Identification of Real Diamond - Traditional Methods

As per Ratna Pariksha - A Real diamond cannot be scratched by any other stone by not even ruby. Once I found a stone (Imitation Diamond made of glass), I took that to my Nanaji (mother's father) and asked him if it could be a diamond. He had quickly worn a watch makers lens and possibly scratched the diamond with a sharp plucker tool. It scratched the stone very easily. He said "It is not a diamond, it is possibly ordinary glass, Real diamond can be scratched only with another diamond"

So, if you find a transparent white stone when travelling to a remote place scratch it with another stone, if you are not able to scratch it....... you know now it could be worth putting that in your bag. (I do not know if the stone could become legally yours)

Note: Don't try this with a polished stone, you can spoil it. This test was used in the past somewhere beyond 100 years and over and is only handy when identifying a raw diamond stone. Just hope you do not touch a raw diamond with the sharp tool on the best edge. It can cost you a fortune

I've read about other methods as well. But, so far have not tested their authenticity:-

1. When you place a real diamond on your eyelids it feels cool and does not get warmer soon. While this is not so in case of a ordinary stone.
2. Real diamond does not loose its shine on wearing it.
3. Real diamond is dense, when you take another stone of the same size you will feel the real diamond heavier.

Oppenheimer Diamond

Oppenheimer diamond is a big 253.7 carat yellow diamond. This diamond is named after the owner of the diamond mine Sir Ernest Oppenheimer where it was found. The uniqueness of this diamond is it is a naturally formed well shaped octahedron diamond.

Dichroscope - Gemology

Dichroscope is a pocket tool used for Gemological purposes which helps detecting the quality of a transparent gemstones taking into consideration their chroic (Dichroic, Trichroic etc.) property. There are two types of Dichroscopes available in the market.

1. Calcite dichroscope - One with Calcite
   Calcite dichroscope two rectangular views of the polarized light at the same time. This makes the reading more precise.
   
   
2. Polarization dichroscope - One with Polarizing filter
   Polarization dichroscope shows only a single view of the polarized light at a time, also this tool in-spite of being economic is less effective with weak pleochroism. Hence, Calcite dichroscope is better prescribed.

Note: This tool is only useful with transparent gemstones.

Pavé Setting Collections

Ring with mesh of Diamonds held together
with Pavé Setting

Websites selling jewelry Pavé settings

1. http://www.since1910.com/engagement/pave-settings.aspx
2. http://www.b2cjewels.com/websearchresult.aspx?from=websearch&keyword=Pave%20Set
   
3. http://www.hkdesignsinc.net/micro-pave-collection.htm
4. http://www.bluenile.com/keyword_content_check.jsp?qt=pave+settings
5. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/

Ratna Pariksha

Ratna Pariksha is an ancient gemological science on testing gem stones for their purity. The mention of this treatise is also found in Kautilaya's (traditionally identified as Chāṇakya) Arthaśāstra which was composed around 323-299 B.C. So, this makes the treatise even older.

Ratna Pariksha discusses traditional gemstones like Vajra, Indranila, Marakata, Karketana, Padmaraga, Rudhirakhya, Vidurya, Pulaka, Vimalaka, Rajamani, Sphatika, Sasikanta, Saugandlika, Pushparaga, Brahmamani, Jyotirasa, Sasyaka, Mukta, Pravals

Ratna Pariksha has classified 22 Maha-ratnas and Upa-ratnas. The Nine famous ratnas (Navratna) of India come under Maha-ratnas