Spotting Real vs. Fake Moissanite Diamonds: Easy Tips for Beginners
Moissanite diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their stunning brilliance and affordability. However, with the rising demand for these gemstones, the market has also seen an influx of fake moissanite diamonds. As a beginner, it can be challenging to distinguish between real and fake moissanite. Fear not! In this article, we will provide you with easy tips to help you spot the difference.
Quick Tips for Distinguishing Real from Fake Moissanite
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a quick overview of how to differentiate real moissanite diamonds from their counterfeit counterparts:
1. Consult a Professional: When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to seek the opinion of a professional jeweler or gemologist. They have the expertise and tools to accurately determine the authenticity of a moissanite diamond.
2. Look for Certification: Genuine moissanite diamonds are usually accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. This certification guarantees the quality and origin of the gemstone. So, always ask for a certificate when purchasing a moissanite diamond.
3. Observe the Brilliance: Moissanite diamonds are renowned for their exceptional brilliance and fire. Real moissanite stones have a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means they reflect more light and sparkle more brilliantly.
4. Test the Hardness: Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds, which makes it highly resistant to scratching. You can perform a simple scratch test by using a sharp object to see if the stone leaves any marks. If it does, it is likely a fake moissanite.
5. Check the Color: Unlike diamonds, moissanite diamonds can exhibit a slight greenish or yellowish hue under certain lighting conditions. If the stone appears perfectly colorless, it might not be genuine moissanite.
6. Inspect the Clarity: Real moissanite diamonds often have small inclusions or imperfections, just like natural diamonds. If the stone appears flawless under magnification, it may not be authentic moissanite.
Now, let’s delve deeper into each of these aspects to gain a better understanding.
Observing the Brilliance
One of the most distinguishing features of moissanite diamonds is their exceptional brilliance. When exposed to light, real moissanite stones exhibit a dazzling sparkle known as “fire.” This fire is caused by the gemstone’s high refractive index, which is even higher than that of diamonds. To spot a real moissanite, look for intense flashes of rainbow-colored light as you rotate the stone under different lighting conditions. If the stone lacks this captivating sparkle, it is likely a fake.
Testing the Hardness
Moissanite is a remarkably hard gemstone, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This durability is similar to that of diamonds, which rank at 10. You can perform a simple hardness test by using a sharp object, such as a knife or a piece of glass, to scratch the surface of the stone. If the stone remains unscathed, it is likely a genuine moissanite diamond. However, if it leaves visible scratches or marks, it is probably a fake.
Checking the Color
While moissanite diamonds are known for their colorless appearance, they can exhibit a slight greenish or yellowish hue under certain lighting conditions. This color variation is generally not visible to the naked eye and requires specific lighting to detect. If the stone appears perfectly colorless, it may be an indication that it is not genuine moissanite.
Inspecting the Clarity
Real moissanite diamonds often have small inclusions or imperfections, just like natural diamonds. These tiny flaws are the result of the gemstone’s formation process and can be seen under magnification. If a moissanite diamond appears flawless under magnification, it is likely a fake. Genuine moissanite stones will have characteristic inclusions that distinguish them from synthetic or lab-created counterparts.
In conclusion, distinguishing between real and fake moissanite diamonds may seem challenging at first, but with these easy tips, you can become a pro in no time. Remember to consult a professional, look for certification, observe the brilliance, test the hardness, check the color, and inspect the clarity. By following these guidelines, you can confidently identify genuine moissanite diamonds and make an informed purchase decision.