Of course, it makes sense that you would only want to buy the best, especially if you are spending your hard-earned money on such items. When it comes to diamonds, this statement cannot be truer.
If you want to go all-in on what you believe is the most precious stone on earth, the last thing you would want to find is that the stone is actually moissanite, which is a stimulant that is made of silicon carbide to imitate diamonds.
In most cases, jewelers make use of diamond detectors to confirm the genuineness of diamonds. In most cases, these devices are handheld devices that are portable and can be carried around in your pocket.
In this article, we will talk about some of the best diamond testers that are available in the market; additionally, we will also talk about their costs. So, let us get started.
What Are Diamond Testers?
Before we get into the gist of this article, let us first learn some basics about these devices. A typical diamond detector is a compact electronic gadget that is commonly owned by jewelers. These devices are used to confirm the genuineness of the diamonds. As mentioned previously, these devices are often handheld and can be carried around in your pocket.
In most cases, these devices are fitted with a tiny needle-shaped tip that you need to touch the diamond with. Next, a unique visual cue or a sound will alert you about the clarity of the stone.
These testers make use of the basics of thermal conductivity to determine the value of the stone. Heat conduction through various types of objects varies significantly, and diamonds are not an exception. However, there are some diamond testers that make use of electrical conductivity instead of thermal to determine the clarity of the stone.
There are two main types of diamond testers – they include:
Heat Testers
Heat diamond testers make use of heat to create thermal conductivity between the tip of the device and the diamond to determine its quality. Based on the available data, the quality of the reading is calculated based on the speed of the heat that passes through the stone. However, moissanite, which is a diamond-like simulant, cannot be detected with this type of tester.
Electric Testers
If you are looking for something more reliable, then electric diamond testers are the next best choice. These devices will perform the same way as heat testers; however, the results will be much more accurate. One reason why electric diamond testers are more expensive than heat ones is that they are capable of detecting moissanite.
What Are Some Of The Best Diamond Testers In The Market, Along With The Prices?
Some of the best diamond detectors in the market, along with their prices, include:
1. StillCool
How much is a diamond tester: $16.99
The StillCool diamond tester is definitely one of the most obvious choices for this list because it is so inexpensive. This device can easily help you separate the genuine stones from the fake ones without you having to spend a lot. While this particular device can be used on all types of stones, it will only detect the real ones.
Another great aspect of this tool is that it runs on batteries, which means that it is easy to understand and use. Its functionality is very simple and will warn you both visually and vocally about the authenticity of the stone. You can test either compact-shaped or bulky diamonds simply by pressing the primary On switch.
2. DigiWeigh
How much is a diamond tester: $59.99
If you want to test other materials apart from diamonds, like platinum, silver, and gold, then this DigiWeigh diamond tester is considered the ideal choice. The pack also includes various types of acids that can help you gain additional insights into the quality of the materials.
The pack also includes a 30x magnifier and an electric tester so that you can check which diamond is the shiniest. If you are not happy with the product, the company also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
3. Presidium II
How much is a diamond tester: $264
The Presidium II diamond tester is an amazing diamond-testing device that is more durable, lightweight, and compact than most other similar devices. It is made for professional use, which is why most diamond merchants will enjoy its features more than novices.
While the device may be thermoelectric, it primarily makes use of heat to provide the results. Of course, heat is less accurate than electricity; however, the results will still be precise and will quickly be displayed on the analog screen. The Presidium II can work on more than 16 types of stones, including diamonds and moissanite, thereby providing a wide range of testing.
This device has a very modern design and is fitted with in-built and interchangeable calibrations, which will depend on whether you plan to use it indoors or outdoors. The retractable tip is also known to be one of the slimmest in the market, which makes it perfect for measuring tiny stones as small as 0.02 carats.
4. GemOro
How much is a diamond tester: $249
One of the most sensitive and accurate diamond testers in the market today. The build and make of the device are patented and have been designed to be easy to use and very portable. It is also quite versatile, which means that you can use it to test a wide range of gemstones, apart from diamonds.
The cone indicator has a red/green system and will denote the authenticity of the stones when the tip glows. For clear visibility, the tester is fitted with an LED illuminator, apart from an audible warning. With the help of this device, you will be able to detect moissanite, metals, white sapphires, and diamonds with ease.
Overall, the probe is very robust and is protected via a spring-loaded cover. It does not take more than 10 seconds to get done with the warmup between the tests. When you are not using it, the auto-off function will help you save power. This device is certainly a top-quality diamond tester in this list.
5. Presidium Adamas
How much is a diamond tester: $399
Presidium Adamas is a very accurate diamond tester that can accurately measure diamonds as small as 0.02 carats. Additionally, it is also fitted with a micro-tip with an accuracy range of 0.01 carat. This is the most common device that you can find easily in jewelry stores.
The adjustable tips mean that you can easily get the probe tip replaced if it is worn out or damaged. This is quite an important advantage of this device because replacing an old tester with a new one can be very expensive. Additionally, you can easily test simulants like moissanite and diamonds.
The thermoelectric diamond tester can be charged via USB. Also, it can be carried around. Another important feature of this device is that it has an in-built memory chip that can store up to 500.
Important Criteria To Remember
When you are looking for the best diamond testers, it is recommended that you keep some basic considerations in your mind. Some of them include:
Brand
There are some models that are very diverse and can be seen on other review platforms as well. For instance, Presidium is such a brand that is popularly used by the jewelry market. Of course, you need to get some research done so that you have enough information about the brands and their products.
Price
Of course, diamond testers are available in a wide price range. Of course, you can choose something that is pocket-friendly. However, expensive devices will also provide many more features, which can help you determine the quality of the stone.
Ease Of Use
If you are a beginner, it is advised that you look for something that is easy to understand and use. The tester needs to be comfortable and modest so that you do not spend more than the required time of analysis and/or setup.
Most of these testers are fitted with visual and sound cues, which makes them perfect for immediate use. Hence, if you are always busy visiting auctions instead of analyzing, it is best you opt for something more portable.
Conductivity
In the case of diamond testers, they are available in two types of conductions – heat and electric. However, which one of the two is the better option?
Of course, electric testers are much better choices than heat testers. This is because they are capable of detecting moissanite, something which is not possible by heat testers. However, they also tend to be more expensive. It is suggested that experts and professionals opt for the electric ones. As for on-budget users, heat testers are a better alternative because they are much cheaper and also provide on-point results.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the pricing on a diamond tester will depend on various types of factors – for instance, whether you are using an electric or heating device, portability, ease of use, etc. If you are a beginner, it is advised that you stick with something that is pocket-friendly. As you start getting used to it, you can later opt for the advanced and more expensive ones.
