Grade Walking

Spotting False Diamonds By Grading Report and Brand

Brought to you by affordable princess engagement rings.

In this world of advanced technology it is almost impossible to simply look at a diamond and determine whether it is real or not – especially if you don’t know much about Gems. There are some steps that you can take to avoid buying a fake diamond, however.

First, only deal with reputable jewelers, and when you find a reputable jeweler, stick with them. Avoid buying Diamond Gems or other jewelry from jewelers that you have never dealt with before in the past. Ask to see the certificate for the stone. If no certificate exists, walk away. 

Look at the setting that the stone is in. Fake Diamonds, such as zirconias, are usually set in low quality metals. Take a close look at the stone. Fake Diamond Gems are not durable – natural Diamonds, on the other hand, are the most durable stone on the planet. Look for scratches or nicks. 

After purchasing a diamond, take it to another jeweler for appraisal. In fact, take it to two or three other jewelers for an appraisal to make sure that the appraisals are all fairly close. If you find that you have purchased a fake diamond, you may be accused of making a switch when you return to the store of your purchase; therefore, it is important to have a certificate for the diamond. No two stones are alike. 

You’ve been told that having a certificate or a diamond grading report is important, and as a responsible consumer, you get one – unfortunately, you probably won’t understand a word of what is on that diamond grading report, unless you are a jeweler.

On the color grading scale, D, E, and F mean that the diamond has no color. G, H, and I means that it has very little color. J, K, and L means that the diamond has a slight yellow color. P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X means that the diamond is a darker shade of yellow. Z means that the diamond has a fancy color – other than white or yellow.  On the color grading scale, D is the most valuable, and X is the least valuable – however Diamond Gems that get a Z rating are the rarest and most expensive Diamond Gems in the world.

There are many aspects to a grading report. Figuring it all out can be very confusing. You should talk to a jeweler you trust, and have them explain everything on the diamond grading report to you.

Diamonds are one of the few products that simply cannot be ‘branded.’ Even though there are different cuts, different grades, and different values placed on each and every diamond in existence, no diamond is any specific brand – just as gold is not a specific brand. 

Branding is actually based on who owns the diamond. For instance, if DeBeers owns the diamond, it is a DeBeers Diamond – but it is still just a diamond. If the diamond was cut by a specific well known cutter, then it might be branded in that way as well – but it usually isn’t. It is still branded based on who owns it at the time. So basically, when it comes down to it – diamond brands mean absolutely nothing at all. 

Do not allow a jeweler to try to talk you into paying an exorbitant price on a diamond because it is a specific brand. This is a bit of trickery used by unscrupulous jewelers when they know that they are dealing with people who don’t know much about Gems. Remember that Diamond Gems are not actually branded – unless mother nature has her own brand!

For more diamond jewelry links have a look at emerald cut diamond solitaire engagement rings and vintage cushion cut engagement rings.

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