How to Use a Diamond Tester: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a gemstone enthusiast or a jewelry lover, you might want to verify if the diamond you have is real or not. This is where a diamond tester comes in handy. A diamond tester is a device that is used to distinguish between a real diamond and an imitation made of other materials. The device works on the principle that diamonds conduct heat differently than other materials. However, using a diamond tester can be tricky if you have never done it before.

Understand the Diamond Tester

Before using a diamond tester, it is essential to understand how it works. Various types of diamond testers are available on the market, such as thermal conductivity testers, electrical conductivity testers, ultraviolet fluorescence testers, and moissanite testers. The most commonly used diamond tester is the thermal conductivity tester, which measures the thermal conductivity of the diamond. The tester has a small metal tip that is heated to a specific temperature. When the tip is placed on the surface of the diamond, it will quickly transfer heat to the stone. A real diamond, which is an excellent conductor of heat, will dissipate the heat quickly, resulting in a significant drop in temperature on the tip. In contrast, a fake diamond, which is made from a different material, will not conduct heat as well and will not cause a significant drop in temperature on the tip.

Prepare the Diamond Tester

Before using the diamond tester, ensure that the device is adequately set up. Make sure the tester is powered on and has enough battery life. Some diamond testers require calibration, so make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to calibrate the device for accurate results.

Clean the Diamond

Before testing the diamond, make sure it is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Cleaning the diamond will ensure that you get accurate results. Use a jewelry cleaner or a soft cloth to clean the diamond gently.

Test the Diamond

To test the diamond, hold it with a pair of tweezers and place it on the metal tip of the diamond tester. Make sure the diamond is in direct contact with the tip. Then, press the tester's button to initiate the test. The device will measure the thermal conductivity of the diamond and display the results on the screen. If the diamond is real, the device will show a significant drop in temperature on the tip. If it is not a real diamond, the device will not show any change in temperature.

Check the Results

After testing the diamond, check the results displayed on the screen. If the device shows a significant drop in temperature on the tip, the diamond is most likely real. However, if the device does not show any change in temperature, the diamond may be a fake or a poor-quality diamond. It is essential to note that diamond testers are not 100% accurate, and some synthetic diamonds can pass the test. Therefore, it is recommended to use other methods to verify the diamond's authenticity, such as a professional appraisal or a diamond grading report.

Interpret the Results

Understanding the results displayed on the screen is crucial to determine whether the diamond is real or not. A significant drop in temperature on the tip indicates that the diamond is most likely real. However, if the device does not show any change in temperature, it does not necessarily mean that the diamond is fake, as some poor-quality diamonds can also show this result. Therefore, it is essential to use other methods to verify the diamond's authenticity.

Using a diamond tester can be a quick and easy way to verify if a diamond is real or not. However, it is vital to understand the device's principle of operation and how to interpret the results correctly. Diamond testers are not infallible and should be used in conjunction with other methods to determine a diamond's authenticity. If you are considering buying a diamond or selling one, it is recommended to have it professionally appraised to ensure that you are getting what you pay for.