Distinguishing a real gemstone from a synthetic one is a skill which
every individual should learn. Gems are expensive and the last thing you
want is to pay a great deal of money for a piece of jewelry which isn't
real. In order to help you determine whether or not a gemstone is real,
we have compiled a list of techniques you can use to determine whether a
gem is real or synthetic.
The difference between synthetic and real gemstones is very difficult
to distinguish just by looking at one. A real gemstone is natural which
means it's subject to flaws because of the wear and tear it experiences
in the outdoors.
A synthetic gemstone is created in a laboratory and
therefore appears to be flawless. Moissanite –a lab-created diamond
substitute – is one of the most popular diamond substitutes because its
hardness and thermal conductivity are quite similar to diamonds and
almost perfectly formed. This is one of the easiest ways to distinguish a
real from a synthetic gemstone.
Although you would think it would be
the other way around, a real gemstone will not look perfect and is
likely to have scratches, dents or other flaws. These flaws make each
gem unique to one another.
Another way to determine whether a gem is real or fake is by the
weight of the stone. Synthetic gemstones often weigh more than real
ones. Synthetic gems are denser than their counterpart and when held in
the hand, you can feel the weight difference between the two types of
stones.
In rare instances you can tell a real stone from a fake because
synthetic gemstones tend to sparkle more than real ones. Real stones
have been worn through weather and other forms of nature and for this
reason do not sparkle as naturally as their synthetic counterpart.
Perhaps the most notable difference between synthetic and real
gemstones is the price. Synthetic stones are moderately priced because
they are not as rare as real gemstones. They are made in a laboratory
and therefore can be mass produced for very little money. Real gems are
rare and for this reason are very expensive because there is a limited
amount of natural gemstones available. If the price of a piece of
gemstone jewelry seems too good to be true, it probably is. It is
impossible to sell a real gem for a considerably low price, so don't be
fooled into thinking you're getting a deal because you probably aren't.
It is important to ensure that the gems you are buying are genuine
and authentic. When spending such a great deal of money you want to make
sure you are getting what you pay for. When it comes to gemstones, the
higher the price, the higher quality of gemstone you receive.
Article source ------ http://www.jewelrymarketplace.net/articles/synthetic-vs-real.aspx
People
have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years, and even back then,
chances are it wasn’t the easiest thing to shop for. There are just so
many options when buying jewelry – so many materials, metals, styles and
gems to choose from. You can shop better by taking the time to learn
how to buy jewelry. It can seem like a lot, but with a little help from
this jewelry buying guide, you’ll be shopping like a professional in no
time. And if you are still stumped buying jewelry, feel free to ask an
AGS-certified gemologist for help. They may know a lot about metals and
gems, but they also know tons about styles and trends.
Here are a few basics to get your shopping jump-started, and be sure to click to the left to continue the guide:
What are natural gemstones?
Natural gemstones come from the earth and are mined worldwide. Some
natural gemstones can be enhanced, which means sometimes they are
treated in some way (such as heat) to improve their color.
What are laboratory-created gemstones?
These stones, which can also be referred to as laboratory-grown,
manufacturer-created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical,
physical, and optical properties as natural gemstones.
Laboratory-created gemstones do not have the rarity or value of natural
colored gemstones. Although they are similar in many ways to natural
gemstones, a professional gemologist will be able to recognize their
difference with proper testing.
What are imitation gemstones?
Imitation stones look like natural gemstones in appearance only. This
includes tinted glass, cubic zirconia or other material that resembles
natural stones when treated. Laboratory-created and imitation stones
should be clearly identified as such.
What to look for in a gemstone?
- See more at: http://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelry-buying-101#sthash.0iTK3Fmu.dpuf
People
have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years, and even back then,
chances are it wasn’t the easiest thing to shop for. There are just so
many options when buying jewelry – so many materials, metals, styles and
gems to choose from. You can shop better by taking the time to learn
how to buy jewelry. It can seem like a lot, but with a little help from
this jewelry buying guide, you’ll be shopping like a professional in no
time. And if you are still stumped buying jewelry, feel free to ask an
AGS-certified gemologist for help. They may know a lot about metals and
gems, but they also know tons about styles and trends.
Here are a few basics to get your shopping jump-started, and be sure to click to the left to continue the guide:
What are natural gemstones?
Natural gemstones come from the earth and are mined worldwide. Some
natural gemstones can be enhanced, which means sometimes they are
treated in some way (such as heat) to improve their color.
What are laboratory-created gemstones?
These stones, which can also be referred to as laboratory-grown,
manufacturer-created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical,
physical, and optical properties as natural gemstones.
Laboratory-created gemstones do not have the rarity or value of natural
colored gemstones. Although they are similar in many ways to natural
gemstones, a professional gemologist will be able to recognize their
difference with proper testing.
What are imitation gemstones?
Imitation stones look like natural gemstones in appearance only. This
includes tinted glass, cubic zirconia or other material that resembles
natural stones when treated. Laboratory-created and imitation stones
should be clearly identified as such.
What to look for in a gemstone?
- See more at: http://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelry-buying-101#sthash.0iTK3Fmu.dpuf