Moissanite diamonds are becoming increasingly popular due to their stunning sparkle and affordability. However, with the rise in popularity comes the risk of fake or synthetic stones being passed off as the real deal. If you want to ensure that your moissanite diamond is authentic, here are some quick tips to help you determine its authenticity.
### Quick Tips for Authenticity Confirmation
#### 1. Verify the Certificate of Authenticity
One of the easiest ways to confirm the authenticity of your moissanite diamond is to check the certificate that came with the stone. Authentic moissanite diamonds will come with a certificate of authenticity from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Make sure to look for any discrepancies or signs of tampering on the certificate.
#### 2. Conduct a Scratch Test
Moissanite is one of the hardest substances on earth, second only to diamonds. You can conduct a scratch test on your moissanite diamond by using a diamond tester or scratching it against another stone with a lower hardness level, such as quartz. If your moissanite diamond is authentic, it should not scratch easily.
#### 3. Check for Sparkle and Brilliance
Authentic moissanite diamonds have a unique sparkle and brilliance that is different from other gemstones. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which gives it a fiery sparkle that is hard to replicate. Hold your moissanite diamond under different lighting conditions to see how it sparkles and reflects light.
#### 4. Look for Double Refraction
Moissanite diamonds have a higher double refraction than diamonds, which means that they can sometimes display a slight doubling effect when viewed under magnification. You can use a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass to inspect your moissanite diamond for any signs of double refraction.
#### 5. Seek Professional Help
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of your moissanite diamond, it is always best to seek the help of a professional jeweler or gemologist. They can conduct advanced tests, such as thermal conductivity testing or spectroscopy, to confirm the authenticity of your moissanite diamond.
By following these quick tips, you can ensure that your moissanite diamond is authentic and of high quality. Remember to only purchase moissanite diamonds from reputable sources and always ask for a certificate of authenticity to guarantee the authenticity of your stone.