Ass #18 - Key Terms and Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is a doublet in gemstone terminology?

A gemstone with a foilback

A technique for cutting gemstones

Two pieces of material fused together (correct)

A type of synthetic diamond

Which of the following accurately describes a diamond simulant?

It imitates a diamond's appearance but is not a diamond (correct)

It can only be produced in small quantities

It is always made from lab-grown materials

It must be a natural stone

Which instrument uses thermal conductivity to distinguish diamonds from simulants?

Heft Tester

Electrical Tester

Multitester

Thermal Tester (correct)

What does the term 'foilback' refer to in gemstone terminology?

A gemstone with a thin metallic foil applied Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following statements about synthetic moissanite is correct?

It can cause misleading results on standard diamond testers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to identify assembled simulants?

Evaluating luster differences Signup and view all the answers

What feature makes cubic zirconia (CZ) stand out in the market of diamond simulants?

It is the most popular diamond simulant on the market Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is important when examining color coatings on simulants?

Facet junctions and iridescent facets Signup and view all the answers

What does the heft of a diamond typically compare to?

Lighter than most simulants Signup and view all the answers

Which luster types are the best that simulants can exhibit?

Vitreous and subadamantine Signup and view all the answers

A measure of how well an electrical current passes through a material is called ?

Electrical Conductivity Signup and view all the answers

Heft is defined as ?

How heavy an object feels in relation to its size Signup and view all the answers

An instrument that measures both thermal and electrical conductivity to test diamonds and simulants is.....

Multi-Testers Signup and view all the answers

Glass imitation gemstones and diamonds.

Paste Signup and view all the answers

A trade term used to describe diamond imitations made of glass or plastic, with or without foilback is....

Rhinestone Signup and view all the answers

Surface appearance with slightly less sharp reflections than adamantine.

Subadamantine Signup and view all the answers

Glass-like surface appearance is.......?

Vitreous Signup and view all the answers

Simulants can be .....

natural or human-made. Signup and view all the answers

Simulants can be produced in nearly any size and quantity and cost .......

less than natural or lab-grown diamonds Signup and view all the answers

Convincing diamond simulants .........

mimic some diamond’s features, but can never mimic all features Signup and view all the answers

Diamond simulants have improved over time, but older simulants..............

may still be seen Signup and view all the answers

Synthetic and natural colorless sapphire were popular diamond simulants in the .........

1990s Signup and view all the answers

Zircon and cubic zirconia are......

two different simulants Signup and view all the answers

What is needed to conclusively identify a stone?

A combination of methods Signup and view all the answers

Diamond has a higher, what, than most simulants?

thermal conductivity than most simulants. Signup and view all the answers

Moissanite testers use electrical conductivity to separate ........

synthetic moissanite from diamonds and other simulants. Signup and view all the answers

Make sure to check for doubling in .......

at least three directions Signup and view all the answers

The read-through test is only reliable for....

well-proportioned round brilliant cut stones. Signup and view all the answers

The heft test only works for.........

loose stones Signup and view all the answers

Girdles on simulants can’t be, what, like those on diamonds?

bruted like those on diamonds Signup and view all the answers

A jewelry professional can help clients or customers ..........

feel good about buying simulants Signup and view all the answers

The best defense against false claims about simulants is .....

thorough knowledge and up-to-date skills Signup and view all the answers

Be aware of what for common diamond simulants?

trade names and misnomers Signup and view all the answers

When it comes to selling diamond simulants you shouldn't sell them unless ......

certain of its identity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diamond Simulants

Simulants are materials that mimic diamonds, but are not natural or lab-grown diamonds.
Simulants are used as substitutes for diamonds.
Simulants can be natural or human-made.
Simulants are often produced in larger quantities and cost less than natural or lab-grown diamonds.
Simulants can convincingly mimic many diamond features.

Identifying Simulants

Simulant identification requires paying close attention to a variety of characteristics.
Paying attention to the luster differences and the area around the circumference (girdle) is important in identifying assembled simulants.
Examine facet junctions and reflect characteristics for identifying surface coatings on simulants.
Comparing thermal conductivity is useful in distinguishing diamonds from some simulants.
Use a combination of methods to conclusively identify a stone or simulant.
Diamond has higher thermal conductivity than most simulants.
Synthetics moissanite can cause a standard diamond tester to indicate diamond.
Moissanite testers use electrical conductivity to separate synthetic moissanite from diamonds and other simulants.

Diamond Simulant Types

Doublets are two pieces of material fused together to create a single assembled stone.
Synthetic and natural colored sapphire were once popular diamond simulants, as were Zircon and Cubic Zirconia.
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the most popular diamond simulant on the market.
Pay special attention to luster differences and areas above and below the girdle when identifying simulants.

Testing and Verification

Double check for doubling in at least 3 directions, a reliable test using well-proportioned round brilliant cut stones.
Diamond's have a lower specific gravity compared to most simulants.
Diamonds have a lower heft.

Other Important Considerations

Subadamantine and vitreous surface appearances are characteristic of simulants.
Girdles on simulants are different than those on diamonds.
Gemstone professionals can help customers feel confident in the purchase of simulants.
Be aware of trade names and any misnomers used to describe simulants.
Thorough knowledge and up-to-date skills are important in defending against false claims about simulants.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and identification of diamond simulants. Participants will learn how to distinguish simulants from real diamonds by examining features such as luster, facet junctions, and thermal conductivity. Gain insights into the methods used for accurate identification and the implications of using simulants.