Diamond Alternatives
So what are the alternatives when we try to identify diamonds?
Properties of Natural and Synthetic Diamond
Price: $356.13
Let’s forget all the possible choices we have in white clear gemstones for a moment, and simply bring it to the most probable.
These are:
- PASTE: (a fancy name for glass and very common in old Jewelry, especially brooches).
- WHITE SPINEL: A natural gemstone found in Jewelry made between the 1900’s and up to the 1970’s (roughly) but lacking the sparkle of diamond.
- ZIRCON: Again natural but with great sparkle and flashes of color. Do not confuse with Cubic Zirconia.
And the most common of them all:
- WHITE CORUNDUM: These are White Sapphires….
Yes Sapphires, but they can be man made and most importantly, they are HARD! This is a great secret….
When you look at a gemstone through a Jewelers eyeglass, check to see if there are scratches on the surface of the stone. If the stone is in an original piece of Old Jewelry, then chances are it will show some wear and scratches around the edges and on the top (called the Table).
Are the scratches easy to see?
That tells you straight away it can’t be a Diamond.
Article Continued Below…
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Article Continued…
Even a White Corundum, which is second on the hardness table after Diamond, is capable of being scratched and worn.
The older the ring the more chances of it being bashed about a bit, so the stone wears on the edges. You don’t have to be a gemologist or expert to tell. You can be 95 percent sure it is NOT a diamond if it shows signs of wear around the edges. That’s all you need to know.
You’re not interested as to WHAT IT IS… only what it is NOT!
- Two other tips:
If it is a newish item of Jewelry, say after 1960’s - 1970’s it may have those wonderful Cubic Zirconia’s in them (CZ’s). They are the closest thing to Man made diamonds in looks, that have ever been made.
So use the golden Rule: IF IN DOUBT…. THROW IT OUT! (Not literally - Just eliminate it from the Diamond list).
And simply don’t buy unless you can get a good guarantee about the item from someone you trust. Certainly not from ‘Fingers’ down the Pub.
And second, look at the item of Jewelry. Is it a good quality piece? If it is you should record that information inside your Jewelry Appraisals Online Form before you print your certificate
If it is made in 18ct gold, it is more likely to have a good quality diamond rather than a lump of Paste. (Beware exceptions though).
So now you should be ready to go out and buy that eyeglass and scan the market stalls and Junk shops.
The only question you should ask is: Diamond….Yes or No!
Errrrr! Please don’t give the wrong answer.
Tags: Corundum, Cubic Zirconia, CZ, Diamonds, Paste, Spinel, White Sapphires, Zircon
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