Wanting to buy diamond tester pens?
Purchasing and owning diamonds elevates anyone’s gemstone or jewelry collection. However, this is only true if you can guarantee that every diamond you own is real. Going to a licensed jewelry appraiser is a guaranteed way to determine diamond authenticity. But some are considering purchasing diamond tester pens online to help “check” their diamonds. Do these really work? Let’s find out.
What Are Diamond Tester Pens and How Do They Work?
Some individuals are considering a pocket-friendly approach to diamond testing. Locally, some online outlets sell what are called diamond tester pens. These are small handheld devices that use either heat or electricity to test how quickly your diamond conducts them.
The Science Behind Diamond Testing
The science behind this is that diamonds react to these stimulants in a distinct and recognizable manner. You should be able to discern if your diamond is real, based on whether or not it reacts to light or electricity the way a diamond is expected to. If it deviates from what’s normal for a diamond, you likely have reason to question its authenticity.
While diamond tester pens are indeed used by legitimate gemologists and jewelers, the instruments they use are certified genuine. There are no strong regulations for online sale of these goods to the general public, which means buyers will find it difficult to tell if the pens they are purchasing will function properly. Defective pens may yield inaccurate results, giving buyers reason to doubt (or wrongly trust) their diamond purchases.
More so, even if online shoppers manage to get their hands on a high-quality tester pen, this product does not have the technology that allows it to differentiate between naturally occurring and lab-grown diamonds. Some individuals may prefer one over the other, and using a tester pen won’t help them identify what kind their diamond is. It’s the same issue for individuals who want to know if their diamond is not just plain old glass or a man-made Moissanite—a gemstone with similar physical properties to diamonds at first glance and similar heat conductivity.
Tester pens also have trouble providing precise readings if a diamond is dirty, has an atypical cut, or is already set in jewelry, considering that these pens are known to malfunction if they touch metal.
Finally, the most that tester pens (even the best ones) will tell you is whether your diamond is real or not, but won’t provide insight on color, cut, clarity, and carat, which are more reliable standards of a diamond’s value and which only a licensed appraiser can tell you about.
Why Licensed Jewelry Appraisers Remain the Gold Standard
In short, a diamond tester pen, though available for purchase by any diamond owner, has several limitations. It is useful only for very casual and initial evaluations. Those seeking more precise and in-depth valuations of their diamonds would do better by seeking the services of licensed appraisers, gemologists, or jewelers.
