If you’ve ever inherited a beautiful ring, stumbled upon forgotten jewelry, or picked up a sparkling stone at an estate sale, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How do you know if a diamond is real?” It’s a common question, and the good news is that you don’t need to be a professional gemologist to get some quick answers at home.
While a professional evaluation at a jewelry pawn shop like Clark Pawners is always the most reliable route, there are a handful of simple tests you can do yourself to determine whether that dazzling gem is worth its weight.
Let’s walk through the easiest ways to spot a real diamond and figure out when it’s time to visit an expert.
1. The Fog Test: Quick and Easy
The fog test is a simple method you can do without any tools.
- Hold the diamond between your fingers or thumb and forefinger.
- Breathe on it as you would a mirror. If it’s a real diamond, the fog will disappear almost instantly because diamonds don’t retain heat well.
- If the fog lingers for a few seconds, there’s a good chance it’s not a real diamond.
Think of it like testing glass versus plastic — glass clears up faster because it doesn’t trap heat. Diamonds act the same way, which is why this test works so well!
2. The Water Test: Check Density at Home
Diamonds are incredibly dense stones, which is why this water test can work wonders.
- Fill a glass with water.
- Drop your diamond (or suspected diamond) into the glass.
- A real diamond will sink to the bottom because of its weight and density. Fake diamonds or simulants like cubic zirconia will often float or rest near the surface.
While it’s not foolproof, this method gives you a quick sense of the diamond’s physical properties.
3. The Newspaper Trick: Checking Light Refraction
One of the most defining characteristics of a real diamond is its ability to refract light. Light bends as it passes through a diamond, which prevents you from seeing through it clearly.
Here’s what to do:
- Place the diamond upside down on a newspaper or any paper with text.
- Look closely. If you can clearly read the letters or see them through the stone, it’s probably not a real diamond.
This is because a genuine diamond scatters light in so many directions that you wouldn’t be able to see clean, legible text through it.
4. The Sparkle Test: Let It Shine
Let’s talk sparkle. Real diamonds reflect light in a unique way that’s tough to replicate.
- Hold the diamond under natural light or a lamp.
- A real diamond will show three types of sparkle:
- White light (called brilliance)
- Colored light (called fire)
- A bright, intense reflection overall
Fake diamonds often look duller or overly rainbow-like, but they lack that iconic, sharp sparkle.
5. The Scratch Test: Test Its Hardness
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth. In fact, they rank at a solid 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning nothing can scratch a diamond except another diamond.
- Take a simple glass or mirror and gently scratch the surface with your stone.
- If it leaves a mark or scratches the glass, there’s a good chance your diamond is real.
Note: Be careful with this one, especially if you’re unsure about the stone. If it turns out to be something other than a diamond, you don’t want to damage the gem.
Why You Still Need a Professional Evaluation
While these at-home tricks are great for a quick assessment, they aren’t 100% foolproof. Professional tools like a loupe, electronic testers, and UV lights can give you a definitive answer.
At Clark Pawners, we take the guesswork out of it. As trusted experts and a leading jewelry buyer in Chicago, we use advanced techniques to accurately evaluate diamonds, whether you’re looking to sell or use them as collateral for a quick pawn loan.
Why professional appraisals matter:
- Some fake diamonds (like moissanite) can pass simple at-home tests because they share certain qualities with real diamonds.
- Professionals can also assess the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight of your diamond, which ultimately determines its value.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth bringing your jewelry to a trusted jewelry pawn shop like Clark Pawners for an expert opinion.
Don’t Overlook Non-Diamond Jewelry — It Holds Value Too!
Even if your diamond doesn’t turn out to be real, don’t be discouraged. Gold chains, silver pieces, vintage watches, and gemstones can still hold surprising value.
At Clark Pawners, we evaluate all kinds of fine jewelry and precious metals, offering fair prices whether you want to sell or use them for a pawn loan.
Checklist: Items to Check for Value at Home
Here’s a quick list of overlooked items that might hold value:
- Broken gold chains or earrings
- Unused wedding rings
- Silver or gold watches
- Vintage brooches and pins
- Any stone jewelry you’ve forgotten about
Take a minute to sort through your old jewelry box or junk drawer — you might be sitting on cash you didn’t even realize you had!
Turn Hidden Treasures Into Cash at Clark Pawners
If you’ve been wondering “how do you know if a diamond is real?” or questioning the value of your old jewelry, now’s the perfect time to get answers. At Clark Pawners, we make the process easy, friendly, and completely transparent.
- Sell your jewelry: Get a fair and honest evaluation.
- Quick pawn loans: Use your jewelry to get cash without losing it forever.
- Trusted experts: We know the value of what you bring in — and we treat you like family.
Ready to uncover the truth about your diamonds or jewelry? Learn more about our appraisal process here.
