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Synthetic vs Real Gemstones...How you can tell

by: kzsjewelsingold( 266Feedback score is 100 to 499) Top 5000 Reviewer
25 out of 31 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 2474 times Tags: Gemstones | Synthetic | Jewelry | Geniune | Stampato


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.

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Guide ID: 10000000003259099Guide created: 04/01/07 (updated 10/24/09)

 
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