The Laings Journal
Can you tell the difference between real and faux diamonds? The trend for wearing faux stones is increasing as people keep their valuable jewellery for special occasions. Even the Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted wearing non-precious pearl and cubic zirconia earrings and countless Hollywood stars wear fake gems on the red carpet to avoid the insurance costs associated with real jewels. Who could forget the 18 carat $5 million engagement ring Rapper Jay Z bought for Beyonce? No one would have guessed that she wears an imitation version on stage and keeps the real thing locked away.
Trick – faux stones
Replica stones are a cost-effective alternative that won’t break the bank if accidentally damaged. Our extensive costume jewellery range is a popular choice for people who have diamonds but don’t necessarily want to take them abroad. This Carat* London Sterling silver faux pearl and crystal pendant is the perfect alternative to the real thing and makes popular wedding jewellery for the bride or her bridesmaids. The high price of diamonds can sometimes sway customers to wear imitated diamond jewellery that looks very similar to the real thing - and as long as you choose well made, high quality costume jewellery it can be difficult to tell at a glance that its not really precious.
Treat - real stones
On the other hand investing in real stones is particularly worth the money for those landmark occasions. Spending on real diamonds for engagement and wedding rings is common practice and worth the extra cash for a piece that could become a family heirloom. Diamonds are the hardest wearing natural substance known to man - their rarity, natural beauty and brilliance are just some of the reasons they are so celebrated. Particularly when it comes to an engagement ring you will wear every day - this is where they show their worth in their longevity and ability to sparkle their way through the generations as an indestructible emblem of love.
This Crislu white stone eternity ring is a wallet-friendly alternative to real diamonds but we can’t resist this 18ct white gold 0.61ct brilliant cut diamond ring,it’s a larger investment but worth the extra cash for that valuable polished, spectacular diamond.
When it comes to the slightly less romantic bit of checking you are investing in authentic precious metals and stones, there are numerous tests that jewellers use to tell if a diamond is real but you can take a look yourself by checking its setting and mount. A real diamond is unlikely to be set in an inexpensive metal and there should be a 3 figure number stamp inside indicating that the ring is real gold or platinum (9ct Gold - 375, 18ct Gold - 750, Platinum 950). In addition, when you buy real stones from a reputable jeweller they will often come with a certificate of authenticity with information about the carat, clarity, colour and cut.
Whether you plan to invest in dazzling real diamonds or hope to bag a bargain with our extensive range of faux stones, it’s worth looking at both options to work out what really suits your lifestyle.