Diamond Ring · Nov 04, 2025

How To Know If A Diamond Ring Is Real?

Every day at Garrick Jewelers, our thoughtful customers ask a question that never loses relevance: “How can I tell if my diamond ring is real?”

The answer is both simple and precise. A diamond’s authenticity lies in its structure — in how it responds to light, heat, and magnification. From the jeweler’s perspective, it’s not just about appearance; it’s about the science beneath the sparkle.

A real diamond — whether naturally formed or lab-grown — is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. This structure is what gives it its unmistakable hardness and light performance.

Expert Insight:

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real. They share the same optical and physical properties — identical brilliance, durability, and fire. The only difference is where they were created: deep within the earth or in a laboratory that replicates those same high-pressure, high-temperature conditions.

By contrast, diamond simulants — such as cubic zirconia, moissanite, or glass — only mimic a diamond’s appearance, not its internal structure.

What Jewelers Look For: Signs of a Real Diamond

When a client brings us a ring for verification, we start with simple physical observations before using advanced instruments.

1. How It Handles Heat

A diamond’s ability to disperse heat is extraordinary. When you breathe on it, fog vanishes instantly — something imitations can’t replicate.

This property is why thermal conductivity tests are so effective. In our workshop, we use professional testers calibrated to detect heat transfer in microns — far beyond what the eye can see.

2. The Way It Plays With Light

Under the bench light, a real diamond refracts light into two key elements:

Brilliance: The white reflections of light.
Fire: Subtle flashes of rainbow color.

Together, they create that distinct sparkle known as scintillation.

Simulants, by contrast, often appear overly colorful or glassy — lacking depth.

Expert Insight:

When viewing your ring under natural light, move it slowly. Genuine diamonds show crisp, lively reflections that shift with motion — never static, never dull.

3. The Weight and Feel

A real diamond feels dense, compact, and balanced within its setting.

Simulants such as cubic zirconia are lighter, while moissanite often feels overly reflective, almost “hyper” in its brilliance.

This is one of the subtle cues an experienced jeweler develops over years of handling thousands of stones.

Professional Diamond Testing: What Happens Behind the Counter

While at-home tests can give hints, only professional testing confirms authenticity with certainty.

At Garrick Jewelers, our verification process combines time-honored craftsmanship with precision instruments.

Thermal Conductivity Testing

This test measures how fast heat passes through the stone.

Diamonds conduct heat exceptionally well. Simulants do not.

Our testers are sensitive enough to detect temperature shifts at microscopic levels — ensuring complete accuracy.

Electrical Conductivity Testing

This is where modern technology reveals even more.

Some lab-grown diamonds, especially those created by the HPHT method, conduct electricity.
Natural diamonds generally do not.

Using dual testers, we can determine both authenticity and origin — something older testing methods could not do.

Microscopic Examination

The jeweler’s loupe remains one of our most trusted tools. Under 10x magnification, we examine:

Inclusions that indicate natural growth or synthetic formation.
Facet junctions — sharp, precise edges typical of genuine diamonds.
Laser inscriptions from GIA or AGS, confirming certification.

From the Garrick Jewelers Bench:

No two diamonds are alike. Even their minute inclusions — the tiny marks within — form a natural fingerprint of authenticity.

Myths vs. Reality: Common Misconceptions

When You Need Certainty: Professional Appraisal

If you’ve inherited a piece, purchased a vintage ring, or simply want peace of mind, a professional appraisal ensures your diamond’s authenticity is documented.

At Garrick Jewelers, each appraisal includes:

Comprehensive diamond verification with GIA-approved equipment
Evaluation of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight
A professional report suitable for insurance or estate purposes

Our Guarantee:

Every appraisal is performed by skilled experts who combine science with artistry — because we know that every diamond represents more than beauty; it represents trust.