Moissanite diamonds are a popular alternative to traditional diamonds due to their brilliance, durability, and affordability. However, with the rise in demand for moissanite, there has also been an increase in fake moissanite diamonds being sold in the market. To ensure you are purchasing genuine moissanite, it is important to know how to identify fake moissanite diamonds. Here are some tips to help you spot imitations.
### Look for Double Refraction
One of the key characteristics of moissanite diamonds is their double refraction. This means that when you look through a moissanite stone, you may see double or blurred lines within the stone. This effect is not present in traditional diamonds or other gemstones. To check for double refraction, hold the stone up to a light source and look for any doubling of the facets or lines within the stone.
### Test the Sparkle
Moissanite diamonds are known for their incredible sparkle and brilliance, often referred to as “fire.” To test the sparkle of a stone, shine a light directly onto the surface of the stone and observe how the light reflects and refracts within the stone. Fake moissanite stones may lack the same level of sparkle or may have a dull appearance compared to genuine moissanite diamonds.
### Check the Color
Moissanite diamonds are typically colorless or near-colorless, similar to traditional diamonds. Fake moissanite stones may display unnatural colors such as yellow or green tones. Hold the stone against a white background to better assess its color. Genuine moissanite diamonds should appear clear and colorless when viewed in natural light.
### Examine the Weight
Moissanite diamonds are slightly lighter than traditional diamonds. If you have a loose stone or a piece of jewelry containing moissanite, you can compare its weight to that of a known diamond of the same size. While the difference in weight may be subtle, it can be a helpful indicator of whether the stone is genuine moissanite.
### Easy Tips for Spotting Imitations
When purchasing moissanite diamonds, always buy from reputable jewelers or certified sellers to ensure you are getting a genuine product. Be wary of sellers offering moissanite diamonds at significantly lower prices than market value, as this could be a red flag for fake stones. Additionally, consider having the stone professionally appraised or tested by a gemologist to verify its authenticity.
In conclusion, being able to identify fake moissanite diamonds is essential for making informed purchasing decisions. By examining the stone for double refraction, sparkle, color, weight, and following these easy tips for spotting imitations, you can confidently distinguish genuine moissanite from fake stones. Remember to always do your research and buy from trusted sources to ensure you are getting the quality moissanite diamonds you desire.