Diamond Detection and Handheld Testers

Handheld diamond testers are devices that use various methods to determine whether a gemstone is a natural diamond or a simulant. The most common methods used are thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.

• Thermal conductivity testers measure the amount of heat that is transferred through a gemstone. Diamonds have a much higher thermal conductivity than other gemstones, so a thermal conductivity tester will show a higher reading for a diamond than for a simulant.

• Electrical conductivity testers measure the amount of electricity that flows through a gemstone. Diamonds are not electrically conductive, so an electrical conductivity tester will show no reading for a diamond.

There are also handheld diamond testers that use other methods, such as:

• Raman spectroscopy This method uses a laser to excite the atoms in a gemstone and measure the wavelength of the light that is emitted. Diamonds have a unique Raman spectrum that can be used to identify them.

• Infrared spectroscopy This method uses infrared light to analyze the chemical composition of a gemstone. Diamonds have a unique infrared spectrum that can be used to identify them.

• UV This method uses short UV light to analyze the chemical composition of a diamond. Diamonds have a unique short-uv spectrum that can be used to identify them.

Handheld diamond testers are not foolproof. Some simulants, such as moissanite, have a thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity that is similar to that of diamonds. However, handheld diamond testers are a reliable way to identify most diamonds and simulants.

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a handheld diamond tester:

• Accuracy: The tester should be accurate enough to distinguish between diamonds and simulants.

• Ease of use: The tester should be easy to use and understand.

• Price: The tester should be affordable.

If you are serious about buying diamonds, it is a good idea to have a good diamond tester to verify the authenticity of the stones. If you are buying a diamond of significant value, it is always best to have second opinion by a gemologist.