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8 Simple Ways to Identify Whether Your Diamond Is Real or Fake at Home
Most of us have looked at the sparkling necklace of a relative or friend and wondered if it was made of real diamonds or plain stones. Some of us even have hand-me-down jewellery from our grandmothers, but we may not have the time to take it to a gemologist to get it verified. How do we tell if a white stone is a real diamond or simply sparkling glass? Sometimes the glittery and lustrous stones can turn out to be similar to cubic zirconia or moissanite, which look like diamonds. To tell a fake diamond from a real one, there are some home tests that you can put the stones through. We list down some of these tips for you to try out.
Easy Home Tests to Identify If Your Diamond is Real or Fake
It may be prudent to know how to identify a real diamond and tell it apart from other gemstones. Here are some tests that you can do at home:
1. Look at the Stone through a Loupe
A loupe is a type of magnifying glass used by jewellers. When looking at a stone through a loupe, here are some things to consider:
A real diamond will have imperfections because it is formed naturally whereas a fake stone will look perfect. But caution is to be shown here because there are lab-grown diamonds which may look perfect too.
A diamond has sharp edges while a regular stone would have rounded edges..
2. Rub Sandpaper against the Stone
Use a piece of sandpaper to rub the surface of the stone. Sandpaper, being abrasive, will create some scratch on the stone if it is moissanite or cubic zirconia. Whereas if it's a diamond, it will remain unaffected as it is one of the hardest materials known to man.
3. Water Test
If you have an unmounted stone, the water test works well for you. Fill 3/4th of a glass with water and drop the stone into it. A stone that sinks to the bottom is a diamond while one that floats on the surface of the water is fake. This is because diamonds have a very high density and hence sink immediately.
4. Fog Test
Hold the gem out in front of you and breathe warm air onto its surface the way you would do to clean a glass surface. If the layer of moisture fades immediately, then the stone is a diamond. This is because diamond conducts heat efficiently and so it disperses the heat immediately too. Any other stone will reflect a coat of moisture for much longer.
5. Reflectivity of the Stone
Hold your stone under the light and observe how the light is reflected. Diamond reflects light uniquely. The inside of the diamond will reflect pure white or grey light known as ‘brilliance’. The outside of the diamond will reflect coloured light in a beautiful way called ‘fire’. As opposed to this, ordinary stones reflect a rainbow coloured light from the inside and are not as brilliant as the diamond.
6. Refraction
Diamonds sparkle largely due to their ability to bend light and reflect it. When light hits a diamond on its angled surface, this light is bounced and refracted by the flat surface of the diamond. You can test the refraction of a stone by placing its flat side on a newspaper and looking through the pointed side, try reading the lettering. If the letters are visible even vaguely, the stone is a fake. High refraction of a diamond will ensure that light is scattered in different directions and not a straight line. It means that you cannot see through a diamond onto the other side. This test works only if you have a loose stone and not if it is in a setting.
7. Heat Test
Again, this test works if you have a loose stone. Hold it between forceps or tongs and heat it under direct fire for about 40 seconds. Immediately drop it into cold water. Gemstones cannot withstand the pressure of such a sudden change in temperature and will shatter immediately. A diamond is a very strong substance and is not affected much by the temperature change. It remains unscathed because of its ability to dissipate heat quickly.
8. Setting and Mount on Metal
If your stone is already mounted on metal, it is appropriate for you to check the setting and the metal thoroughly. If the setting reflects poor workmanship, then the stone is definitely not a diamond. Look at the etching on the mounting. If you notice markings like 18K, 22K, or PT, it indicates that the metal used is gold or platinum. Real diamonds will definitely be set in quality metal such as these. If the mount is gold-plated or silver, you can be assured that your stone isn’t a real diamond. If you also notice markings of CZ, it indicates that the stone is cubic zirconia and not a diamond.
FAQs
Here are some most-asked queries about diamonds:
1. Is It True That Real Diamonds Sparkle Rainbow Colours?
In truth, a diamond does not sparkle rainbow colours. A diamond, because of high refraction, bends and reflects light in all directions. Due to this, white light is reflected as pure white or light grey on the inside of a diamond. The rainbow colours will only be reflected on other surfaces that are outside the diamond. For example, if your diamond is set in gold, the rainbow sparkle is a reflection of the coloured light on the gold. It doesn’t come from the inside of the diamond.
2. Can a Real Diamond Cut Glass?
Diamonds can definitely scratch or cut the surface of glass with ease. This is because diamonds are known to be one of the strongest materials on Earth. They are about 40 times harder than glass and rate 10 on the ‘Mohs scale’ of hardness while glass rates a 6.
There are other methods like the UV light test which show that some diamonds give off a blue glow in UV light whereas other stones will have green, grey, or other coloured glows. A lot of the above-mentioned tests work better if you have loose stones to identify. With each case, there should be prudence and caution applied because you risk losing your fake stone with some of these tests. If you don’t mind destroying a fake stone, then the shatter test or the sandpaper ones are effective methods of confirming the identity of your stone.
An important thing to remember is that none of these tests is ‘set in stone’ and the best way for you to categorise your stone would be by taking it to an authorised jeweller. Professional jewellery businesses have advanced tools like thermal conductivity probes and accurate high profile weighing scales to determine the correct value of a stone. They also have a keen eye for spotting the differences between moissanite, white sapphire, topaz, cubic zirconia and a real diamond. If you are unsure, seek the expertise of a professional to value your gems.
Also Read:
How to Clean Gold and Silver Jewellery at Home?
Tips to Organise and Store Your Jewellery Properly
Should You Consider Gold As an Investment Option in India? Read more
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Iodine Requirement in Babies: All you Need to Know
Babies need iodine for their healthy growth. By giving them food rich in iodine, you can safeguard your baby from health problems arising out of iodine deficiency.
Iodine is one the most important minerals necessary for a baby’s development, especially for a healthy thyroid. The thyroid gland controls the release of hormones essential for metabolism, regulating growth, body temperature, blood cell production, as well as nerve and muscle function. Iodine deficiency in babies can lead to many health hazards; hence it should be an important part of their diet.
Iodine deficient babies can have an enlarged thyroid gland or goitre which can further lead to following health risks:
Insufficient hormone production
Breathing and swallowing difficulties
Hypothyroidism which is the major cause for weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, intolerance to cold and depression
Lower intelligence levels, stunted growth and other impairments due to improper brain development
Other Facts about Iodine
Infants up to 6 months need an iodine intake of 90 micrograms per day, and from 7 month till 12 months, they need around 110 micrograms
Breast milk is the only and best source of iodine for babies. Breastfeeding also helps in development of their brain and nervous system.
Iodine deficiency can be diagnosed by urine or thyroid function test.
Iodine deficiency once detected needs to be monitored and corrected. Consult your doctor in such cases to know about ways to increase your iodine content. Breastfeeding mothers might be recommended iodine supplements to ensure that the baby is getting enough iodine.
Iodised salt needs to be preserved in glass or plastic airtight containers to preserve the iodine content as excessive exposure to sunlight and moisture can destroy the same. It is advisable to consume iodised salt within 12 months of packaging.
Sources of Iodine
Iodine does not get stored in the body, so babies need some iodine on a daily basis from external sources. While mother’s milk is the best source of iodine for babies, you can include other foods that are rich in iodine in your baby’s diet as he grows.
Eggs, Meat and Dairy products
All these products contain iodine and should constitute the diet of your child. Soya milk is also a good option.
Packaged Bread
Organic, salt-free bread or bread mixes have good iodine content in them. So start using these kinds of breads for your baby during breakfast or snack times.
Seafood
Seafood is rich in iodine contents, such as tuna or salmon fish. However, many people especially kids get allergy from seafood, hence it should be properly chosen.
Natural Resources
Cereals, pulses or fresh foods that grow in soil are the best sources of iodine, which can be introduced to babies gradually.
Iodised Salt
This is the easiest source of iodine that can be included in day to day food. Use iodised salt for making any food for your child as well as your family. Sometimes we cut down on the intake of salt due to blood pressure issues, but the right amount of iodised salt is good for health.
Iodine Supplement
Certain iodine supplements are also available in the market which can be given to your babies after consulting with your pediatrician.
The body requirement of iodine changes with age, and also it is different for pregnant women. As per your baby's age, right proportions of iodine need to be included in his/her diet. Excess of iodine intake is equally harmful for babies. Most of the iodine we consume is passed out of your body with urine.
Regular intake of iodine in any form is important for your baby’s thyroid gland, and his/her overall development. Read more
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Your Antenatal Check Up Schedule
Congratulations! You are pregnant, and now all you may be looking forward towards is a hassle-free pregnancy and childbirth. Well, your doctor and midwife are the people who may help you sail smoothly through your pregnancy journey. As soon as you come to know of your pregnancy, you should fix an appointment with your doctor.
So, what happens at these maternity check-ups or antenatal check-ups and how many times do you need them? If these queries and such other questions are bothering you or if wish to know more on your antenatal check-up schedule, then go ahead and read further!
How Many Antenatal Appointments Will You Have?
If you are a first-time mommy and you have a healthy pregnancy, with no medical issues or complications, then you may be required to visit your doctor 8 to 10 times on an average. However, if this is not your first pregnancy and you are not facing any medical issues, then you may have approximately 7 to 9 antenatal visits. The number of visits may vary according to any health conditions or complications that you may be facing during your pregnancy. In case, you have a high-risk pregnancy, then your doctor may keep a close check on your pregnancy, and you may be required to go for frequent antenatal visits.
What Happens at Prenatal Appointments?
Your doctor or midwife may offer you the antenatal care according to the stage of pregnancy you are in, any health risks that you or your baby may be facing or any other complication, if any, you may have during your pregnancy. You may have to undergo various tests, scans and check-ups, which include the following:
Your obstetrician may ask you about your medical history, which may include your previous pregnancies, miscarriages if any, or any other medical condition you may have.
You could be asked about any medications that you may be taking.
Your mental health may be checked to see if you are not suffering from any form of anxiety, depression etc.
Your doctor may tell you about your Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD)
Your doctor may ask you to undergo some urine and blood tests.
Your weight and blood pressure will be monitored too.
You may be suggested some dietary and lifestyle changes.
Your doctor may like to discuss your birth plan with you.
Your doctor may conduct ultrasound scans to monitor your baby’s growth and development.
You may be asked about any physical or emotional symptoms that you are concerned about.
You may be asked to discuss any pregnancy related concerns or queries that you may have.
Week-wise Antenatal Visit Schedule
We shall now discuss your week-wise prenatal appointment schedule or prenatal care schedule.
1. Your 8 to 12 Week Visit
This may be your first antenatal visit, and this should ideally happen before 10 weeks of pregnancy. In this visit you may be asked the following details:
Your lifestyle and diet
Your medical history
Any health issues that you may be facing
Your birth plan
Whether or not you are working
Whether you plan to breastfeed or not.
Here’s some information that your doctor or midwife may share with you:
When you will be going for the ultrasound scans.
What supplements you may be required to take.
What tests and scans you may have to undergo, and your doctor will share the information of their pros and cons.
You will be handed over a copy of your report after your visit.
2. Your 10 to 14 Weeks Visit
During this visit, your doctor could conduct your first ultrasound scan. During this visit, you may come to know your expected date of delivery or EDD and also know how well your baby is growing inside you. You may also come to know if you are carrying one or more babies. Also, your doctor can try and find out if your baby may be suffering from any kind of genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome and other such complications.
3. Your 16 Weeks Visit
Your blood and urine tests results will be discussed by your doctor. In case of detection of an iron deficiency, you may be prescribed iron supplements to overcome it. Also, your urine may be tested for the presence of protein. Your weight and blood pressure will be measured too. You may also be told about your anomaly ultrasound scan that may be conducted in your next visit. At this stage, if you face any sort of discomfort or concerns, ensure that you communicate with your doctor so he/she can advise you on the steps to take.
4. Your 18 to 21 Weeks Visit
It is during this visit that your doctor may want to conduct the anomaly scan. This scan is performed to see how your baby is developing inside your womb and to also to check whether or not there may be any kind of physical abnormalities present in the foetus. In countries where it is legal, parents may also be told about the sex of their baby. Also, if you may not have had your screening for Hepatitis B, Syphilis or HIV, it may be conducted now.
5. Your 25 Weeks Visit
You will probably have to go for this visit in case you are a first-time mommy-to-be. Your blood pressure may be checked, and your urine may again be examined for the presence of protein as a precaution. Your doctor may measure the size of the baby bump by doing so from the top of your bump to the pelvic bone- this is done to see how your baby is developing.
6. Your 28 Weeks Visit
Your obstetrician may conduct a blood test to check your iron levels and also to check your antibodies. If your levels aren't within the favourable range, your doctor may suggest an appropriate dosage of supplements. From here on your doctor will also measure your baby bump every time to see how well your baby may be developing. The routine blood and urine work may follow. In case you have been found out to be rhesus negative blood type, and there may be a likelihood that your baby may be rhesus positive, your doctor may give you an anti-D injection to kill any antibodies that your body may develop.
7. Your 31 Weeks Visit
During this visit, you can expect our urine may be checked for protein once again, and your blood pressure may be checked too. Your doctor could also discuss the test results of any previous visits. Your midwife may measure the size of your uterus to monitor the growth of your baby.
8. Your 34 Weeks Visit
This is the time when you may be told about labour pains, how to differentiate between active and false labour, how to cope up with the labour and also how do you plan for your labour. Your doctor may also discuss normal and caesarean delivery. If there are any chances that you may have to undergo a c-section, your doctor will discuss the same with you. However, it may be too soon to decide at this stage about the kind of delivery that you may have. If you are rhesus negative, then you may be given your second shot of anti-D injection during this time.
9. Your 36 Weeks Visit
You are close to your delivery, and thus your doctor or midwife may like to share the following information with you:
How to breastfeed your baby
Any screening tests that may be required for your newborn baby.
How you may take care of your health after delivery.
You may also be told about postpartum depression or baby blues.
Apart from discussing the above issues, your doctor or midwife will check the position of your baby. In case your baby is in breech position, ECV or external cephalic version may be offered. Your baby bump may be measured too. Your urine and blood pressure will again be checked again. Your baby bump or uterus may be measured as well.
9. Your 38 Weeks Visit
Your uterus may be measured to check the progress of your baby along with testing your urine for protein and checking your blood pressure too. At this stage, your doctor may like to discuss your options, in case your pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks of pregnancy. You may feel all jittery and worried as you near your delivery, however, you should feel free to discuss any of your doubts and worries with your midwife or your doctor.
11. Your 40 Weeks Visit
This visit will be required in case it is your first-time pregnancy otherwise you may give this a miss. The routine urine tests, blood pressure check-up and the measurement of the uterus may take place. You may be given more information in case your pregnancy may be expected to go beyond 41 weeks.
12. Your 41 Weeks Visit
Though most women may go through labour during this time, however, sometimes women can experience no signs of labour till this time. In such cases, your doctor may offer you a membrane swipe. In case of first-time pregnancy, you may have had a membrane swipe once before at around 40 weeks antenatal visit. However, your doctor will ask you before conducting a membrane swipe again, and it may be totally your call. Apart from this, standard urine and blood work will be conducted. In the case of membrane sweep not being successful, your doctor may suggest you to go in for induction. However, the decision always lies with you. If you do not wish to go in for induction, you may be offered regular monitoring by your doctor and midwife till you may go into labour.
Your doctor and midwife monitor your pregnancy to detect any risk factors that may affect your baby or you during your pregnancy journey. However, if you are facing any medical complications such as diabetes, hypertension or others, then your pregnancy may be closely monitored by your doctor and midwife.
Also Read:
Common Trimester Wise Tests during Pregnancy Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. Hi, for May 1st they will check AFI fluid... should I need to be on empty bladder for that scan... which is around 37 weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. It’s completely normal this kind of an ultrasound is different it is not necessary that your stomach should be full or you should go empty stomach you can have your basic breakfast and all whatever you would want to eat before you go ahead with getting a scan and there is no need to go empty stomach for the scan
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. hi everyone..the position of my baby is still in breech position from first trimester till now as I entered in my third trimester position is still breech is it normal..
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. Check your scan report
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Mera Mera 7th month end pe hai ab scan Karate doctor please tell me
Manali K Mehta
Mom of 2 children
19 mins ago
A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist and follow their instructions
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
10 hours ago
Q. what types of clothes are good for a new born baby during summers
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. Cotton, Muslin clothes can be used. Prefer white or light coloured clothes since it absorb less heat.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts please suggest diet plan for wait gain of my 2 years old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. normal traditional food rich in protein ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
54 mins ago
Q. My due date is 5/5/24 but doctor was saying that baby head didn't get down.is it possible normal delivery for me
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
32 mins ago
A. depends on many factors your doctor can explain you after ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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