How to Spot a Fake Diamond Tennis Bracelet: Expert Tips
Learn expert tips to spot a fake diamond tennis bracelet and ensure you're buying a genuine piece. Check authenticity, metal, sparkle, and more!
A diamond tennis bracelet combines contemporary style with traditional elegance. Whether you're purchasing it for yourself or someone else, it's worth making sure that you're getting a bona fide article. Unfortunately, the market is peppered with fake tennis bracelets that are trickily realistic. In order to help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together expert tips on how to spot a fake diamond tennis bracelet.
Get the Diamonds Appraised
And the most essential element of a diamond tennis bracelet is, naturally, the diamonds. Here’s how to find out if they’re real:
- Fog Test: Cough on the diamonds. Real diamonds quickly conduct heat, so the fog should dissipate almost immediately. If the fog takes a few seconds to fade away, the diamonds could be simulated.
- Water Test: Simply drop a loose diamond into a glass of water. A real diamond, because of its density, will sink while a fake one might float.
- Wield a Loupe: A jeweller’s loupe can help you examine the diamonds in detail. Natural diamonds often contain small blemishes (called inclusions), while synthetic stones often are flawless.
Examine the Metal Setting
The quality of the metal setting may also be used to determine whether the tennis bracelet is real or fake. Genuine diamond tennis bracelets are generally set in higher-quality metals, such as:
- 14K or 18K gold (white, yellow or rose)
- Platinum
Check for hallmarks on the clasp or inside the bracelet. If you spot numbers like “925” (sterling silver) or “GP” (gold-plated), the bracelet probably just has fake or low-quality diamonds.
How to test diamonds with a diamond tester
A diamond tester is a compact electronic device that gauges thermal conductivity of a stone. Because diamonds conduct heat differently than most fake stones, a diamond tester can quickly tell if a diamond is legit. If you buy diamond jewellery often, you could get a tester.
Observe the Glitter and Dazzled
Real diamonds sparkle when light hits them. A real diamond will also show combination of white light (brilliance) and rainbow-coloured flashes (fire) when held to light. Fake diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, will frequently present overstated rainbow-like colours but without the depth and contrast.
Check the Price
If the diamond tennis bracelet price seems too good to be true, it is. Because real diamond tennis bracelets are made from quality materials and craftsmanship, they are relatively expensive. Take care with bargains that seem suspiciously low, especially from unverified internet sellers.
Look at the Clasp and Links
A true tennis bracelet is well-made, with secure, smooth and flexible links. A fake bracelet may have:
- Loose or contrived associated links
- A weak or flimsy clasp
- An uneven or rough finish
A clasp of good quality will allow the bracelet to remain firmly on your wrist, without feeling uncomfortably tight.
Check the Seller’s Reputation
Therefore, when you are purchasing a diamond tennis bracelet from a retailer or an online store make sure they have a good reputation. Here’s what to check:
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Certification or authenticity guarantees
- Return and refund policies
Purchasing from an accredited jeweller will effectively reduce the chances of getting cheated with a fake.
Ask for a Diamond Certificate
Genuine diamond tennis bracelets are typically shipped with a certification from quality gemological institutions like:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- (IGI) Up to October 2023.
- American Gem Society (AGS)
A diamond certificate gives details of the diamond’s cut, colour, clarity and carat weight so you know you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Compare with a Known Authentic Bracelet
If you can, compare the bracelet with a known real diamond tennis bracelet. When seen side by side, the differences in sparkle, weight and metal finish can be quite obvious.
Seek Expert Advice
If you’re unsure, get the bracelet checked by a qualified jeweller or gemologist. They have the tools and expertise to assess whether the diamonds and metal are real.
Final Thoughts
A real diamond tennis bracelet adds class and charm to the look. But with the increasing prevalence of counterfeit jewellery, it’s important to remain informed and vigilant when buying a piece. With these expert tips on how to buy a diamond tennis bracelet, you can shop with confidence that your piece is real and edit through quality.
Always buy from trusted jewellers and request certification if you are looking for genuine diamond tennis bracelets. A real diamond tennis bracelet is more than a piece of jewellery – it’s a lifetime investment.
What's Your Reaction?
