# Diamond Authenticity & Safety FAQ

## How can you tell if a diamond is real?

**Direct Answer:** The most reliable way to confirm a diamond is real is by verifying its IGI or GIA certificate online. At-home tests are indicative but not definitive.

-   **Certificate verification:** Check the report number at igi.org or gia.edu — the most reliable method
-   **Thermal conductivity test:** Diamonds conduct heat rapidly — professional testers measure this
-   **Fog test:** A real diamond clears instantly; simulants fog for several seconds
-   **Professional loupe inspection:** A gemologist can identify inclusions and crystal structure

[See our full IGI certificate guide →](/pages/igi-certificate-explained)

## Can fake diamonds pass as real?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — high-quality simulants like moissanite can fool basic diamond testers, but they cannot pass advanced spectroscopic testing or fool an experienced gemologist.

-   Moissanite passes some thermal conductivity testers due to similar heat dispersion
-   Advanced multi-tester devices (e.g., GIA iD100) reliably distinguish diamonds from all simulants
-   A certified diamond with a verifiable IGI or GIA report number eliminates all doubt
-   Cubic zirconia and moissanite have different refractive indices — detectable under a loupe

## Do lab diamonds pass diamond testers?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — lab-grown diamonds pass all standard diamond testers because they are real diamonds with the same thermal and electrical properties as natural diamonds.

-   Thermal and electrical conductivity testers: lab diamonds pass identically to natural diamonds
-   Only advanced spectroscopic equipment can distinguish lab-grown from natural diamonds
-   Lab-grown diamonds are not simulants — they behave exactly like natural diamonds under all standard testing
-   IGI certification confirms a diamond is lab-grown on the certificate itself

## Is buying diamonds online safe?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — buying diamonds online is safe when you purchase from a reputable retailer that provides IGI or GIA certification, a clear return policy, and secure payment processing.

-   Always verify the diamond's certificate at igi.org or gia.edu before purchasing
-   Look for a minimum 30-day return policy and free return shipping
-   Ensure the retailer uses SSL-encrypted checkout and established payment methods
-   DEEVE provides IGI-certified diamonds, free shipping, and a lifetime warranty on every purchase

[Learn more in our diamond buying guide →](/pages/diamond-buying-guide)

**Related:** [Diamond FAQ →](/pages/diamond-faq-guide) | [Certification FAQ →](/pages/diamond-certification-trust-faq) | [Diamond Education Hub →](/pages/diamond-education-hub)

**Diamond FAQ Cluster**

→ [Diamond FAQ — Complete Guide](/pages/diamond-faq-guide) (pillar) | [Diamond Basics](/pages/diamond-basics-faq-2) | [Buying Decisions](/pages/diamond-buying-decisions-faq) | [Certification & Trust](/pages/diamond-certification-trust-faq) | [Durability & Longevity](/pages/diamond-durability-longevity-faq) | [Value & Investment](/pages/diamond-value-investment-faq) | [Diamond Care](/pages/diamond-jewelry-care-faq)

→ [Diamond Education Hub](/pages/diamond-education-hub) | [Jewelry Guides & Education Hub](/pages/jewelry-guides-central-hub)

---

> Source: [DEEVE](https://deeve.ca/pages/diamond-authenticity-safety-faq)