11/10/2024|diamonds
Índice
If we inherit a diamond and wish to sell it, it's crucial to verify its authenticity, even if it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations. We can never rule out the possibility that it may be a fake. Even with an old certificate of authenticity, we can't be certain the stone is real, as it may correspond to a different stone that was lost over the years.
Selling an imitation as a diamond, even unknowingly, constitutes fraud. If the buyer realizes they’ve purchased a fake, we would be legally required to compensate them. So, how can we tell if a diamond is real?
There are various at-home tests that claim to help identify a real diamond.
Even if we were to carry out these tests, their results cannot be used as proof of a diamond's authenticity. So, let's now focus on the proper way to identify a diamond.
A visual inspection is definitely more effective than at-home tests for determining if a diamond is real, but it should be done using a 10x magnification loupe. Here are some key characteristics to look for.
Looking into a stone is a fascinating experience, but to fully appreciate it, it's best done with an expert who can explain what you're seeing. Observing the stone through a loupe allows, among other things, the identification of potential flaws and inclusions. Even with an authenticity certificate, a skilled observer should use the inclusion map to ensure the certificate matches the stone.
Amateur visual inspection of a diamond cannot replace that of a professional. Therefore, whether buying or selling diamonds, it is essential to have a gemologist involved, as they are the only ones who truly know how to identify a genuine diamond.
A gemologist's training is extensive and completed through both study and experience. Therefore, the most reliable gemmologists are undoubtedly those who have been active for many years and have examined numerous stones. The evaluation must be conducted independently, free from commercial interests. The authenticity of a diamond is primarily assessed by Gemological Laboratories, such as GIA and IGI, which, for a fee, issue a document outlining the physical properties of the stone but will never provide an economic valuation.
Auctentic has a team of certified IGI and GIA gemologists who provide free evaluations of the stone, including identifying its market value. Additionally, unlike an auction house, which has long timelines and high commissions, Auctentic allows for immediate sales with no fees, keeping pace with the fast-moving diamond market.