Authenticating Wedding Bands: Real Or Not?

Wedding bands are a symbol of marriage, worn on the ring finger of the left hand in Western cultures. They are traditionally made from precious metals such as gold, platinum, or silver, and often feature engravings on the inside of the band. With diamond rings becoming increasingly popular, many people are concerned about the authenticity of their jewellery. To determine whether a wedding band is real, one can look for hallmarks that indicate the band's metal purity, perform at-home tests such as the float test, or consult a professional jeweller.

Check the ring's reflection

To check if a wedding band is real, you can test the ring's reflection. This can be done by holding the diamond ring in the light and twisting it to observe its gemstones from different sides. Examine the colours of light in the gemstone's reflection.

Diamonds reflect light very well, so you should see both shimmers of white or grey light and some colours inside the diamonds. If the ring's gems only reflect coloured light (especially a lot of orange hues) or produce weak light reflections, and poor colours, it might not be a real diamond ring.

This test is fast, but it's not necessarily easy. It takes a certain level of training and familiarity with a diamond's sparkle to be able to use it to tell a real diamond ring from a fake. It's a good idea to practice this test using real diamonds and fake diamonds to compare the two side-by-side in the light. If you don't have two diamonds, one real and one fake, to work with, you may find resources and videos online to learn how to do this test.

You'll want to learn, for example, how moissanite sparkle compares to diamonds, as well as how other stimulants differ from diamond sparkle, such as diamonds vs cubic zirconia.

Breathe on the ring

If you want to know whether your wedding band is real, one test you can try is breathing on the ring. Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat, so if you breathe on the ring and it's real, the condensation will disappear almost instantly. If it's a fake, it will take longer to clear up.

However, it's worth noting that moissanite – a naturally occurring silicone carbide – will also pass this test. Therefore, it's a good idea to combine this test with others. For example, you could compare the weight of your diamond to a known cubic zirconia of the same size. Cubic zirconia is almost 50% denser than diamond, so you should be able to feel the difference.

You could also try the float test. Drop your ring into a glass of water. If it's real, it will sink to the bottom. Fake stones may also sink, but this test can give you a good indication of whether your ring is real or not.

Another test you can try is the scratch test. Diamonds are very hard, so nothing will scratch them except another diamond. Grab a knife and gently scratch the top of the stone. If it scratches, it's not a diamond.

If you're still unsure, you could always take your ring to a professional jeweller to be tested.

Weigh the ring

Weighing the ring is a good way to determine whether a wedding band is real or fake. Gold and platinum are classified as heavy metals, denser than water, so they will sink straight to the bottom of a glass of water. If the ring hovers in the middle or floats to the top, it is not solid gold or platinum. Gold and platinum also have a noticeable weightiness, so a ring made from these metals should feel heavier than a ring made from silver or non-precious metals.

If you have access to a high-end digital scale or a professional diamond scale, you can perform a weight test to determine whether a diamond is real. You will need to compare the weight of the diamond in question to that of an authentic diamond of the same size. Cubic zirconia, for example, is almost 50% denser than diamond, so it will be much heavier for its size and carat.

Hallmarks are another way to verify the authenticity of a ring. A hallmark is a small stamp on the inside of a ring that verifies the percentage of precious metal present. Depending on the location, the hallmark will indicate the gold's karat weight and purity differently. In the US, the hallmark describes gold purity out of 24 (e.g. 10k, 18k, etc.). In Europe, the number will be a decimal indicating gold percentage (e.g. 1.00 is pure gold, 0.75 is 18k, 0.417 is 10k, etc.).

If you are still unsure whether a ring is real, you can always take it to a professional jeweller to be tested.

Check the ring's engraving

When checking the engraving on a wedding band, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the width of the band will determine if it can be engraved and how much text can be included. Bands less than 3mm wide are often considered too small, while those between 4-6mm are deemed ideal, accommodating up to two rows of text. The material of the band is another factor, as certain metals are better suited to specific engraving methods. For instance, hand engravings are typically used for smaller engravings and are ideal for softer metals like gold. In contrast, silver and platinum are better suited for machine engravings, and laser engravings work best on tungsten or titanium.

When deciding whether to engrave your wedding band, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Engravings add a sentimental touch and preserve special moments, making the ring unique and intimate. They are also affordable, with costs typically under $50. However, it is essential to remember that engravings are permanent, so choosing a trusted engraving service and being certain about the text or design is crucial to avoid mistakes.

Take the ring to a professional

If you're unsure about the authenticity of your wedding band, the best course of action is to take it to a professional jeweller. They will be able to tell you almost immediately if your ring is real or fake. They have the tools, high-powered magnifying glasses, experience and training to get the job done.

Firstly, a professional jeweller will be able to check your ring for hallmarks. Hallmarks are small stamps branded into a piece of jewellery to verify the percentage of precious metal present. In many countries, it is a legal requirement. For example, in the UK, a ring should bear at least three marks: the sponsor's mark, the standard mark, and the mark identifying which of the four UK Assay Offices branded it.

Secondly, a professional jeweller will be able to perform a variety of tests to check the authenticity of your ring. They can perform a scratch test, a fog test, a water test, a heat test, a blacklight test, a transparency test, a loupe test, a microscope test, and a diamond tester test.

Thirdly, a professional jeweller will be able to tell you the resale value of your ring. This will give you an indication of whether your ring is real or fake.

Finally, a professional jeweller will be able to give you peace of mind. They will either confirm that your ring is real or they will be able to tell you that it is fake. This will allow you to take the appropriate next steps, such as getting a refund or taking legal action.

Frequently asked questions