At Acredo, where we create custom-designed jewelry with ethically sourced stones, we know that clarity matters—in your gemstones and your shopping experience. As diamond imitations and simulants become more sophisticated, so does the importance of knowing how to tell the difference.
This guide will walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to confidently identify real vs. fake diamond rings—so you can wear or gift your piece with certainty.
1. Why It's Important to Verify a Diamond Ring
Authenticity goes beyond the sparkle. Whether you’re buying, insuring, or designing a ring, knowing the difference between a real diamond, a lab grown diamond, or a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite impacts:
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Long-term value
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Durability and brilliance
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Custom design and resale options
At Acredo, we specialize in handcrafted rings that start with personalized consultations, ensuring that every stone is authenticated and responsibly sourced.
2. Real Diamonds vs. Simulants
What Is a Simulant?
A diamond simulant is a gemstone that looks like a diamond but lacks the chemical, optical, and physical properties of one. These can include:
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Cubic zirconia (CZ)
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Moissanite
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White sapphire
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Glass or crystal
Simulants are often used in low-cost or fashion jewelry, but they’re not real diamonds—and can usually be identified with a few key observations.
3. How to Tell If a Diamond Ring Is Real
1. Check for a Diamond Certificate
A true diamond—whether mined or lab grown—should come with a grading certificate from a trusted gemological institute, such as:
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GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
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IGI (International Gemological Institute)
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AGS (American Gem Society)
If the stone lacks certification or if the jeweler can’t explain its origin, that’s a red flag.
Acredo Tip: Every diamond we use is accompanied by a certificate. Ask to see it during your consultation—it’s your assurance of authenticity.
2. Examine the Sparkle
Real diamonds exhibit a distinct type of sparkle:
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Brilliance – the return of white light
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Fire – colorful flashes when moved under light
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Scintillation – the interplay of sparkle and dark patterns
By comparison:
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Cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index and tends to look duller
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Moissanite has higher fire and shows exaggerated rainbow flashes, often described as “disco ball” sparkle
3. Perform the Fog Test
A simple and effective test:
Breathe on the diamond as if fogging a mirror. A real diamond disperses heat quickly, so the fog should disappear within 1–2 seconds. Simulants retain heat longer and stay fogged.
While not definitive, this test helps rule out basic fakes like glass or CZ.
4. Look for Wear and Scratches
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale. They don’t scratch easily. On the other hand:
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Cubic zirconia and glass can become scratched or cloudy over time
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Moissanite is durable, but still slightly softer than diamond
Run your finger gently along the stone and inspect with a loupe. A real diamond should have a crisp, clean surface—even after years of wear.
5. Use a Loupe or Magnifier
Under 10x magnification, a genuine diamond will often show natural inclusions or growth patterns. Simulants usually appear too “perfect,” while moissanite may display double refraction—a blurry doubling of facets.
At Acredo, we walk you through this part of the process using professional magnification tools during your consultation.
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4. Can You Spot Simulants in the Setting?
Often, yes. Many diamond simulants are set in lower-grade metals like stainless steel, silver-plated brass, or unmarked alloys. In contrast, real diamonds are typically set in:
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14K or 18K gold
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Platinum
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Palladium
Look for hallmarks inside the band: “14K,” “18K,” or “PT950” are good signs of fine jewelry.
5. What About Lab Grown Diamonds—Are They Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They have the same hardness, brilliance, and chemical composition as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
At Acredo, we offer both lab grown and natural options—always clearly identified, certified, and ethically sourced—so you can make a choice that’s as informed as it is inspired.
6. When to Bring It to a Professional
If you’re still unsure whether your diamond ring is real, the best next step is to consult a professional jeweler. At Acredo, we take pride in offering clear answers, certified diamonds, and expert service rooted in transparency and care.
From initial evaluation to custom redesign, our experienced team ensures that every detail of your ring is trustworthy and beautiful.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Comes from Clarity
So—how do you know if a diamond ring is real? It comes down to a mix of visual inspection, certification, and expert support. In a world of look-alikes and substitutes, knowing the difference between a diamond, a lab grown diamond, and a simulant makes all the difference.
At Acredo, we offer more than just stunning designs. We offer clarity, education, and a jewelry experience built on trust. Whether you're verifying a treasured ring or designing your own, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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Design your perfect ring
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Explore our customization options
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Experience the personalized design process