The answer is no. Diamonds and most gemstones do not contain metal and cannot be detected by a metal detector. There are specialty diamond detectors that can detect diamonds. There is also a chance you may find indicator minerals, which is a sign that gold or diamonds are near.
Let's start with the simple answer: NO, airport scanners cannot detect diamonds or other types of gemstones you may be wearing or carrying. Okay, security at the airport is a little more challenging. What they cannot do is show the security personnel that you are wearing a diamond.
Detecting a fake diamond can also be achieved through a electricity conductivity test performed by a jeweler or gemologist. Diamonds conduct electricity better than other stones, including the difficult synthetic moissanite.
Jewelry made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as bronze, gold, platinum, and silver will set off metal detectors. On the other hand, jewelry made of diamonds, gemstones, and pearls will not set off metal detectors.
Metal detectorists are trained to detect metallic objects. Since most engagement rings are made from silver or gold, metal detectors can help you find them when lost in a garden.
Anything that's bulky or made of metal can trigger a wand-down, though, so make sure to remove those pieces and place them in your carry-on before going through security. That includes metal earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, as well as any heavy bangles or watches.
Most jewelry won't set off any metal detectors due to the materials they're made out of. Gold, platinum, and sterling silver will very rarely set off an alarm and if they do, it's probably because they're mixed with another metallic material. Pure, fine jewelry will likely pass through without a hitch.
Natural Diamonds are magnetically inert (diamagnetic). They can be imitated by natural Zircon, and by many man-made materials such as Moissanite, Strontium Titanate and synthetic Rutile (all diamagnetic).
One last tip for traveling while wearing your engagement ring: don't voluntarily remove your rings at airport security. Platinum, silver, and gold will not set off the alarm, and all of that TSA confusion provides the perfect distraction for a leering eye to swipe a sparkler.
Each GIA certified diamond with a serial number is registered in the GIA records with the name and contact information of he who sent the stone in to be assessed. diamond, and if found, can be looked up in order to track down who rightfully owns it.
The way that diamonds reflect light is unique: the inside of a real diamond should sparkle gray and white while the outside should reflect a rainbow of colors onto other surfaces. A fake diamond, on the other hand, will have rainbow colors that you can see inside the diamond as well.
Inspect the Diamond
Place the gemstones in a glass of water and watch. If it floats, then it is probably a fake stone. Real diamonds will sink to the bottom of the glass, while cubic zirconia will float to the surface.
It is not recommended that you carry diamonds and precious stones in your hand luggage on a commercial flight. Airline security rules can be strict and may result in the confiscation of the jewels. Private jet transport appears as the most convenient solution to ensure the safety of the jewelries.
Keep it in your carry-on, especially as you go through security, since you're more likely to set off the metal detector if the ring is in your pocket. Follow every other TSA rule to a tee (liquids and laptop out of your bag, no forgotten fruits or water bottles in your carry-on) to avoid additional complications.
The metal detectors ignore very small amounts of metal, like the button on your jeans or small earrings. Some equipment uses non-ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons from atoms.
Most rings will be fine leaving and coming back, but goods with a value over $10,000 have to be declared. If your ring is worth more than this amount, be sure you have a dated copy of the insurance policy, appraisal, or receipt, to prove it was purchased in the United States and not subject to duties.
Sunglasses case - an empty sunglasses case is usually spacious enough to fit an engagement ring in. Toiletry bag - it's somewhere your partner won't often look in so it's the perfect place to stow an engagement ring. Just be sure the lids are secure on your toiletries to avoid any spillages spoiling your ring box.
When testing, the tip is placed on the diamond, allowing the heat to pass through the diamond. The device detects heat rate transfer through the stone, telling whether it is a natural diamond. Modern diamond testers use electrical conductivity to let you know if you are dealing with a genuine stone.
If you have a loose diamond to test, fill a regular glass about ¾ of the way full with water. Gently drop the diamond into the glass. If the diamond sinks to the bottom, it's real. If it floats at the surface or just underneath, it's likely a fake.
Tap the band of the ring with your index finger on your other hand and listen for a rattling sound. Use your fingernail to feel along the outer edge, known as the girdle, of the diamond. As you do this, try to push the stone to see if it moves – side to side and up and down.
Meaning, you are more likely to set off airport detectors wearing costume jewelry, because it is made with magnetic metals, such as steel, nickel, and iron, etc. It's because most jewelry is made of an alloy.
Anything Metal
Metal jewelry and piercings can set off the metal detector. Likewise, belt buckles can easily cause issues, and most TSA rules and regulations require you to remove them anyway.
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.