How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying a diamond is one of the most exciting milestones in life. Whether you're choosing your first engagement ring, a surprise gift, or a meaningful heirloom, the experience should feel special—and most importantly, secure.

But for many first-time buyers, one question looms large: How can I be sure the diamond I'm buying is real?

At Kesh Gemstone, we believe education is empowerment. That’s why we've crafted this detailed guide to help you understand what makes a diamond real, what fakes are commonly used, how to verify authenticity, and why our certified, HPHT-treated, earth-mined diamonds are the right choice for you.

What Is a Real Diamond?

A real diamond is a crystalline form of carbon formed naturally under high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions—sometimes billions—of years. It’s nature’s masterpiece, unique and irreplaceable.

At Kesh Gemstone, we only use earth-mined diamonds, which means they are formed naturally and later enhanced with a process called HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). This treatment improves color and clarity while preserving the diamond’s authenticity and structure.

Note: HPHT treatment does not create the diamond—it enhances what nature already produced.

What Are Fake or Simulated Diamonds?

The market is full of diamond simulants that look similar but are chemically and structurally different. Common examples include:

– Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Cheap, mass-produced, sparkles like glass
– Moissanite: Closer in brilliance to real diamonds but still lab-created
– Glass or Crystal Stones: Very fragile and lack sparkle and fire

These stones may look convincing at first glance, but they do not hold value, nor do they offer the durability, authenticity, or prestige of a real diamond.

How We Authenticate Every Diamond at Kesh Gemstone

Every single piece of jewelry at Kesh Gemstone is crafted using certified earth-mined diamonds, treated only through HPHT, and thoroughly inspected for quality and consistency.

Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity from IGL&I (International Gemological Laboratory & Institute), a respected authority in gemstone grading. This certificate includes:

– Carat weight
– Cut quality
– Clarity grading
– Diamond origin
– HPHT treatment details
– Certification number

You can match the certificate number to the diamond you receive for full traceability.

Why this matters: Unlike many online sellers who offer generic or lab-made stones, our diamonds are traceable, certified, and backed by a guarantee.

Can You Test a Diamond at Home? Some Methods (With Caution)

Many online sources suggest quick DIY tests to check if your diamond is real. While these can be fun, they aren’t always accurate. Here are a few common ones:

Fog Test – Breathe on the stone and see if it stays fogged. Real diamonds disperse heat quickly and won’t fog for long.
Water Drop Test – Drop the stone into water. A real diamond sinks due to high density.
UV Light Test – Real diamonds may glow blue under UV light (but not always).
Scratch Test – Real diamonds can scratch glass—but so can other hard stones like moissanite.

These methods can give clues, but they’re not conclusive. The only way to be sure is through certified gemological testing, which we provide with every Kesh Gemstone purchase.

Why Choose HPHT Earth-Mined Diamonds?

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) is a natural enhancement process that simulates the same conditions under which diamonds are formed in the Earth. This treatment is used to improve color (turning slightly yellow diamonds to white or near colorless) and sometimes to improve clarity.

Here’s why our HPHT diamonds are superior:

– They are still 100% natural, not lab-grown
– Their value is higher than lab-created diamonds
– They maintain the same physical and chemical properties of untreated diamonds
– They offer exceptional brilliance and fire

This is the perfect balance between authenticity and affordability for first-time buyers who want both beauty and long-term value.

What About the Metal? It Matters Too

A genuine diamond should be set in a genuine metal. At Kesh Gemstone, we use solid 925 sterling silver, hallmarked for authenticity, and finished with 14K white, yellow, or rose gold depending on your preference.

You’ll find the 925 stamp engraved in every ring, pendant, or earring—a sign of true craftsmanship.

Tip: Fake sellers often use nickel, stainless steel, or non-hallmarked alloys. Always check for markings.

What Sets Kesh Gemstone Apart?

Shopping with us isn’t just about buying jewelry. It’s about confidence, integrity, and a promise:

– Every diamond is earth-mined and HPHT-enhanced, never synthetic
– Every item is IGL&I certified
– Every piece is handcrafted in solid 925 silver with a premium finish
– Every order is packed in a luxury jewelry box, ready for gifting
– Every buyer receives full post-purchase support, including polishing, resizing, and authenticity verification

Choose Sparkle That’s Real

When buying diamond jewelry, especially for the first time, knowledge is your best protection. Don’t fall for mass-market imitations or too-good-to-be-true deals. If it doesn’t come with a certificate, hallmark, or brand guarantee, think twice.

At Kesh Gemstone, we want you to feel proud of every piece you own. Not just because it looks beautiful—but because you know it’s real, certified, and crafted with integrity.

Ready to explore our certified diamond collection?
Visit our latest catalog or reach out for custom requests.