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Diamond
or Imitation
Thermal
Conduction Test An easy, quick, and accurate way of determining
if a stone is a diamond is to test it with an instrument GIA
GEM Pocket Diamond like the GIA GEM pocket diamond tester
(fig 8.5) Tester with warning buzzer which measures the heat
conductivity of the stone. This test is based on the principle
that diamonds conduct heat better than any stone used to imitate
it.
A
metal probe or heat pen is pressed on a facet meter reads
diamond or imitation. A thermal conductivity tester might
be a worthwhile investment for people who are interested in
buying diamond jewelry on a regular basis at auctions, flea
markets, and from private individuals. The pocket tester in
figure 8.5 can be purchased from the GIA Gem Instruments Corporation
in New York City or in Santa Monica, California.
There
are other tests for distinguishing diamonds from imitations,
but many of them require special training or equipment. Nevertheless,
you may be curious about how gemologists identify diamonds.
Therefore, other methods have been listed below.
The
interior and exterior of the stone are examined under magnification.
Certain features characterize diamonds such as naturals, trigons,
laser drill holes, and included diamond crystals, which were
discussed in chapter six. Imitations are often flawless or
have gas bubbles.
The stone is examined for transparency. Diamonds are noted
for their high transparency, so if it looks hazy, it might
be an imitation like cubic zirconia. There are, however, many
hazy and cloudy diamonds. Consequently, several other tests
should be applied before concluding the stone is an imitation
The
letters through
May
be curious
Diamonds
are noted
Most
diamond professionals
Create diamond imitations
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