Every time you turn around in a Jewelry Store, something's
beeping.
Beep Beep
That beeping is the sound of a Diamond Tester. Someone is testing a stone to see whether or not it's a genuine Diamond. That stone could be a Diamond, Moissanite or any other Diamond Simulant like a CZ (Cubic Zirconia).
What are Diamond Testers?
Diamond Testers
are little, hand-held (See Picture) devices (although they do make some that sit on the desk) that tests for both the Thermal Conductivity (which is the ability to transfer heat) of a Diamond, and also the newer ones test for Electrical Conductivity (Which is used for distinguishing Moissanites from Diamonds)...
Take a look at the great deals on Amazon for Diamond Testers as an example...
Diamonds have a very high Thermal Conductivity (This is why Diamonds always feel cool to the touch). Their Thermal Conductivity is much higher than any other Gemstone... Almost!
Moissanites
Moissanites (Man-Made Diamond Simulants) are the next closest Stone to have this heat transfer. This is why Diamond Testers now check for both Thermal AND Electrical Conductivity. (Jewelers were having a hard time telling the difference between the two stones before these Testers were created.)
Diamond Testers normally have a retractable tip that gets placed on the stone in question (placed on the Table of the stone). If the stone is a Diamond, there will be a steady beep. If it doesn't beep or gives a warning beep, then it's not a Diamond (It's a fake!) If it beeps steady and then changes to a higher pitch it usually means it's a Moissanite. (Before the new Testers Moissanites would beep just like a real Diamond does! Not good!)
LED Displays
Most Diamond Testers also have easy to read LED displays that light up different colors. Green for Diamond, Red for Moissanite... (Customers are fascinated by this) It really is quite simple! Within just a couple of seconds, you can tell if a stone is Diamond, Moissanite, or something else.
Jewelers use Diamond Testers on a daily basis. They have to! Anytime they take in Repairs, they test the merchandise (or should) just to make sure they're real. (Fake stones can burn or crack under the intense heat of their torches!)
When customers want to sell their Rings, Pendants, Earrings and Bracelets, the Jeweler tests all the stones to make sure they're real. One can never be too certain. Sometimes a fake stone can look good enough to fool.
Everyone is Protected
Jewelers also use Diamond Testers when showing Diamonds to customers. They test the Diamonds before and after they let a customer view them. (This annoys some customers and amuses others!) But this ensures that the stone in in fact still a Diamond, and that a Diamond WAS given to the customer, and that a Diamond IS given back to the Jeweler. It keeps everyone safe, secure and protected!
By testing Diamonds, Jewelers don't have to worry that a customer is swapping out a Diamond for a fake one. (Did you know that Jewelers are just as cautious about Diamond Switching as you are?) And it works too... When customers see that this particular Jeweler is checking their Diamonds... They move on. They go to another not-so-careful Jeweler to see if they can steal their Diamonds instead. (Heads Up!)
So that Beep - Beep sound is a great thing! (Just like the Road-Runner!) Plus, a lot of Insurance Companies now insist that Jewelers do everything they can to protect against theft. Diamond Testing is a huge step towards preventing fraud.
Every Diamond that comes and goes in a Jewelry Store is tested. After all, Diamonds are their way of life! And it's not a bad idea for customers to do the same...
Have your Stones Tested!
If you go into a Jewelry Store to get your Jewelry Cleaned. Have them test your stones in front of you (Before and after you get them back). If you pick up Jewelry Repairs or Sizings from Jewelers, have them test your stones so you know you're getting Diamonds back...
And one last thing you can do to protect yourself... Microscope your Jewelry! Check them under a scope to make sure that it's your Diamond. (Which also means you must know what your Diamond looks like. Know where your Inclusions are. Memorize the Diamond Plot. View the Laser Inscription... Know your Diamond!)
These tools are designed to protect both Jewelers and customers! They are there for our benefit. Use them! It's worth an extra couple of seconds (for the Tester to warm up), to stop, relax, and listen for that BEEEEEEEP!
Get your Diamond Testers here! :)
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