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About Diamond TestingThermal conductivity based diamond testers have traditionally exploited the fact that a diamond's ability to conduct heat (thermal conductivity) is significantly greater than that of all traditional simulants, including CZ.
The advent of moissanite, with a thermal conductivity much closer to that of diamond, complicated the picture. As thermal "diamond testers" cannot tell the difference between moissanite and diamond, some other test is needed to distinguish between these stones.
This other test could be a measurement of the electrical conductivity or of the optical properties of the stone.
Electronic moissanite testers commonly employ electrical conductivity test to distinguish diamond from moissanite.
Some products incorporate two types of tests in a single device, sometimes making both measurements simultaneously.
Since the thermal conductivity of metal is close to that of diamond, it is helpful for the tester to warn you when you are touching the prong of a ring rather than the stone itself.
Other factors to be considered when selecting a unit are ease of handling, size and portability, power source (AC, battery, or both), and simplicity of operation. Use the following chart as a starting point in your selection.
| Tester |
Diamond vs. Traditional Simulants |
Diamond vs. Moissanite |
Helps to distinguish commonly confused colored stones |
Helps to distinguish most colored stones |
Warranty |
Power |
Size |
| TRADITIONAL DIAMOND TESTERS: |
| Tri Electronics Diamond Jet 100 |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
3 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (opt) |
3.6"x1.1"x2.7"
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| Presidium DiamondMate-A |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (opt) |
6.3"x1.2x 0.8" |
| Presidium DiamondMate-C |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (included)
AC (included) |
6.3"x1.2x 0.8" |
| Mizar Diamond Detective |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (included) |
- |
| RS Mizar Prestige Series II |
yes |
no |
few |
no |
7 yrs |
battery (included) |
- |
| Presidium Gem Tester |
yes |
no |
yes |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (opt),
AC (included) |
6.5"x3"x3" |
| MOISSANITE TESTERS: |
| Presidium Moissanite Tester II |
no |
yes |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (opt) |
- |
| RS Mizar Moissanite Terminator |
no |
yes |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (included) |
- |
| DIAMOND/MOISSANITE TESTERS: |
| Presidium MultiTester |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (opt) |
6.3"x1.2x 0.8" |
| RS Mizar DiamondNite |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (included)
|
- |
| Presidium Combi Tester |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
2 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (opt) |
2 testers
6.3"x1.2x 0.8" each |
| GEM TESTERS: |
| PresidiumDuo Tester |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
2 yrs |
battery (opt)
AC (included) |
6.3"x1.2x 0.8" each |
If you need more information on diamond testers, please contact us by e-mail at info@igem.com.
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