Prized for their stunning hues and fabulous sparkle, blue diamonds are among the most sought-after gems in the world today. It’s no wonder then that these rare, fancy-colored diamonds are seen as a symbol of luxury and are quite valuable. However, with the rising demand for blue diamonds, the market is also flooded with high-quality imitations that can go undetected by an untrained eye. This raises the question: How can you tell if a blue diamond is real?
So if you’re eager to add these stunning gemstones to your collection but are unable to tell a real blue diamond from a fake one, then fret not. Dive in to explore all this and more, and gather tops to help you buy genuine blue diamond jewelry.
Key Characteristics of a Real Blue Diamond
Let’s answer the most basic question first: What is a blue diamond? Well, a blue diamond is just like a natural white diamond, aside from its beautiful hue. And if you’re wondering where blue diamonds get their stunning color from, it’s due to the presence of boron atoms in their crystal structure. They range from a light to a deep blue hue, with the more saturated colored diamonds considered to be more valuable.
Moving back to the topic at hand, these are the key characteristics of a real blue diamond that can help you identify a real vs. fake blue diamond:
| Characteristics | Real Blue Diamond Features | Fake Blue Diamond Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hue and Color Distribution | A real blue diamond’s color comes from boron impurities, appearing natural and evenly distributed without artificial hues. They range from faint blue to vivid shades. | Fake blue diamonds may have uneven or overly bright colors, often looking artificial and lacking the natural distribution seen in real blue diamonds. |
| Brilliance and Fire | Real blue diamonds radiate exceptional brilliance (white light reflection) and fire (colored light dispersion). | If the blue diamond lacks sparkle or appears dull, it is likely a synthetic gemstone, lacking the fire and brilliance of a real diamond. |
| Thermal Conductivity | Real blue diamonds conduct heat well and feel cool to the touch. | Fake blue diamonds, such as cubic zirconia or sapphire, will not have the same cool-to-the-touch feel and poor thermal conductivity compared to real diamonds. |
Now, let us take a look at some tests that can show you how to spot a fake blue diamond.
Methods to Test the Authenticity of a Blue Diamond
If you have been looking for the easiest ways to tell if a blue diamond is real, you can try out any of the tests below:
1. Fog Test
To answer your question: How do you know if a blue diamond is real, a fog test will lay your doubts to rest. Breathe on your diamond like you would on a mirror. A real diamond will disperse the heat quickly, causing the fog to vanish almost instantly. However, if the fog lingers for longer than a second or two, it is most likely a fake.
2. Water Test
Another simple way to find out if a blue diamond is real is to drop it into a glass of water. A genuine diamond has high density and will sink immediately. If it floats or suspends, it’s likely a fake.
3. UV Light Test
Natural blue diamonds will fluoresce blue under ultraviolet (UV) light. This happens because boron in the diamond absorbs UV light and emits a blue glow. Fake blue diamonds, on the other hand, will not fluoresce or may exhibit a different color under UV light.
4. Magnification Check
You can also use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect the stone for imperfections. Natural diamonds usually contain tiny inclusions and internal flaws, while fake diamonds will not have any.
While these tests can help you determine whether a blue diamond is real or fake, it’s best to ask for certification from recognized institutions and get it verified by experts.
Professional Certification and Expert Verification
If you’re excited to shop blue diamond jewelry but are worried about how to ensure its authenticity, it’s always a good idea to ask for professional certification and go to the experts.
- A genuine blue diamond should come with a certificate from a recognized institute such as GIA, IGI or AGS (American Gem Society).
- These certifications usually contain important details such as the diamond’s origin, color, carat weight, clarity and grading quality.
- The best way to find out for sure whether a blue diamond is real is to have it appraised by a certified gemologist or jewelry expert. They will use specialized equipment to test and confirm the diamond’s authenticity.
So, now that you know which certifications to look for, here are some buying tips to keep in mind while making a purchase.
Buying Tips for Blue Diamonds
1. Purchase from Reputable Jewelers
Avoid deals from unknown sources that sound too good to be true. Always buy blue diamonds from trusted jewelers like Angara to ensure you get the real deal.
2. Request Certification Upfront
Never buy a blue diamond without official certification.
3. Compare Prices with Market Standards
If a deal seems significantly cheaper than similar diamonds, there’s a high chance it’s not a natural blue diamond. Real blue diamonds are extremely rare and command premium prices.
We hope we have successfully answered your question: How to identify a real blue diamond. When it comes to buying natural blue diamond jewelry, you can shop stress-free at Angara, as we offer a Certificate of Authenticity with every purchase. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and shop your heart out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lab-grown blue diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, of course. Lab-grown blue diamonds are optically, chemically and physically identical to their natural counterparts. The key difference is that they are created in a lab under controlled conditions and come without the hefty price tag.
2. What are enhanced blue diamonds?
Enhanced blue diamonds are natural white diamonds that undergo treatment to imbue them with a vibrant blue color. They typically cost less than natural blue diamonds.
3. What is the most reliable way to buy natural blue diamond jewelry?
The most reliable way to buy natural blue diamond jewelry is to purchase from a reputable jeweler and ensure it comes with certification for authenticity.
