Is your diamond for real? Maybe not

A random check by HT reveals that well-known jewellers in Delhi, even after a couple of checks, declared moissanite to be a diamond, reports Namita Kohli.

The diamond that you bought may be a moissanite — far cheaper than the real thing, but with properties that could fool an expert. A diamond lookalike, moissanite (silicon carbide), has been in India for two years now. And a random check by HT revealed that well-known jewellers in Delhi, even after a couple of checks, declared it to be a diamond.

HT Image

“When I started dealing in moissanites, many small-time jewellers suggested I market them as diamonds,” says Niraj Johri, a Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-trained gemologist. Nidhi Jain of Sitaldass and Sons in Connaught Place adds, “One dealer said the profit margin is huge in this business, but we refused.” GIA India director Deepak Bagai says that it’s very tough to figure out a moissanite, especially in mounted jewellery, as most jewellers don’t possess a moissanite tester.