Diamond Ring Without Markings: What Does It Mean?

Question
QUESTION: Hello
I know the story about taking a ring to a jewelers to be tested to see if its real. I traded my 1/2 Carat Diamond wedding set in from a previous engagement for a new one for my new engagement. I always check to see how many carats it is, and this time there was no markings on the ring not that I can see anyway. I brought there ring back and told the dealer and he said he legally cannot buy a ring if its not real? but why are there no markings can they wear down or is this a ring that is antique? How can I test it at home? with out taking it back there and looking like an idiot? Also I did the makeup test it turned black on my skin, is this myth or is it real?

ANSWER: Melissa-
You should never think you look like an "idiot" by asking questions.
Your remarks are based on premonitions which may or may not be valid.
1st lets comment on your"I always check to see how many carats it is, and this time there was no markings on the ring not that I can see anyway". Rings do not have to have a marking on them to claim the size of the diamond, this is practiced by a few larger mfg. but not needed. Im not sure what the "dealer" meant by he legally cant buy a ring if its not real??? this is a mystery? did he mean he cant sell you a diamond if its NOT really a diamond??? im confused.
If the ring has no markings as far as Karat GOLD like 14kt or 18kt with a hallmark next to it, it means that the casting house who mfg. was an in house jeweler who does not mark his jewelry, this is not really that Kosher as all rings need to have a hallmark from a mfg. and a Karat Stamp but not necessarily a Diamond Weight. What exactly do you want to test? the diamond or the Karat Gold??? Im not sure what the "makup test" is ??? There is no test you can do at home on the Karat Gold, you will need Aqua Regia which is an acid and I would not recommend you do this at home. As far as the diamond? How large of a diamond is it? if its less than 1/2 carat you will not be able to run a test with a black marker since its too small.
let me know the answers to my questions and I will further try to help you
Les

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The answer to your question is, I have no markings as far as how the gold weight goes, I was also told it could be the ring was sized at one time and the markings were taken off. He also meant he couldn't buy gold if it wasn't real. The diamond was said to be a 1/2 carat. So what is the marker test?

Answer
Are you concerned about the center stone being a diamond? you could run a test by using a marker and drawing a line down the middle, make sure the diamond is clean by cleaning it in ammonia then drying it off.
Draw a line down the middle , if the line tends to break apart its NOT a diamond if it stays consistent it is a diamond.
all the best
Les