2014 offer stone testing and authentication services for members of the public, not just the trade.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"230:1-230:246;15138-15383\"><strong>EU resources:<\/strong> For high-value stones, national gemological institutes such as the Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft (DGemG) in Germany or the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute in Basel provide internationally recognised independent testing.<\/p><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"232:1-232:225;15385-15609\">When buying from a reputable OEM or fine jewellery manufacturer like Provence Jewellery, every diamond comes with documentation. Ask to see the certificate before purchase, and verify it directly with the issuing laboratory.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-3b46fef e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3b46fef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa10d10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fa10d10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Foire aux questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ff0795 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_accordion\" data-id=\"1ff0795\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion wd-style-default wd-border-off wd-titles-left wd-opener-pos-left wd-opener-style-arrow\" data-state=\"first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn wd-active\" data-accordion-index=\"0\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ1. Can a real diamond be scratched?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content wd-active\" data-accordion-index=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale \u2014 the hardest naturally occurring material known. They can only be scratched by another diamond. This makes the popular \"scratch test\" (dragging the stone across glass) nearly useless as a verification method: it only tells you the stone is harder than glass, which is also true of moissanite (9.25), white sapphire (9), and CZ (8.5). You'll scratch the glass without confirming anything about the diamond.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ2. Does a real diamond sparkle in rainbow colours?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A common misconception. Real diamonds reflect mostly white and grey light internally \u2014 this is called brilliance. The rainbow effect (called fire) is visible on external surfaces as brief coloured flashes. If you're seeing strong rainbow colours inside the stone itself, that's actually a sign of moissanite or CZ, not a diamond. Excess internal colour is a red flag.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ3. Can a fake diamond pass a diamond tester?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes. Moissanite has nearly identical thermal conductivity to diamond and passes basic thermal testers every time, giving a \"diamond\" reading. To catch moissanite, you need a dual thermal and electrical tester. These are widely available for \u00a380\u2013\u00a3200 and are a worthwhile investment for anyone buying stones regularly.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ4. Does a real diamond fog up?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Briefly. A genuine diamond disperses heat so rapidly that any fog from breath clears in under one second. If the fog lingers for two or more seconds, the stone is likely glass or CZ. That said, moissanite also clears quickly \u2014 so a fast clear doesn't confirm diamond, it only rules out cheap simulants.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ5. Can I test a diamond at home without any tools?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes. The fog test, newspaper test, and sparkle test require no equipment. In combination, they reliably rule out cheap glass and most CZ. What they cannot rule out is moissanite or lab-grown diamonds. If you have any reason to suspect either of those, a dual tester or professional appraisal is the next step.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ6. Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, structurally, and optically identical to natural mined diamonds. They are pure carbon in the same cubic crystal structure, with the same hardness, density, and refractive index. They pass all home tests and professional diamond testers. Only laboratory spectroscopy \u2014 UV-Vis or photoluminescence \u2014 can distinguish lab-grown from natural. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond; it is not a simulant.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ7. How do jewellers professionally test diamonds?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Professional jewellers use a combination of methods: a 10x loupe to examine inclusions and facet edges, a diamond probe for thermal conductivity, a dual tester to check for moissanite, and a UV light to observe fluorescence. For any question about natural vs lab-grown origin, they use UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy or photoluminescence spectroscopy, typically conducted by a certified gemological laboratory such as GIA or IGI.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"7\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ8. What hallmarks should I look for in the UK?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, any gold, silver, or platinum article sold commercially must bear an assay office mark. For gold: 18K gold is stamped 750, 14K is 585, 9K is 375. Platinum is stamped 950 or PT950. The mark will also show which of the four UK Assay Offices (London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield) hallmarked the piece. An unmarked precious metal setting should be treated as a significant red flag.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-b47e118 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b47e118\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edfe45f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"edfe45f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">R\u00e9flexions finales<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e393861 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"e393861\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"266:1-266:87;19096-19182\">Working through these tests in sequence gives you a reliable authentication hierarchy:<\/p><ol><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ol class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\" data-sourcepos=\"268:1-271:142;19184-19683\"><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"268:1-268:119;19184-19302\"><strong>Fog test + newspaper test + water test<\/strong> \u2014 eliminates cheap glass and basic CZ quickly and without any equipment.<\/li><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"269:1-269:133;19303-19435\"><strong>Sparkle test + loupe inspection<\/strong> \u2014 catches most simulants and flags moissanite candidates through the double refraction check.<\/li><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"270:1-270:106;19436-19541\"><strong>Dual thermal + electrical tester<\/strong> \u2014 definitively eliminates moissanite and all remaining simulants.<\/li><li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" data-sourcepos=\"271:1-271:142;19542-19683\"><strong>GIA or IGI certificate + laboratory verification<\/strong> \u2014 the only way to confirm natural vs lab-grown, and the only fully conclusive answer.<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"273:1-273:474;19685-20158\">One important note before you go: if your tests confirm the stone is a \"diamond\" but you're unsure whether it's natural or lab-grown, that doesn't mean you've been deceived. Lab-grown diamonds are a legitimate, increasingly popular choice \u2014 they carry the same physical properties as mined diamonds at a lower price point. What matters is transparency. Any reputable jeweller or manufacturer should be able to tell you what you have and provide documentation to back it up.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your grandmother left you a ring. The diamond looks real \u2014 it catches the light beautifully and feels substantial in<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diamond-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9716"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9738,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9716\/revisions\/9738"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}