Understanding Diamond Testers: The Basics

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, prized for their beauty, rarity, and value. However, not all diamonds are created equal, and it can be challenging to determine whether a gemstone is a real diamond or a high-quality fake. That's where diamond testers come in.

What is a Diamond Tester?

A diamond tester is a device that is used to determine whether a gemstone is a real diamond or an imitation made of another material. Diamond testers work on the principle that diamonds conduct heat differently than other materials. When a diamond is placed on a metal tip and the tip is heated, the diamond will conduct the heat more quickly than a fake diamond, revealing its true identity.

How do Diamond Testers Work?

Diamond testers work by measuring the thermal conductivity of the gemstone. The tester has a small metal tip that is heated to a specific temperature. When the tip is placed on the surface of the gemstone, it will quickly transfer heat to the stone. A 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.

Types of Diamond Testers

There are several types of diamond testers available on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of diamond testers are:

• Thermal Conductivity Testers: These testers work by measuring the thermal conductivity of the gemstone. The metal tip of the tester is heated, and when it is placed on the surface of the gemstone, it measures how quickly the heat is dissipated. A real diamond will dissipate heat quickly, while a fake diamond will not.
• Electrical Conductivity Testers: These testers measure the electrical conductivity of the gemstone. Diamonds are excellent insulators, so they will not conduct electricity, while other materials will. The tester sends an electrical charge through the gemstone, and if it passes through, the gemstone is not a real diamond.
• Ultraviolet Fluorescence Testers: These testers work by detecting the fluorescence of the gemstone under ultraviolet light. Diamonds usually fluoresce blue, while other materials will fluoresce differently.
• Moissanite Testers: These testers are designed specifically to detect the synthetic gemstone moissanite, which can often pass a standard diamond test.

Advantages of Diamond Testers

Diamond testers have several advantages, including:

• Easy to Use: Diamond testers are handheld devices that are easy to use and require no special training or expertise.
• Quick Results: A diamond tester can provide a reading in seconds, making it easy to determine whether a gemstone is a real diamond or a fake.
• Affordable: Diamond testers are relatively inexpensive compared to other gemological tools, making them accessible to a wide range of people.

Disadvantages of Diamond Testers

While diamond testers have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages, including:

• Not 100% Accurate: Diamond testers are not infallible and can give false positives or negatives. Some synthetic diamonds can pass the test, and certain types of gemstones, such as moissanite, can give a false positive.
• Limited Information: Diamond testers can only tell you whether a gemstone is a diamond or not. They cannot provide information about the quality of the stone or other characteristics that may affect its value.
• Not a Substitute for a Professional Appraisal: While diamond testers can help you determine whether a gemstone is real or fake, they cannot replace a professional appraisal. A professional appraiser can provide a more detailed analysis of the gemstone, including its quality, rarity, and value.