How to tell if a gemstone is real or fake?

By Gemexi Team | Loose Gemstones
  • Updated On Mar 20, 2023
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How to tell if a gemstone is real or fake?

Appearances are deceptive! And it could exactly be the same with the gemstone you wish to snap up. The enticing glaze and luster that you see could be a fake trap. It may look gorgeous for sure, but who knows if it's real? Original stones are natural and unique. The rising demand for gemstones has led to fake synthesis and money-making windows for frauds. And that’s not the worst part yet. The fake stones are designed so flawlessly that it becomes difficult for a common person to distinguish between the original and the copied ones. So in such a situation, how to find out if your gemstone is genuine? Don't worry, that's all the guide is about! So without any further delay, let's kick on our mission!
 

Gemstones & Genuineness - What Are The First Signs Of A Fake Gemstone?

 
  1. Imitations look perfect

While the original gemstones occur naturally, the mocked versions are man-made. Thus, the natural gemstone will have natural flaws and irregularities. They could be anything - air bubbles, spots, strikes, dents, or roughness. The makers do mine and polish them, but they cannot make the real ones look flawless. While on the other hand, the copied versions have an absolutely spotless look. No dents, no inclusions - nothing! 
 
  1. The price allures the most

If the dealer is offering you a price too good to be true, then instead of reaching out to your pocket, you just need to leave the shop. Genuine gemstones are rare and natural resources, and therefore, are costly too. As simple as that! 
 
  1. The faker, the heavier

Not just a warning sign, but also a myth you need to be aware of. Synthesized gemstones have more weight than real gemstones. The simple reason is their greater density in comparison to genuine gemstones. Surprised, because you just assumed the opposite, aren’t you? Well, facts are facts.

Apart from these signs, are there any particular methods that can help us test the originality of your gemstone? Yes, below are discussed some illustrated methods to test if your gemstone is real or fake. 
 

How To Identify Fake Gemstones Without An Expert In The House?

Now to identify fake gemstones, you don’t need an expert. All you need is to try these test methods discussed below. Take a look!
 
  1. The Heat test reveals the reality

Imitated or synthesized gemstones when held in your fist get warmed up in a short time. Whereas real gemstones do not heat up easily - they are relatively cooler. So when compared, in a given time and condition, the fake gemstone is going to heat up before the original one. 
 
  1. Colors make a huge difference

Mocked gemstones tend to have an intenser color when compared to the original ones. What can you do to avoid confusion? Keep a picture of a natural gemstone in your mind. Maybe you noticed a relative or a friend wearing it? Click a picture of it, make sure the color comes right. Now, take the snap to the shop for a surer comparison. 
 
  1. Listen closely - the sound speaks

To try this method, you need to have an original stone in your hand priorly. You can borrow it from a known person. Next take the gemstone that the shopkeeper provides you, and knock both the stones. If the gemstone is original then it will produce a distinct, muffled sound on being knocked. 
 
  1. UV test is always a good choice

Did you ever think about testing your gemstone with a UV light? Well, you should. Take any device that produces UV light, direct a beam of the UV light at the stone, and see how the color of the stone changes. Below are a couple of observations. 

 
  1. Sapphires become purple.
  2. Topaz changes to brown or lilac-yellow.
  3. Alexandrite gets a dark red color.
  4. Diamonds get a blue hue.
And so on. However, not all stones can be tested with this method as some stones don't show any change when a beam of UV light is passed through them. 
 
  1. Vapor test for the win

If you are purchasing a diamond, then this can be one of the simplest methods to test its originality. Exhale on the given stone, if it is original and natural, then you won't find any condensation or vaporization on its surface. On the other hand, the replica models will have condensed surfaces. In fact, not only diamonds - pretty much any stone with good thermal conductivity can be tested through this process. 
 
  1. Transparency check is a must 

The transparency of a gemstone can reveal a lot about its origin. So knowing the nature of transparency among stones can help you distinguish between a real and a fake one. Diamonds are the most transparent stones. The best quality Quartz, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds are also transparent. Then there are some stones that are supposed to be translucent, such as Moonstone Chrysoberyl, and Labradorite. And finally, there are stones such as Turquoise, Lapis, and Malachite that remain opaque. 
 
  1. Notice the luster

Just like transparency, different gemstones radiate different types of shine or luster too. If you have picked up a dazzling gemstone just because it looks more real to you, then probably you made the wrong choice. Speaking on a general note, original gemstones are less lustrous and less bright than fake ones. 
 

Conclusion about Gemstone Is Real Or Fake

That was it for this guide. Trust us, a little research goes a long way! So make sure you take note of all these facts before picking your stone. Most importantly, never hesitate to clear the slightest of doubts with the shopkeeper, if you have any. After all, you are paying a price for it, and there is no harm in clearing doubts. Gemstones are the best gift from nature. They are chic, powerful, and everything. But, who knows, if the one being sold to you is really genuine or not? Because if not so, then what’s even the point of buying one? So if you are going to buy gemstone jewelry in the near future, here’s a quick guide that will help you through the fuss of differentiating between a fake and a real gemstone. Believe us, you need this.

2 Comments
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  • Wilder
    Jul 30, 2022, 6:44:18 AM

    Most of the Facts written in this article are authentic. Synthesized gemstones have a little bit more noise than real ones. I follow this fact when I buy gemstones.

  • Jefli
    Dec 5, 2022, 8:44:34 AM

    The real gemstones do not heat up quickly. So when I compare through the heat test the fake gemstone heat up before the original one.

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