#2 The setting
Image Source: Koshy Koshy
In most cases, consumers will be purchasing diamonds that have already been set. Criminals who are trying to sell fake diamonds are not likely to invest a lot in the setting, meaning that it will probably not be made from a genuine precious metal. Look for engravings such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750, 900, 950, PT, or Plat, which may be a good indication that the stone is genuine. This method is not foolproof, but if the seller happens to be foolish enough, there’s a chance they could be trying to sell a piece that has “C.Z.” stamped on it, which guarantees that it is a fake stone made from Cubic Zirconia.
