In this world of advanced technology it is almost impossible to simply look at a diamond and determine whether it is real or not – especially if you don’t know much about diamonds. There are some steps that you can take to avoid buying a fake diamond, however.

First, only deal with reputable jewelers, and when you find a reputable jeweler, stick with them. Avoid buying diamonds or other jewelry from jewelers that you have never dealt with before in the past. Ask to see the certificate for the stone. If no certificate exists, walk away.

Look at the setting that the stone is in. Fake diamonds, such as zirconias, are usually set in low quality metals. Take a close look at the stone. Fake diamonds are not durable – natural diamonds, on the other hand, are the most durable stone on the planet. Look forscratches or nicks. After purchasing a diamond, take it to another jeweler for appraisal. In fact, take it to two or three other jewelers for an appraisal to make sure that the appraisals are all fairly close. If you find that you have purchased a fake diamond, you may be accused of making a switch when you return to the store of your purchase; therefore, it is important to have a certificate for the diamond. No two stones are alike.

* If a cubic zirconia is mounted in a high-quality diamond mount made of 18-karat gold or platinum, you are not likely to be able to spot the fake diamond unless you're an expert.

* These days, some of the best imitation diamonds are made of moissanite. This substance, which didn't come on the market until 1998, so closely resembles a diamond that even experts have a hard time telling the two stones apart without a special instrument. Moissanite sells for about one-tenth the price of diamonds.

* When purchasing "diamonds" online or buying stones you have not seen or had independently appraised, make sure the sale is accompanied by a grading report provided by an independent lab like the GIA. When you do make a purchase, get everything in writing.