When it comes to assessing the authenticity of precious gemstones, especially diamonds, diamond testers have become an indispensable tool for jewelers and gem enthusiasts. These handy devices are designed to detect the thermal conductivity of diamonds, which differs from most other gemstones. However, there’s a persistent question in the world of gemology: Can cubic zirconia, a popular diamond simulant, pass a diamond tester?
In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the intricate world of gemstone testing and shed light on whether a diamond tester can reliably differentiate between cubic zirconia and genuine diamonds.
Understanding Diamond Testers
Before we dive into the cubic zirconia-diamond debate, it’s essential to understand how diamond testers work. Diamond testers typically utilize one of two methods: thermal conductivity testing or electrical conductivity testing.
- Thermal Conductivity Testing: This is the most common method used in diamond testers. Diamonds have exceptionally high thermal conductivity, meaning they conduct heat quickly. When a diamond is placed against a thermal probe, it will disperse heat rapidly, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature on the device’s display. Other gemstones, including cubic zirconia, typically do not conduct heat as effectively.
- Electrical Conductivity Testing: This method is used to detect synthetic diamonds (lab-grown) that may have similar thermal conductivity to natural diamonds. By measuring electrical conductivity, testers can identify potential lab-grown diamonds, but this method is less relevant to the cubic zirconia discussion.
Cubic Zirconia: A Worthy Challenger
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that closely resembles the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds. It’s also far more affordable, making it a popular choice for jewelry. While cubic zirconia does not share the same level of thermal conductivity as diamonds, some higher-quality cubic zirconia stones have a thermal conductivity that can approach that of a diamond.
This brings us to the central question: Can cubic zirconia trick a diamond tester? The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, cubic zirconia can sometimes pass a diamond tester. This occurs when the cubic zirconia stone’s thermal conductivity is close enough to that of a diamond to register as “diamond” on the tester. However, this is more likely to happen with low-quality diamond testers that may not provide precise readings.
No, with a reliable and accurate diamond tester, cubic zirconia will be identified as a fake. High-quality diamond testers are designed to provide accurate readings and can distinguish between diamonds and cubic zirconia. These testers are equipped with advanced technology to ensure the authenticity of diamonds.
