How To Find Out Whether A Diamond Is Real or Fake?

By Gary Marjani

You want to know whether a diamond is real or fake?

1. Visit a reputed jewelry store in your area. The jewelers can test diamond and figure out how much it is worth. Jewelers have ways to test the molecular structure of a diamond and determine whether it is real diamond. Most of the jewelry store can do free of charge. Ask before store does any testing.

2. A weighing test can be used to find out the difference between fake and real diamond. For example, the weight of cubic zirconium is approximately 50% more than a real diamond of the same shape and size.

3. Fog Test. Just fog the diamond blowing air from mouth. If diamond holds the fog, then it is fake because real diamonds disperse heat quickly. This test may not be reliable due to oil layers and dirt on the diamond stone. Make sure you can clean diamond before doing this test.

4. If you put the diamond under ultra violet light, real diamond radiates blue color light. A real diamond reflects the light throughout the stone and it glitters and becomes a rainbow.

5. One of the famous known tips is to scratch glass with diamond. If glass scratches, it is real diamond.

6. Diamonds can also be tested by a hand held device known as probe which conducts heat through the stone and triggers a response, usually a beep or a flashing light. The fake diamonds actually have more color reflected, and they also have a pretty good amount of shine.

7. Most jewelers used the Mohs scale which ranks diamond. This means that sapphires, rubies and garnets are higher in ranking and hence can scratch glass too.

8. Check closely the wear and tear on the diamond. For example, cubic zirconia is not as durable as a diamond and may show signs of wear and tear.

9. Finally, you should get diamond appraised by an independent appraiser. Appraiser must be affiliated with a professional organization such as the American Society of Appraisers. It is important to ask for a certificate indicating the value and characteristics of the diamond.
How To Find Out Whether A Diamond Is Real or Fake?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Marjani

Bought a diamond? You may be getting money back

Those class-action attorneys have been busy getting consumers all kinds of money. Recently we wrote about the refund owed to those who used their credit cards overseas. Now people who bought diamond jewelry between 1994 and 2006 can apply for some money back. How much you get depends in part on how much you spent in the first place, explains Paul Michael of our partner blog Wise Bread.

The money is part of a $295 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging price fixing by world diamond kingpin De Beers S.A. and its associated companies. (De Beers has denied any wrongdoing.) You can find out more information and apply for a refund at the Diamond Class Action Settlement Web site. Make sure you read all the FAQs. You must submit your claim by May 19. You don't have to provide proof of your purchase when you file the claim, but you may need it later on.

The amount of the refund ranges from 13.8% of the wholesale -- not retail -- price of inexpensive mixed-stone jewelry to 90% of the wholesale price of diamond-only jewelry with a purchase price of $5,000 or more. That may change depending on how many people apply.

Source: MSN

Diamond Rings

By Uladzislau Suski

Diamond rings are used in a variety of ways. You can find many stores which will sell you the diamond ring that you can most afford. These rings that you can find are designed for both men and women of all ages. The colors of the diamonds which are used are sometimes based on popular demand. Regardless of these colored diamonds, the styles which can be seen in diamond rings have the look of simple elegance that is a trademark of diamond designs.

You will find that the diamond colors which are used for rings are white diamonds, pink Argyle diamonds, blue diamonds and yellow diamonds to give you a few examples. The rare red and pink diamonds look really fabulous in modern classic diamond ring style. The current traditional use for diamond rings is that of engagement rings.

You will see that diamond rings are used for wedding rings, men's signature rings - although the diamonds which are found on these rings are of the small variety - and fancy diamond ring designs. The shapes of these diamonds are designed and chosen so that they enhance the wearer's finger. By choosing a ring shape which complements your finger you will find that diamond rings make a statement about the way that you feel about yourself.

Depending on the ring which is chosen your state of mind will also be revealed. For instance the main idea of diamond rings which are used as an engagement ring is that you are well loved and your fiancé has felt that you are worth the purchase of a diamond. Since the saying diamonds last forever is true you can expect that this ring that you have chosen represents the level of commitment in a relationship.

For other people who like the idea of wearing diamond rings these rings are the perfect complements to any outfit. The choice of diamond that you choose will in some cases limit what types of clothes that you wear. For instance you can wear a yellow diamond with colors that will not make the diamond ring look garish.

Besides buying natural diamond rings there is another type of diamond that you can buy. These diamonds are synthetic diamonds. These diamonds have been made so that they closely mimic the brilliance of these faux diamonds. The prices of these diamond rings are not as expensive as your ordinary diamond ring.

Now unless you have some experience with diamonds there is no way that an ordinary person will know if you are wearing a real diamond or a man made diamond rings. The best thing that you can do is to enjoy the pleasure of wearing one of the timeless beauties.
Learn all about Diamonds at this Great Diamond Site!

How a Diamond Should Be Cleaned

By Thomas N

A diamond engagement ring is a symbol of love, devotion and a promise of a marriage and happiness. And it also probably one of the most memorable moments in someone's life
the sparkle of the diamond will take your breath away after viewing your engagement ring for the first time and the many times afterwards. An engagement ring is something that will be worn for many many years and possible handed down to the next generation. So keeping it clean and free from scratches is a must.

Because your engagement ring will be worn everyday products such as hair styling sprays, hand lotions and other house hold products can cause the sparkle to fade and the ring its self look dull so it's best that you keep the ring away from these products as much as you can. Over time you may find that gunk and grime will build up behind the diamond making it look dirty and unattractive but don't worry it can be cleaned. right from the comfort of your own home.

Although diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man they are often coated in a special substance to protect them and keep their shine, Using abrasive substances and by brushing the diamond with something coarse could potentially remove this protective coating making the ring more susceptible to dirt and grime.

You may find there are many products you can buy to clean your diamond engagement ring however this is not always needed. Although most of these products are cheap why waste money on them if you got other products that do the same thing laying around the house.

Steps on Cleaning

First remove the ring from your finger find a small bowl and fill it with warm water and some mild dish washing liquid, place your diamond ring in the solution and leave to soak for a few minutes, 2-3 minutes should be fine, but if using a not detergent soap you should let the ring soak for 10 minutes.

Remove the ring from the water solution and use a very soft brush to gently remove and dirt that is visible. Never use something that hard bristles as this can damage and scratch the ring setting, I find babies toothbrush works fine as the bristles are soft and the head is small enough to get into tight cracks. If you don't have a baby toothbrush a eyeliner brush should be able to get the job done.

Once you have removed any debris and dirt place the ring back in the water to give it a final clean. Remove the ring and rinse it well with warm water then dry the ring with a lint free cloth
if you are cleaning by the sink make sure that you cover the drain to avoid dropping and losing your ring in the drain. If you find that there is still some dirt or grim left on the ring try using a wooden tooth pick to gently easy it away then rinse again and pat dry with a lint free cloth. Don't press to hard with the toothpick though or else you might have small pieces of wood stuck in between the ring.

If you do decide to use a chemical solution to clean your ring and your ring contains more than one type of gem stone, always use the solution that is designed for the less durable stone or you could end up damaging the stone with the more abrasive and/or acidic solution.

The best way to keep you rings and jewelry clean and looking good is

*Remove them or wear protective gloves when you are using products that can damage them or working around the house.

* Keep you diamonds and pearls separate, as that diamond can scratch that pearl necklace.

* IF you can't keep jewelry separate wrap pieces of jewelry in velvet, paper, or silk.

* To reduce greasy build-up on diamond jewelry dip it in plain alcohol or vodka before soaking.
Original guide can be found on my site http://www.purediamondz.com and for more how-to articles go to my daily updated blog http://site.divine-hustle.com/blog/

Setting Styles for Diamond Rings

By I. Maher

The manner in which a diamond is affixed to a ring is referred to as its setting, and several different setting styles are used for diamond rings. Below we examine some of the major setting styles for diamonds and other precious gemstones in rings:

Channel Setting: In a ring with a channel setting, one or more diamonds are inset into a channel and held in place by a small lip on either edge. Multiple stones in a channel setting are not surrounded by individual prongs, but are situated snugly next to one another within the same recessed channel. Excellent examples of channel settings are those in eternity rings. Eternity rings usually contain a row of diamonds inset in a channel, which stretches either halfway or all the way around the ring. Channel settings may secure all of the stones in a ring such as an eternity ring, or can be situated on either side of one larger center stone with a different setting style, a popular option for engagement rings.

Prong Setting: Also called a “claw setting,” a prong setting consists of a set of usually four or six metal prongs which protrude from the base of a ring and wrap slightly around the top edge of the diamond to hold it in place. Prong settings are popular for rings with one main diamond as the dominant feature, as is the case with most engagement rings. Prong settings are cost effective, and many people prefer them because of the belief that light can pass through a diamond in a prong setting from the bottom as well as the top, contributing to its brilliance.

Bezel setting: In a bezel setting, also referred to as a “rub-over” setting, the diamond is completely encircled by a band of metal which affixes it securely to the ring. A rub-over setting incorporates an elevated collar of metal around the edges of the diamond, which protects and secures the stone better than other elevated setting styles such as the prong setting. A variation of the rub-over setting is a flush setting, in which a diamond is set into an opening and secured at the bottom, with the top of the diamond extending beyond the base.

Tension Setting: A tension setting is a unique diamond setting style in which the metal of the ring itself holds a diamond securely in place within an opening in the metal. The diamond appears to float, since no metal from the ring extends beneath it. You may imagine the metal of the ring acting as a very strong spring which holds the diamond in place. Rings utilizing tension settings must undergo specialized strengthening treatments since the diamond relies on pressure from either side of the opening to hold it in place. A tension setting allows light to enter the diamond from all angles, giving it extra luminosity.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings, diamond rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit http://www.Maliere.com

New Man Made Diamond Creation Technologies

By Dr. C. Phillips

Science has developed new machines that duplicate the volcanic heat and pressure required to change carbon into diamond as found imbedded in the walls of volcanoes. The volcanic pressure alone is equal to [40] tons on a piece of coal! The volcanic heat required is a minimum of [1500] degrees celsius.This man made diamond growth technology is called [HPHT]"Temperature Gradient Method."

The second man made diamond growth technology is called [CVD] "Chemical Vapor Deposition."
It is similar to [HTHP] in which a high temperature of [1000] degrees celsius is required along with a low pressure system using hydrogen and methane gas.

The third man made diamond growth technology uses the "High Temperature-High Heat" process applied to a diamond crystal and sapphire composite which causes a fusion of the two precious gemstones. This is primarily used to create man made diamond simulants.

All three technologies are using diamond crystals to grow real man made diamonds or fusion of diamond crystals and sapphires to grow man made diamond simulants. The [CVD] process will produce the purest diamond with lowest inclusion or metalic trapped in the man made diamond.
The [HPHT] growth environment is more volatile and works better with "Fusion Technology" that requires higher temperature and heat to join compatible bonding forces together into a new molecular design configuration. The process is used to grow man made diamond simulants.

These technologies have grown and advanced over the years. The most advanced [CVD] "Chemical Vapor Deposition" process produced the "Apollo Diamond" in [2003] and the most advanced [HTHP] "High Temperature-High Heat" fusion process produced the "Israel Hybrid Diamond Simulant in [2004]. Moreover; [HTHP] diamond creation environment has resulted in higher metalic inclusion rate trapped inside elongated diamond crystalline structure compared to the newer inclusion free [CVD] technology.

All three man made diamond growth technologies produce either exact molecular duplicates of real diamonds or man made diamond simulants with all the natural qualities of real diamonds.
The diamonds are still a little harder and less dense than the simulants. But world wide technology is being shared by European, American and Israel scientist who are working on a second generation of man made diamond simulants that share the same mineral properties with natural diamonds.

Dr. C. PhillipsSona Research Department

http://www.sonadiamondjewelry.com MediaRoom Free Public Education Series