How to Verify Gold and Diamonds Before You Buy
- Cindy Adem
- Oct 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Why Verification Matters in the Gold and Diamond Trade
When dealing with precious minerals like gold and diamonds, verification isn’t just about authenticity—it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring legal compliance, and avoiding scams. Whether you're an investor, a jeweler, or a first-time buyer, knowing how to confirm the legitimacy and quality of these assets is crucial.
Gold and diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are in high demand, but the region’s complex mining landscape makes proper verification even more important. Without the right checks, buyers risk purchasing low-quality, counterfeit, or even illegally sourced materials.
Here’s what you need to know to confidently verify gold and diamonds before making a purchase.
How to Verify Gold Before Purchase
1️⃣ Check the Purity with an Assay Test
The purity of gold is measured in karats (K) or fineness (parts per thousand). Common purities include:
24K (99.9% pure) – Pure gold, soft and often used for investment.
22K (91.6% pure) – Mostly used in jewelry.
18K (75% pure) – A mix of gold and other metals for durability.
Testing Methods:
Acid Test: A small scratch is made on the gold, and nitric acid is applied to see how it reacts.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Scanner: A non-destructive test that instantly determines gold purity.
Fire Assay (Cupellation): The most accurate but labor-intensive method, often used for high-value transactions.
Pro Tip: Always request an assay certificate from a trusted laboratory to confirm purity before completing a purchase.
2️⃣ Verify Legal Documentation and Chain of Custody
In the DRC, gold transactions require legal paperwork to ensure traceability. Buyers should demand:
Export permits and tax clearance certificates from the seller.
Ownership documentation proving the gold isn’t illicitly sourced.
Government-registered assay reports verifying purity.
At TerraNova Minerals, we ensure all gold transactions are fully documented, with legal export permits and certified assay reports to protect buyers from fraudulent dealings. Read more about our process here.
3️⃣ Physical and Visual Inspection
Weight and Density Check: Real gold has a specific density (19.3 g/cm³). Counterfeit gold, especially tungsten-filled bars, will have different density readings.
Magnet Test: Pure gold is not magnetic—if it sticks to a magnet, it’s likely impure or fake.
Hallmarks and Stamps: Check for standard markings (e.g., 999 for pure gold, 750 for 18K) and match them with official records.
How to Verify Diamonds Before Purchase
1️⃣ The 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat
To ensure you’re buying a high-quality diamond, consider the 4Cs:
Cut: Determines brilliance. Well-cut diamonds reflect light beautifully.
Clarity: Refers to internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes). Fewer flaws mean a more valuable stone.
Color: Diamonds range from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z)—colorless diamonds are the most valuable.
Carat Weight: The size of the diamond, which affects price but not necessarily quality.
2️⃣ Request a Certification from Reputable Labs
Certified diamonds ensure authenticity and quality grading. The most trusted certifications include:
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – The gold standard for diamond grading.
IGI (International Gemological Institute) – Popular in international trade.
HRD Antwerp – Common in European markets.
DRC Government Certificates – Essential for compliance in sourcing from the region.
A genuine certification will contain detailed information about the diamond’s cut, clarity, color, carat weight, and unique ID number.
3️⃣ Conduct a Physical Examination
Fog Test: A real diamond will disperse heat quickly—if you breathe on it, the fog should disappear instantly.
UV Light Test: Some diamonds fluoresce under UV light (a bluish glow can indicate authenticity, but not all real diamonds fluoresce).
Loupe Inspection: Use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect inclusions. Lab-grown diamonds tend to have different internal structures compared to natural ones.
4️⃣ Use a Diamond Tester
A diamond tester measures thermal and electrical conductivity. Natural diamonds conduct heat and electricity differently than fakes like cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Pro Tip: If a seller hesitates to let you test a diamond with a certified lab or a professional tester, consider it a red flag.
Protect Yourself: Avoiding Common Scams
🔴 Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices – If a deal seems unrealistically cheap, it likely is.
🔴 Lack of Documentation – Always demand legal papers, especially for gold sourced from the DRC.
🔴 Cash-Only Transactions – Legitimate sellers will have proper banking channels and traceable transactions.
🔴 Pressure to Close Quickly – Scammers often rush buyers to prevent proper verification.
At TerraNova Minerals, we take the risk out of purchasing gold and diamonds by ensuring full transparency, legal compliance, and expert verification. Every transaction we facilitate is backed by proper certifications, legal documentation, and physical testing, giving our clients peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Buy with Confidence
Verifying gold and diamonds before purchase is not just an extra step—it’s a necessity to avoid fraud and ensure you get what you pay for. Whether you’re an investor, a collector, or a business, following these steps will protect your assets and enhance trust in your transactions.
At TerraNova Minerals, we specialize in guiding buyers through secure and verified mineral acquisitions. If you’re looking for legally compliant, high-quality gold and diamonds, get in touch with us today. Let’s make your next purchase a safe and successful one.
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