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You are definitely familiar with diamond cuts like round, oval, and pear, each with 57-58 facets. Maybe you have even worn an engagement ring with one of them. The whole world is very fond of them; they are the visible gems of the diamond world. But what if I told you that you could have that same round diamond, or an oval or a pear, with 161 or more facets? Not 58. One hundred and sixty-one. Can you imagine how different that sparkle would be? This guide is all about that diamond with 161 or more facets. That is called a Portuguese cut diamond. I will tell you so many interesting things about this hidden gem of the diamond world, one that very few people know about.  That is the Portuguese cut diamond. By the end of this guide, you will know everything you need to decide whether a Portuguese cut diamond belongs on your finger. What is a Portuguese Cut Diamond? Before we go further, one thing is important to understand. When you hear oval cut or pear cut, you picture a shape. The Portuguese cut is not a shape; it is a faceting style. It describes a more complex way of cutting a diamond. So you can have the Portuguese faceting style on any diamond whose core shape is rounded, like round, oval, pear, or even an antique-inspired shape. What Makes Portuguese Cut Diamonds Different Diamond is all about light play. In 1919, a young mathematician named Marcel Tolkowsky applied every rule of mathematics and every law of physics to answer one question: what arrangement of facets gives a round diamond the highest possible sparkle?  His answer was 58 facets, with 33 on the crown and 25 on the pavilion, every angle calculated to return the maximum light to your eye. That became the round brilliant cut, and the whole world has loved it ever since. The Portuguese faceting style takes it even further. With 161 or more facets, light inside the diamond does not bounce off a handful of broad surfaces and come back as one wide flash. It travels through many smaller surfaces and returns as dozens of smaller, layered bursts.  As a result, when you move your hand, a Portuguese-cut diamond often produces more small flashes of light, or scintillation, than a traditional round brilliant of similar size. But how did we get from 58 facets to 161? What happened in between, and how did it even become possible to almost triple the facets on a diamond? Let's look into the history to understand that. History of Portuguese Cut Diamonds Well, the story began in the early 18th century, when large diamond deposits were found in the region of Minas Gerais in Brazil, which was a Portuguese colony at the time. Before this happened, India was the primary source of diamonds. This discovery enabled Europe to have a steady supply of diamonds for the first time in history. Huge amounts of rough diamonds started flowing into Lisbon, and Portugal became a vital center of the diamond trade. And naturally, if you have an abundance of resources, you begin to experiment with new ideas. Over time, cutters working with the influx of Brazilian diamonds began experimenting with more complex faceting styles to develop diamonds with more sparkle and beauty. At the time, there were no electric lights, no jewelry-store spotlights, and no camera flashes. Royal palaces, grand halls, and wealthy homes were illuminated by candles, oil lamps, and fireplaces. The light was soft, warm, and often quite dim. Because of this, diamonds had to work harder to reflect light and catch people's attention. So cutters started adding more and more facets to diamonds. This eventually became known as the Portuguese cut. The exact origin of the cut is still debated. Historians cannot point to a single inventor or a specific moment when it first appeared. What we do know is that the style became strongly associated with Portugal, which is why it eventually became known as the Portuguese cut. There is one more important thing to know. There is also a famous stone called the Portuguese Diamond. This diamond is a historic 127-carat gemstone, so don't confuse the Portuguese cut with the Portuguese Diamond. They are completely different things. Now you might be thinking, if Portuguese-cut diamonds were around before the modern round brilliant cut, then why did the industry move in a different direction? Well, that is largely related to finding the right balance between sparkle and practicality. Creating more than 160 facets requires significantly more time, skill, and precision than cutting a standard brilliant diamond. The deeper design can also result in more weight being concentrated below the stone, making it less efficient from a manufacturing perspective. For large-scale commercial production, it simply wasn't the practical choice. Then, in 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky developed the proportions that helped define the modern round brilliant cut. It offered excellent sparkle while also being easier and more practical to produce consistently. That is why we see fewer Portuguese-cut diamonds nowadays. They are not completely gone, but they are rare. Okay, so the history is clear. That brings us to the next question: how is a Portuguese-cut diamond actually created? How a Portuguese-Cut Diamond Is Made  To understand how a Portuguese cut diamond is created, you first need to understand how a diamond is structured. Every diamond has three main parts. The table is the flat facet on the very top,  the surface you look through when you look at a diamond face-on.  The girdle is the thin edge that runs around the middle of the stone, connecting the top and bottom halves.  The pavilion is the entire lower half of the diamond,  the cone-shaped section that sits below the girdle and comes to a point at the bottom. In a traditional round brilliant diamond, the top half,  called the crown, has 33 facets in total. One of those is the table itself. The remaining 32 are arranged across a single main row on the sides of the crown. The pavilion carries 25 facets, arranged across 2 rows. In a Portuguese cut diamond, the structure is significantly more complex. The crown carries approximately 81 facets, one table facet at the top, and the remaining 80 spread across three rows on the sides of the crown.  The pavilion carries approximately 80 facets, arranged across five rows rather than two. And critically, all of these facets are much smaller than those on a round brilliant. More rows, more surfaces, smaller individual facets, that is what creates the layered, kaleidoscopic light effect that makes this cut so distinctive. Creating those small facets requires a level of craftsmanship that very few cutters in the world possess. A round brilliant can be cut by a skilled operator in a matter of hours. A Portuguese cut, done properly, takes many times longer.  Each of the 161 or more facets requires individual placement and individual polishing. And because the pavilion is deeper than a standard cut, the stone also sits lower in its setting,  meaning the cutter has to constantly weigh the trade-off between adding depth for light performance and preserving enough carat weight to make the stone commercially viable. Round Brilliant Diamond vs. Portuguese-Cut Diamond  Feature Round Brilliant Diamond Portuguese Cut Diamond Table 1 facet 1 facet Crown Facets 32 facets across 1 row 80 facets across 3 rows Crown Total 33 facets 81 facets Pavilion Rows 2 rows 5 rows Pavilion Facets 25 facets 80 facets Total Facets 57–58 161+ Facet Size Larger, fewer surfaces Smaller, many more surfaces Cutting Time Hours Many times longer Skill Required Skilled operator Master lapidary The Portuguese cut is not a diamond shape at all;  it's a faceting style. But it is certainly one of the most unusual diamond cuts you can find today. Now, this guide is focused entirely on Portuguese-cut diamonds. But when choosing the perfect diamond for an engagement ring, it is important to consider all the options that might catch your eye. So before we answer whether a Portuguese-cut diamond is right for your engagement ring, let's see how it compares with some other popular diamond styles, including the Heart Shape, Elongated Cut, and Old European Cut. Portuguese Cut vs Rose Cut Feature Portuguese Cut Rose Cut Facets 161+ facets Usually 3–24 facets Sparkle Intense, highly scintillating Soft and subtle Bottom Structure Deep pavilion Flat bottom Appearance Bright and lively Delicate and antique Popularity Today Rare Niche vintage choice Best For Maximum sparkle Antique charm Portuguese Cut vs Old European Cut Feature Portuguese Cut Old European Cut Facets 161+ facets 57–58 facets Sparkle Style Many small flashes Larger, broader flashes Origin Associated with 18th-century Portugal Late Victorian and Edwardian era Appearance Complex and modern-looking Warm vintage character Availability Very rare More commonly found in antique jewelry Best For Unique light performance Historic appeal Portuguese Cut vs Elongated Cuts Feature Portuguese Cut Elongated Cuts (Oval, Pear, Marquise) Type Faceting style Diamond shapes Main Appeal Extraordinary sparkle Elegant elongated shape Facets 161+ facets Usually 57–58 facets Finger Coverage Depends on shape Appears larger on the finger Availability Rare Widely available Best For Buyers seeking uniqueness Buyers seeking a flattering silhouette Now that we've seen how Portuguese-cut diamonds compare to other popular diamond styles, let's look at some of the practical considerations that matter when you're actually buying one.  How Much Does a Portuguese-Cut Diamond Cost? The cost of a Portuguese-cut diamond is not a simple question to answer. Yes, they are rare and very hard to make. However, their price does not depend solely on their rarity and craftsmanship. But their price does not depend solely on their rarity and craftsmanship. Most Portuguese-cut diamonds are cut by specialist lapidaries, which means their pricing can vary significantly from one stone to another. Still, the final price depends heavily on the same factors that determine the value of any diamond: the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity), as well as whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown. Here, the biggest challenge is often not the price but the availability. Because Portuguese-cut diamonds are so uncommon, finding one can be far more difficult than finding a comparable round, oval, or cushion diamond. So my final verdict is simple: if you want to know the exact price of a Portuguese-cut diamond, your best option is to contact a reputable jeweler or reliable diamond dealer and ask for pricing on specific stones. Can Portuguese Cut Diamonds Be Made In a Lab Yes, Portuguese-cut diamonds can be lab-grown. In fact, Many of the Portuguese-cut diamonds marketed today appear to be lab-grown, and there is a practical reason behind that. Since this type of diamond is already expensive to produce, jewelers often use lab-grown diamonds to keep prices more affordable.  After all, lab-grown diamonds cost less than natural diamonds while offering the same sparkle and visual appearance. Additionally, specialty cuts like the Portuguese cut demand more from the rough diamond. Cutters need a larger and cleaner section of rough material, along with significantly more cutting work, to create all those extra facets. As a result, relatively few natural diamonds are cut in the Portuguese style. This means that even if you find a natural Portuguese-cut diamond, your options in terms of carat weight, clarity, color, and shape may be quite limited. Naturally, lab-grown diamonds become an attractive option for both manufacturers and buyers. Manufacturers can produce them in greater quantities, while buyers get access to larger stones, more shapes, and a wider range of clarity grades without stretching their budget. Best Settings for a Portuguese-Cut Diamond  So far, we've covered almost everything there is to know about Portuguese-cut diamonds, their history, how they are made, how much they cost, and even whether a lab-grown version makes sense. That brings us one step closer to answering the big question: Is a Portuguese-cut diamond the right choice for your engagement ring? But before we get there, there is one important detail worth discussing. No matter how beautiful a diamond is, it still needs the right setting to show off its sparkle and keep it secure. After all, the setting is what holds the diamond in place and plays a big role in the overall look of the ring. The good news is that Portuguese-cut diamonds work well with most popular ring settings. However, solitaire and halo settings do a better job of showcasing the cut's unique sparkle and beauty than others.  Is a Portuguese-Cut Diamond Right for Your Engagement Ring? After everything we've discussed, you might be wondering whether a Portuguese-cut diamond is actually the right choice for an engagement ring. The answer is simple: it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a traditional diamond that everyone else chooses, is available easily, and want a less expensive engagement ring, then a round brilliant, oval, or cushion cut will probably make more sense.  But if you want something different, something that makes people stop and ask, "What cut is that?", but if you want something rare, unusual, and capable of producing a sparkle pattern most people have never seen before, then a Portuguese cut diamond ring is definitely worth considering.  Also Read About Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring Oblong Diamond Engagement Ring Oval Cut Engagement Ring Frequently Asked Questions Does a Portuguese-cut diamond look bigger? Not necessarily. Portuguese-cut diamonds typically have a deeper pavilion to accommodate their many facets. Because more of the diamond's weight is concentrated below the surface, they may actually face up slightly smaller than some other cuts of the same carat weight. Is a Portuguese-cut diamond more expensive? It can be. Portuguese-cut diamonds require significantly more cutting and polishing work than standard brilliant cuts. However, the final price still depends on factors such as carat weight, color, clarity, certification, and whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown. Why is it called a Portuguese-cut diamond? The exact origin of the cut is debated, but it became strongly associated with Portugal during the 18th century when Brazilian diamonds were flowing into the country. Over time, the faceting style became known as the Portuguese cut because of that connection. How do you determine the quality of a Portuguese-cut diamond? Just like any other diamond, quality is largely determined by the 4Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity. For Portuguese-cut diamonds, you should also pay close attention to facet symmetry, polish quality, and how evenly the stone reflects light.

“How to tell if diamonds are real” is something every buyer should learn after shopping for an engagement ring, or even receiving one as a gift, because verifying a diamond’s authenticity is extremely important, especially for sentimental jewelry like an engagement ring.  Speaking from personal experience, one of my close friends gifted me a diamond friendship ring on my last birthday. He spent around $2,500 on it. Since he wasn’t knowledgeable about jewelry, he had no idea that the stone in the ring wasn’t even worth $200. The seller had actually tricked him by selling cubic zirconia in the name of a real diamond. Luckily, I knew a few simple at-home methods to check whether a diamond is real, and that’s how I discovered the ring contained a fake stone. Fortunately, we were able to return it afterward. The reality today is that many sellers put ethics aside just to make money. On top of that, the market is flooded with synthetic stones and diamond look-alikes, making it easier than ever to fool customers. That’s why you should never blindly trust that every “diamond engagement ring” actually contains a genuine diamond. So today, in this guide, I’m going to explain some simple and easy at-home strategies for how to tell if diamonds are real. Let’s get started. Fake Diamonds Commonly Sold as Real Diamonds One of the most important things is knowing which diamond alternatives are commonly being used in jewelry and sold in the name of real diamonds. At first glance, many of these gemstones look exactly like natural diamonds.  In some cases, even professionals can get confused while trying to tell them apart. Although these stones may visually resemble diamonds, their chemical structure is completely different, which means their physical properties, such as hardness, refractive index, melting point, and density, are usually much lower in quality compared to real diamonds. And the most important point is this: people pay premium prices for diamonds because of their rarity and prestige. But if a stone isn’t actually rare and can be mass-produced within hours, then what’s the point of paying diamond-level prices just for the appearance?  There are many diamond simulants available in the market that closely resemble real diamonds, but the most popular ones include: Cubic Zirconia Moissanite White Sapphire Zircon Glass or rhinestones Now, we’re not going deep into the technical details of these diamond stimulants here; we’ll cover that in a separate blog. For now, this section is simply to help you understand which gemstones are commonly passed off as diamonds in jewelry. So now, let’s move directly into how to tell if diamonds are real at home using simple methods anyone can try.  How to Spot a Real Diamond in Jewelry at First Glance To identify whether a diamond is real in different types of jewelry, you need to examine each piece differently. The things you check while inspecting diamond rings may not help you verify a diamond in earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.  That’s why it’s important to understand the right approach for each jewelry type. Let’s quickly learn how you can spot real vs. fake diamonds at a glance in engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Engagement Rings When checking the authenticity of diamonds in engagement rings, the very first thing you should pay attention to is the metal type. Real diamonds are almost always set in precious metals because the strength and durability of these metals are necessary to securely hold a diamond in place. Your engagement ring should typically be made of gold, platinum, or silver. To make sure the metal itself is genuine, always buy hallmarked jewelry. After verifying the metal, closely inspect the diamond setting. Real diamonds are usually placed in secure settings, such as prong or bezel settings, to keep the stone firmly protected. Your engagement ring should also display precise craftsmanship and high-quality finishing, since fine jewelry containing genuine diamonds is generally made with great attention to detail. Earrings Want to check whether the diamonds in your earrings are real? A simple method is to place both earrings side by side under the same lighting conditions and observe how the stones reflect light. Real diamond earrings usually give off a consistent sparkle and light performance from both stones. However, this method works best for solitaire and stud earrings. If your earrings contain multiple stones or have a cluster design, this technique may not be very reliable for identifying authenticity. Bracelets When checking a diamond bracelet, especially a tennis bracelet where all the diamonds usually look identical, check whether every diamond is the same size, gives the same sparkle, and has the same cut throughout the bracelet. Inconsistent shine, uneven size, or different cuts can increase the chances that the bracelet contains fake diamonds. Necklace For necklaces as well, all the diamonds should give off a consistent sparkle, especially if your necklace has multiple diamonds, like layered or cluster necklaces. In necklaces, the chain also plays a very important role.  A real diamond necklace is usually crafted with high-quality workmanship so the chain can securely hold the diamonds in place. Also, the back side of the diamond setting, the part that touches the neck, should have a smooth and proper polish. Note: Now, you might think that even fake diamond jewelry can sometimes have a high-quality polish, and you’d be right. Imitation jewelry can also look well-finished. But if you notice poor craftsmanship, rough finishing, or low-quality detailing in a piece of jewelry, then you should definitely be suspicious about the authenticity of its diamonds. That’s the main point I’m trying to make.  Now, if you already understand these basic checks, let’s go one step deeper and learn some practical and effective at-home tactics to know if the diamonds in your jewelry are real or not. How To Tell if a Diamond Is Real At Home I’m going to explain 8 simple at-home tactics to help you decide if a diamond is real or not. To make things easier for you, I’ve arranged these methods based on their effectiveness. While every hack can help to some extent, I’d recommend trying the top three tactics first since they’re generally the most reliable. Fog Test To Detect a Duplicate Diamond The fog test is one of the most effective at-home methods for checking diamond authenticity. That’s because your breath contains heat and moisture, while diamonds are excellent heat conductors that disperse heat very quickly. How to Conduct a Fog Test Before starting, clean the diamond jewelry properly using a soft microfiber cloth. Then hold the diamond close to your mouth and breathe onto it with a strong puff, similar to how you fog up a mirror. If the fog disappears within 1–2 seconds, there’s a good chance the stone is a real diamond. However, if the fog stays on the surface for more than 3–5 seconds, the gemstone may be Cubic Zirconia or White Sapphire instead of a real diamond. Important Note: Moissanite can also pass the fog test because, like diamonds, it has high heat conductivity. Flashlight Test To Recognise Fake Diamonds While the fog test works based on a diamond’s thermal conductivity, the flashlight test works using its refractive index. Real diamonds have a higher refractive index than most diamond simulants, which means light behaves differently when passing through them. How to Conduct the Flashlight Test First, turn off all the lights in the room. Then hold a flashlight vertically so the light beam points straight upward. After that, place your ring directly above the beam so the light passes straight through the gemstone. Now observe the type of reflection coming out of the diamond. If the gemstone reflects mostly black-and-white shades, there’s a good chance the diamond is real. But if you notice strong rainbow-like reflections, the stone is likely Cubic Zirconia instead of a real diamond. Important Note: Just like the fog test, Moissanite can also pass this test because its refractive index is even higher than a diamond’s. Also, if your ring has a closed-back setting, this test may not work properly because the light cannot pass through the stone cleanly. Dot Test To Tell If a Diamond Is Real Or Not The dot test, also known as the read-through test, works based on a diamond’s refractive power. Real diamonds bend and scatter light so intensely that you usually cannot see straight through them. Fake diamonds, on the other hand, often allow light to pass through more easily—similar to glass. How to Conduct the Dot Test This test only works properly if the gemstone is loose and not mounted in jewelry. To perform it, take a plain white sheet of paper and draw a small black dot using a marker. Then place the diamond upside down on top of the dot, so the pointed side faces upward while the flat side rests on the paper. Now look through the pointed side of the dimaond. If your diamond is real, the black dot should completely disappear or be extremely difficult to see through the dimaond. But if the diamond is fake, you’ll likely be able to see the black dot through it. Important Note: Just like the previous two tests, Moissanite can also pass this test. Another important thing to remember is that even if your diamond is real, a poor-quality cut may still allow you to partially see the dot through the diamond. Black Light Test to Tell If a Diamond Is Real Or Not The black light test is slightly less reliable when used on its own, but when combined with other diamond tests, it can definitely increase your confidence in determining whether a diamond is real or fake. In this test, we basically examine the diamond’s fluorescence properties. When exposed to UV light, many real diamonds emit a colored glow, while most fake diamonds cannot do this properly. How to Conduct the Black Light Test To perform this test, make the room completely dark, similar to the flashlight test. Then hold a UV flashlight a short distance away from the gemstone and carefully observe the color of the glow coming from the diamond. If the diamond glows blue, there’s a good chance the diamond is real. If the stone shows no reaction and remains dark under the UV light, it may be fake. Important Note: Not all real diamonds show strong fluorescence under UV light. Some genuine diamonds may show little to no glow at all, so you should never rely only on the black light test to confirm authenticity. Sunlight Test To Recognise The Real Diamond This test works quite similarly to the flashlight test because it is also based on a diamond’s refractive index. Real diamonds bend light differently and produce less rainbow dispersion compared to many diamond simulants. So when you move a real diamond under sunlight, you’ll usually notice stronger white light reflections instead of rainbow-like colors. Fake stones often show more colorful rainbow flashes. How to Conduct the Sunlight Test First, clean the diamond properly with a microfiber cloth, so it becomes free from oil and dirt. Then go into direct sunlight and hold the diamond or ring toward the sun while slowly moving it around. Carefully observe the type of reflection the diamond throws onto your hand or the surrounding surface. If the diamond reflects sharp white light, there’s a good chance it is real. But if it throws strong multicolored rainbow reflections, the stone may be a fake diamond or a diamond simulant. Note: Human eyes perceive color and sparkle differently depending on the time of day and the cut of the stone. A poorly cut real diamond might look dull in the sun, while a high-quality glass simulant might look surprisingly bright. Sandpaper Test to Decide If a Diamond is Real Be a little careful with this test. I’d only recommend trying it if you’re fairly confident that your diamond is fake and you’re not worried about potentially damaging the diamond. Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring gemstone in the world, and this test checks that hardness. How to Conduct the Sandpaper Test For this test, you should strictly use grit sandpaper like the type commonly used for woodworking. Take the flat top surface of the diamond and gently rub it against the grit sandpaper. After that, wipe away any dust and inspect the surface carefully. If the gemstone in your jewelry is a real diamond, it usually won’t get scratched or damaged. However, if the stone is a diamond simulant like Cubic Zirconia, White Sapphire, or quartz, scratches will often become visible on the surface. Important Note: If the diamond turns out to be fake, this test can permanently damage both the gemstone and the jewelry. That’s why the sandpaper test should only be used as a last resort. Mirror Test to Check a Diamond’s Hardness The mirror test is also based on a diamond’s hardness. Since diamonds are extremely hard, only another diamond can properly scratch or cut them. On the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds rank at 10, while glass is usually around 5.5. Because of this, if you rub a real diamond firmly against an old mirror, it may leave a scratch or line on the glass surface. Fake diamonds with lower hardness usually cannot do this as effectively. Weight Test Real diamonds are very dense gemstones. A real diamond will usually not feel the same weight as fake or duplicate stones of a similar size. For example, if your stone is Cubic Zirconia, it may feel noticeably heavier because cubic zirconia is around 55% denser than a real diamond. On the other hand, materials like glass or white topaz are less dense and may feel lighter than a real diamond of the same size. How To Tell If a Diamond Is Real And Not a Moissanite So, these were some simple at-home tests you can use to figure out whether a diamond is real or not. But you may have noticed one important thing throughout these methods: Moissanite can pass almost all of these tests.  That’s exactly why professional verification is still necessary if you want to be completely sure that your jewelry contains a real diamond and not moissanite. Yes, these home tests can still help you identify most other diamond simulants quite easily.  And one more important thing: don’t rely on just one or two tests alone. My suggestion would be to check your diamond using at least five different methods. The more tests your diamond successfully passes, the more confidence you can have in its authenticity. But what about moissanite? Is there really no way to detect it at home? Actually, there is, using a diamond tester. Checking Dimaond With Diamond Tester In my opinion, a diamond tester is the most effective way to check whether a diamond is real or not. Yes, you may have to spend around $200 to buy one, but that’s still far better than spending $2,000 on jewelry that contains a fake $200 stone. A diamond tester works by measuring the stone’s thermal and electrical conductivity to determine whether it’s a real diamond. How to Test a Diamond Using a Diamond Tester First, make sure the diamond is completely clean and dry. Then turn on the tester and allow it to warm up for a few seconds. Adjust the volume or sensitivity wheel according to the size of the diamond and the room temperature, based on the instructions for your specific model. After that, place the tester’s metal tip directly onto the surface of the diamond. If the diamond is real, the tester will usually show a continuous red or green light and produce a high-pitched beep sound. But if the stone is Moissanite or another fake diamond simulant, the device typically won’t react in the same way. Important Note: Some advanced diamond testers can also detect moissanite separately, while basic models may identify moissanite as a real diamond because of its high thermal conductivity. How to Tell If a Diamond Is Real Or Not: Through Professional Inspection So basically, if you’re using a cheap or low-to-mid-range diamond tester, Moissanite may still pass the test. That’s why, in the end, professional inspection remains the most reliable option. Whether the gemstone is quartz, sapphire, Cubic Zirconia, or moissanite, a professional jeweler can accurately identify it and give you much stronger confirmation about the stone’s authenticity. Personally, I believe you should always get the diamonds in your jewelry professionally inspected if you want complete peace of mind. One important thing to remember: never get the jewelry inspected by the same jeweler you purchased it from. Instead, visit a different independent jeweler for verification. You probably already understand why most sellers won’t easily admit they sold you a fake diamond unless you present solid proof. So, what exactly does a professional jeweler do to check whether a diamond is real or not? Examine With 10x Loupe To verify whether a diamond is real, professionals usually inspect it using a 10x loupe. With this tool, they study the inclusions inside the stone, tiny natural imperfections that form while a diamond develops deep within the earth.  Although Moissanite can also contain inclusions, jewelers don’t rely only on inclusions to identify a real diamond. Along with inclusions, professionals also examine the stone’s exact hardness. Moissanite is extremely similar to diamond even in this area, which is why it can be difficult for beginners to tell them apart.  Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite is around 9.25. That difference may seem small, but for experienced jewelers, it’s usually enough to distinguish between the two. Another major difference between diamonds and moissanite is their scintillation, or the way they reflect light. Moissanite tends to produce stronger rainbow-colored flashes, while real diamonds typically reflect cleaner white light.  However, this difference is difficult to detect accurately using simple at-home methods. It usually requires years of gemstone inspection experience and professional tools. So yes, definitely try the home tests mentioned above, but for complete confirmation and peace of mind, it’s always best to get the diamond professionally inspected as well. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Real, But Not the Same Lab-grown diamonds are not fake. This is one of the most common misconceptions in the diamond world, and it is worth setting straight before anything else. A lab-grown diamond has the same chemical composition, the same hardness, and the same optical brilliance as a diamond pulled from the earth. Gemologically, it is a real diamond, full stop. But here is where it matters to you as a buyer. If you paid for a natural diamond and received a lab-grown diamond, you were misled. Not because lab-grown is inferior in quality, but because it is significantly less expensive. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30 to 40% less than their natural counterparts. That price gap represents real money, and you deserve to know exactly what you are buying. The most reliable way to tell the two apart is not a home test. It is a certificate. Reading Diamond Certificate A genuine diamond, natural or lab-grown, should come with a grading report from a respected authority. The two names that matter most are GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute).  These certificates clearly state whether the dimaond is earth-mined or laboratory-grown, along with its cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight. No legitimate jeweller should hesitate to provide one. If your diamond came without a certificate or with documentation from an unknown grading body, that is reason enough to seek a professional appraisal. The certificate does not just protect your purchase; it tells the full story of the stone you own. Closing Up So, friends, we’ve now covered around 13 different tests that can help you determine whether a diamond is real or not. But once again, I’d strongly recommend that while at-home tests are useful, you should never rely completely on them alone. And whenever you purchase diamond jewelry, always make sure to ask for a proper diamond certificate. Lastly, I’d like to tell you that at Diagaa, you’ll find both lab-grown and natural diamond jewelry in all types of designs. Feel free to explore the collection, and right now you can also enjoy a 30% discount on selected jewelry pieces. And yes, all jewelry comes with a proper diamond certificate as well. Our Popular Jewelry Collections Solitaire Engagement Rings Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Colored Diamond Engagement Rings Open Rings Men’s Signet Rings Huggies Earrings Frequently Asked Questions Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond? Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are created in laboratories instead of forming underground over millions of years. Which fake diamonds are being used in jewelry? Common fake diamonds used in jewelry include cubic zirconia, moissanite, white sapphire, and glass stones. They resemble diamonds visually but differ in hardness, brilliance, durability, and composition. Which is the easiest way to check if a diamond is real or not at home? The easiest home test is the fog test. Breathe on the stone; real diamonds clear fog instantly because they disperse heat quickly, while fake stones stay foggy longer. What is the difference between diamond and moissanite? Diamonds are harder, rarer, and show white sparkle. Moissanite is slightly softer, cheaper, and reflects more rainbow-colored fire. Both look similar, but moissanite has stronger brilliance and dispersion. How diamond tester decide if a diamond is real or not? Diamond testers measure thermal or electrical conductivity. Real diamonds conduct heat differently from fake stones. Advanced testers also distinguish moissanite by checking electrical conductivity and other gemstone properties.

Buying an alexandrite engagement ring is truly a great decision. Alexandrite is literally nature’s magic. Very few gemstones can change their appearance depending on the type of light, and alexandrite is one of them. You get the colors of both ruby and emerald in the same stone, which is exactly what attracts you to an alexandrite engagement ring. However, this choice also comes with several confusing questions, doesn’t it? You often hear people say it is fake. You see prices ranging from $200 to even $50,000. Some people also claim that colored gemstones are very soft and can be damaged easily. Questions like these may be holding you back from buying this color-changing engagement ring, right? Do not worry. In the next 20 minutes, you will be ready to decide whether an alexandrite engagement ring is the right choice for you or not. But first, hold tight and read this guide till the end. Why an Alexandrite Engagement Ring Is Exceptional You have decided to buy an alexandrite engagement ring. But do you think it is worth buying a stone that you know very little about, especially one that you are going to wear on your finger every single day? Absolutely not. Yes, later we will discuss what to look for and what questions to ask when purchasing an alexandrite engagement ring. But before asking the right questions, you first need to understand the stone itself. So, let’s discover what makes this magical gemstone so special, both inside and out.  Alexandrite Changes Its Color GIA called alexandrite “an emerald by day and a ruby by night.” But how does it change color according to the time of day? That is because of what it contains inside. All gemstones belong to different families of minerals, and they all contain some sort of traces inside their structure. These traces absorb and reflect light in different ways depending on their wavelength. Alexandrite contains traces of chromium. Daylight has stronger blue and green wavelengths, so the stone reflects green light and appears emerald-green. Whereas incandescent light has stronger red wavelengths, so the gemstone reflects red light in the night and looks like a ruby. Is Alexandrite a Rare Gemstone The rarity of alexandrite depends on where it comes from. There are lab-grown alexandrites available in the market, too. These lab-made stones are chemically the same as the natural ones that come from the Earth’s crust, but since they can be created in a short time and in large quantities, they are significantly cheaper and more easily available than natural alexandrite. Going back in history, the first natural alexandrite was discovered in the 1830s in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The mine where it was found was an emerald mine near the Tokovaya River. Alexandrite was named after the Russian king, Alexander II. However, those Russian deposits are now almost exhausted. Today, alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and parts of East Africa, but these stones are generally not considered as high in quality as the original Russian alexandrites. So yes, high-quality natural alexandrite is absolutely rare. In fact, alexandrite with a strong color change is rarer than a fine ruby, emerald, or sapphire of the same size. So when you see a price tag of $50,000 or more on an alexandrite engagement ring, it is not a fraud; it is the price of a truly rare alexandrite gemstone. Is an Alexandrite engagement ring as durable as a diamond engagement ring This is the most important factor to consider while purchasing an engagement ring, regardless of the gemstone included in it. Because it is not just a normal ring that you wear to decorate your finger, it is an engagement ring. It is probably one of the assets closest to your heart, and you would not want to remove it. Therefore, the durability of the gemstone in the engagement ring is uncompromising. Talking about the durability of alexandrite, it is actually quite decent. It scores 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is not much lower than the four precious gemstones. Diamond scores 10, sapphire and ruby score 9, and morganite sits around 7.5 to 8. Alexandrite is either more durable or equally durable compared to many other colored gemstones used in engagement rings. Nevertheless, no gemstone is indestructible. Even a diamond can chip with a hard impact. But if your alexandrite engagement ring has a strong and secure stone setting, then you will definitely be able to wear it for years without major repairs. These are the three reasons why alexandrite is a great choice for an engagement ring: its color-changing ability, rarity, and durability. Together, these qualities make alexandrite one of the most unique and valuable gemstones you can choose. Now, let us make sure you do not get caught in the most common mistakes people make while buying an alexandrite engagement ring. The Fake Alexandrite Engagement Ring Problem (And How to Never Get Caught Out)  Do not get shocked when we tell you that the majority of alexandrite engagement rings in the market do not actually contain real alexandrite. Yes, that is true. It is not an exaggeration. In the market, you will find many alexandrite engagement rings with stones that mimic the appearance and color-changing ability of alexandrite, but their chemical structure is completely different, and their actual cost is significantly lower. These stones are synthetic and have been sold under the name of alexandrite for many years. That is why you mustn't get fooled by these synthetic stones. Earlier, we explained what real alexandrite actually contains and why it changes color. One of the most common forms of duplicate alexandrite is synthetic corundum, the same base material as sapphire and ruby, manufactured to produce a color shift under different lighting conditions. Yes, it does change color, but it is still not real alexandrite. There are several other imitations too, and the market is flooded with such misleading stones. So when you go to buy an alexandrite engagement ring, make sure you can recognize whether it contains real alexandrite or a fake one. And to identify that, follow the tactics given below. Check How Alexandrite Shifting Its Color Real alexandrite shifts from green or bluish-green in daylight to red or purplish-red under warm light. Simulants, particularly synthetic corundum, tend to shift from blue to purple, or produce a murky brownish middle ground that never fully resolves into either colour. It looks like a colour change. But it is not alexandrite's colour change. Fake alexandrite engagement rings exist because real alexandrite is extraordinarily rare, and most people do not know how to differentiate between real and fake stones. Once you properly understand what real alexandrite looks like and how it behaves, fake gemstones will automatically become easier to identify and eliminate. Let’s understand how to check the quality of an alexandrite engagement ring like a pro. How to Judge an Alexandrite's Quality: The 4 Things That Matter  Most gemstones are graded based on four factors: cut, clarity, color, and carat. Alexandrite quality is also measured using the same factors, but the way they are applied is different. Because for alexandrite, color is everything. Everything else comes later. Colour Change Strength - This Is the Grade That Determines Everything The color change in alexandrite is generally described in three tiers: weak, moderate, and strong. We do not want you to pay premium money for a stone claimed to have a strong color-changing ability when it actually has only a weak color change. Let’s properly understand this color-changing factor. If a stone has a weak color change, it still changes color when the lighting changes, but you may need to compare it side by side with another stone to properly recognize the difference. It is still alexandrite, but not the one you fell in love with at first sight. A stone with a moderate color change shifts color visibly and satisfyingly. You will probably like it. The green color in daylight and the red color indoors are clearly visible in this type of alexandrite. However, there may still be a slight green hint in the red color and a slight red hint in the green color. But an alexandrite with a strong color-changing ability will not show traces of red when it appears green, or green when it appears red. It completely feels like an emerald or a ruby, depending on the lighting conditions. So, what are you going to ask the jeweler while purchasing an alexandrite engagement ring? Ask this:“How strong is the color change in this alexandrite - weak, moderate, or strong? ” Then ask for proof,  images, or videos under both cold daylight and warm incandescent light. Colour Direction - Green to Red Is the Benchmark  When you compare a few alexandrite engagement rings side by side, you will notice that each gemstone transforms color in a different direction, even if all of them have a strong color change. Surprisingly, the direction of the color change significantly affects the stone’s value. Most people only check whether the stone changes color or not, but they do not pay attention to how it changes color, and they end up overpaying. The most prized color shift is green or bluish-green in daylight, changing to red, raspberry, or purplish-red under warm light. This is the color shift that gives alexandrite its legendary reputation and its high price. Some genuine alexandrites shift from blue-green to a softer purplish tone. This is still real alexandrite, but it usually commands a lower price and can more easily be confused with synthetic corundum simulants, which often shift in the same blue-to-purple range. So, if you are choosing between two alexandrite rings and one shifts from green to red while the other shifts from blue to purple, the green-to-red stone is usually the stronger and more valuable choice. Cut - Why Oval and Cushion Show the Stone at Its Best  An alexandrite ring with an oval or cushion-cut stone is highly recommended, and there is a reason behind it. Its larger facets. These larger facets act like windows that maximize the surface area through which the color change becomes visible. When you tilt an oval alexandrite under changing light, the transformation sweeps across the entire face of the stone at once, making the color-changing effect far more noticeable and beautiful. Setting And Metal For Alexandrite Ring After choosing the perfect alexandrite stone, which is not fake, showing a strong color change and green-to-red color change direction, you need to complete that alexandrite stone with the right setting and metal to accomplish your alexandrite ring. Here are the perfect settings and metal choices for alexandrite stone.  Settings for Alexandrite Engagement Ring Bezel Setting: Bezel-set rings offer the most durable alexandrite engagement rings because the metal surrounds the stone and protects it from impact. Prong Setting: Want your alexandrite to show its color-changing ability at its fullest? Choose this setting. It allows more light to pass through the stone, making the color shift more visible. Halo Setting: Halo rings encircle the alexandrite with a line of small diamonds or white sapphires. This setting is good for a more decorative-looking ring. Metals for Alexandrite Engagement Ring Although there is no strict rule about which metal should pair with alexandrite, rings in the market are especially made using yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, as well as platinum and silver. After all, it comes down to what looks pleasant to your eyes. Our personal recommendation is white gold or platinum because their white color complements both colors of alexandrite,  red and green. Metals like rose gold are also preferable, but when your stone shows more red tones, rose gold can compete with the red hue of the stone instead of complementing it. What Does an Alexandrite Engagement Ring Actually Cost?  Now comes the most important question: how much does an alexandrite engagement ring cost? We have already covered everything about alexandrite, which now makes it much easier for you to understand the pricing of an alexandrite engagement ring. For all the examples below, we are using a platinum solitaire setting as the reference because the major price difference mainly comes from the quality of the alexandrite itself, not the ring setting. Synthetic Alexandrite Engagement Ring Price: $300 – $1,500 Weak Color Change Alexandrite Engagement Ring Price: $2,000 – $5,000 Moderate Color Change Alexandrite Engagement Ring Price: $5,000 – $15,000 Strong Color Change Alexandrite Engagement Ring Price: $15,000 – $50,000+ Lab-Grown Alexandrite Engagement Ring Price: $1,500 – $5,000 A Cautionary Note from Diagaa If you ever see: A “natural Russian alexandrite ring” for $500 A large alexandrite with a perfect color change at suspiciously low pricing …it is almost certainly synthetic, lab-grown, or heavily misrepresented. Real natural alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the jewelry market, and its price reflects that rarity. You Know More Than Most Buyers Walking Into a Store Right Now  An alexandrite engagement ring is truly a piece to have. Its color-changing quality is something special that everyone will admire. If you set your engagement ring with a quality alexandrite stone, the proper setting, and a white metal, it is truly going to satisfy both you and the people who see it. Now, we hope you have a complete understanding of alexandrite engagement rings, and when you go to shop for one, you shop like a confident buyer. You will not end up paying real alexandrite engagement ring money for a fake one. At Diagaa, we offer a custom jewelry service where we help people turn their dream jewelry into reality, while making sure you pay less compared to what the market charges on average. We invite you to fill out the form and have a chat with us about your alexandrite engagement ring. Frequently Asked Questions Is alexandrite an appropriate stone for an engagement ring? Yes, alexandrite is a great stone for an engagement ring because of its rare color-changing ability, decent durability, and unique appearance. How to choose the best alexandrite for an engagement ring? Choose alexandrite with a strong color change, preferably green-to-red direction, good clarity, secure setting, and certification proving authenticity.  What is the average price range for an alexandrite engagement ring? The average price of an alexandrite engagement ring ranges from around $500 for lab-created stones to over $50,000 for rare natural alexandrite with strong green-to-red color change.  What does alexandrite symbolize in an engagement ring? Alexandrite symbolizes transformation, balance, luck, and everlasting love. Its changing colors also represent adaptability and emotional connection. Is a lab-created alexandrite engagement ring worth buying? Yes, a lab-created alexandrite engagement ring is worth buying if you want the same color-changing beauty at a more affordable price without compromising durability or overall appearance.