The Importance of Real vs Fake Gems

Artificial gemstones are not bad, and can often help offset costs, or get a color more to your liking. However, when stones and other materials are passed off as something they are not, and you are paying a hefty price for them, it can be frustrating. 

It isn’t always easy to tell when a gemstone is fake, or being passed off as something it isn’t. When going to a jeweler, make sure you know what to ask for and look at when picking out the jewelry for you. 

4 Tips For Spotting Fake Jewelry

1. Know the Difference in Types of Stones

Commonly, there are diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires that are well known among people for being high quality. 

However, there are many other gemstones out there that may be worth even more, if you know what you are asking for. They usually stand out with unique colors, designs, and weights. 

By understanding these subtle differences, not only can you be more aware of when someone is trying to pass off one stone as another, but it helps you get the stone, color, or design that you want from your jeweler, as there can be clear, understandable communication between you both. 

2. Ask the Right Questions About Treated Gemstones

Nowadays, it is very common that colored gemstones are treated to increase their color purity or strength. Most people don’t find an issue with heat-treated gems to reduce color impurities. However, a lot of people consider reconstituted gems unnatural. 

Currently, there is no way to tell if a gem has been treated with heat, lasers, or reconstituted, as it is not something commonly reported to customers or included in authenticity. 

To check for treated gemstones, look at the gemstone under a lens. If it has an opacity or color concentration not commonly found in gemstones of that variety, it is likely reconstituted. 

This is nothing bad, as it increases the colors, but some people don’t find them to be worth the same price as a more natural gemstone and aren’t willing to pay the full price. 

If you are one of these people, it is always good to check the quality before buying so you can make an offer more appropriate. 

3. Check the Credibility of the Seller

It is always important to check the credibility of the seller. In current times where the internet is available at our fingertips, that is easier to do than ever. 

Checking reviews online (Make sure they are not reviews on that seller’s website, as those are biased). You can also check what company they use to certify their gemstones and check if they are reputable as well.

4. Understand Different Terminology 

Currently, there are four main words to describe how gems were created. They are natural, man-made, synthetic, and fake. 

Natural gems are ones that, except for the cutting and polishing, have all of their colorings, sizing, and growing done by nature. 

Synthetic gems have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties as natural gems, but have been made by people. 

Man-made gems are also made by humans but have no natural stone comparison. 

Fake gems are not gems at all. For example, colored glass is a common replacement for cheaper jewelry. 

Always Buy Jewelry From Reputable Sources

If possible, always try to buy jewelry from reputable sources. They usually will certify their gemstones, offer a history of where the stones came from, and try to look out for their customers. 

Sources that don’t have certification on their gems are unable to provide any history and are often trying to scam their customers and get more money than the jewelry is worth. 

Stores like James Allen, Zales, Diamondere, and even Kay Jeweler are all reputable sources. Sometimes, their costs might be a little higher, but they are trustworthy and have all of their gemstones certified by accredited sources.