Why would a diamond test as a moissanite?

[ponyrider]

I have a diamond set in a solitaire setting. She has an IGI number inscribed and the report matches the ring exactly when I look it up. She is a .70 round brilliant, SI2, H color set in 14 kt with a platinum head. This is a very pretty diamond, despite the specs....really clean looking and bright. I picked her up out of pawn for what I thought wa a decent price. I took her to a chain-type store and she tested as a moissanite. Took her to a small, independent jeweler who has an GIA graduate owner and he a the one who found te number and confirmed she is indeed a diamond. The first store only used the tester...didn't look at the stone with a loop or with a scope.

Can anyone tell me why this diamond might test as a moissanite if she indeed is inscribed with an IGI number? I am still under the pawn shop's 30 day return. Should I have her looked at again by yet another jeweler? I am a bit nervous because she really looks quite nice for her specs, and for the price I paid (retail/pawn)

Thank you in advance.

PS I am in no way experienced with diamonds...I was just looking for an inexpensive, decent looking solitiare

 

[WinkHPD]

If you were here I could answer the question of whether or not it was a diamond by putting it under my microscope and observing the internal characteristics. The inclusions in an SI2 should provide a relatively easy differentiation, especially if the location of the inclusions matches that of your diamond's grading report.

I could also check for double refraction, which diamonds do not have and moissanite does. This can be seen with a loupe as doubling of the back facets at some angles. (The facet edge may look like rail road tracks, even though the edge is in fact a single line.) One way that this is avoided by the makers of moissanite it to cut the moissanite so that in looking from the table to the culet you are looking down the C-Axis of the crystal so that the doubling does not show. In this case I would look for doubling of the table reflection near the culet. This can normally be viewed with a loupe.

Since you are not here, I can do none of those things, and I do not have any experience with moissanite testers so I can not give you an answer based on personal experience.

I can say that it sounds as if you talked with someone who does not know much about either diamonds or moissanite at the chain store and that you talked with someone at the Independent Jeweler's who had the knowledge and training to give you a good answer by actually looking at the diamond and sharing his answers and knowledge with you.

Of course, without seeing the diamond, none of us can know which is actually the correct answer, but if I had to bet on the outcome, I know which side my money would be on.

If you are still uncomfortable about your ring, you may wish to consult with an independent appraiser who will be able to give you an even more conclusive report on what you have. There are many fine appraisers around the country who make their livings by helping people confirm what they are buying and writing appraisals for them for insurance purposes. Near the top of the page, in the large blue banner just to the right of center there is a row of buttons. Under the one labeled Resources you will find a button for appraisers. These are appraisers recognized by Pricescope, and you may be fortunate enough to have one in your area, depending on where you live, of course.

I hope this helps. It is always best to talk to someone who has taken the time to get educated in their career. Getting a GG degree, whether in residence or via correspondence, requires a lot of time and effort. It does not guarantee that the answers they give are always going to be correct, but it is a strong indication that they have the foundation upon which to give you good guidance.

Have a great day and enjoy the ring.

Wink

 

[ponyrider]

Thanks, Wink Everything you said corresponds to what the ndependent jeweler said, including the facts about the inclusions. I am pretty confident it is a diamond, especially since it does have a report that matches the ring. I am just always so wary about the simulants, since some can be so good. I don't have issues with them, but if I am looking for a diamond, I want a diamond

I guess I am just really curious as to why it tested as a moissanite.

 

[MollyMalone]

I guess I am just really curious as to why it tested as a moissanite.

Because the person in the chain store doesn't know how to properly use the testing instrument (or it needs to be re-calibrated).

 

[pfunk]

I don't know much about diamond testers at all, but I would imagine there is a certain degree of calibration involved to ensure that it is functioning properly (could have left the factory out of calibration). Also, improper use could lead to an inaccurate reading. There are metal plates on the tester that the testers fingers must be in good contact with. The person using it may not have been doing it correctly or the machine may need some work. Could be something as simple as low batteries. I think I remember reading there are some rare diamonds that test as moissanite because of them containing boron instead of nitrogen. You may have to double check that though as my memory is sometimes off.

 

[ponyrider]

Ye, some type II (IIb, I think) contain boron instead of nitrogen, but they are supposedly rare and valuable, so I don't think mine is one of those - lol. It would be very nice, but I doubt it The thing is, the tiny stones in my wedding ring and her diamond did test as diamonds...only my solitaire did not. I am not really panicked (maybe a little worried) but more curious than anything else.

 

[Karl_K]

It doesn't hurt to get a third opinion for your peace of mind.

 

[denverappraiser]

The moissanite testers are crap. A skilled enough operator can certainly do it but an unskilled operator can get both false positives and false negatives. That makes them useless. A skilled person can do it both faster and easier with other means (see Wink's comment above).