How to Avoid Buying a Fake Diamond Ring

Step 1

Ask if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance. A reputable jeweler will give you an honest answer.

Step 2

Look at the setting and mount. Since stones such as cubic zirconia are so much cheaper than diamonds, they are sometimes set in inferior metals.

Step 3



Check the wear and tear on the stone. A cubic zirconia is not as durable as a diamond and may show signs of scratches or nicks.

Step 4

Take the stone to a trusted jeweler. Looking through a jeweler's loupe, he or she should be able to spot a fake stone right away. If the jeweler cannot tell by examining the stone, he or she will have instruments that can verify its authenticity.

Step 5



Diamon Jewelry



It is highly recommended that you obtain a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA, the largest impartial diamond grading authority in the world, issues a grading report after it examines the diamond and details it specifications.

Step 6

Have the stone appraised by an independent appraiser who is affiliated with a professional organization such as the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). Ask for a certificate indicating the value and characteristics of the stone.

How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond – especially diamond engagement rings! The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy – and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal!

Diamond Rings

First, determine how much ring you CAN afford. Most people use the `two months salary' rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Because you have other bills to pay, saving up this amount of money may take quite a bit of time. You should consider financing. Simply go to the jeweler of your choice and tell them that you plan to buy an engagement ring, and that financing will be necessary. Go ahead and get the credit check out of the way, find out what your payments will be, and how much of a down payment is required.

Now, have your mother, sister, or your girlfriends best friend take your girlfriend shopping, and make sure that they gaze at the engagement rings to get an idea of what she might like. Make sure that the jewelry store you buy the ring from will allow you to return the ring, if that is required, or allow your girlfriend to exchange it.