How to Identify a Real vs. Fake Gemstone! Expert Tips:

Visual Representation of Real & Fake Emerald

To identify a real gemstone, look for natural variations in color, imperfections (inclusions), and a cool, dense feel. Synthetic or fake gemstones often appear too perfect, with uniform colors and a lighter, plastic-like feel.

Fake gemstones look beautiful and are attractively priced, but they never have any substantial value because it is just not natural. It is important for you to know what you are being offered or facing, so feel free to read our handy guide with some simple tips and recommendations.

Expert Tips for Identifying Gemstones:

• Inclusions:

  Natural gemstones tend to have inclusions, which are natural imperfections inside the stone. Synthetic gems may appear too perfect, with very few or no inclusions. 

• Color:

  Real gemstones often have slight color variations, while fake ones might have a more uniform and sometimes unnatural-looking color. 

• Feel:

  Real gemstones feel cool and dense to the touch, while fake stones, especially those made of plastic or glass, may feel warmer and lighter. 

• Weight:

  Synthetic gemstones are often denser than natural ones and will feel heavier for their size. 

• Fog Test:

  Breathe on the stone. If it fogs up quickly, it could be real, as gemstones are good conductors of heat and can accelerate the evaporation of moisture. 

• Water Test:

  Place the stone in water. If it sinks, it's likely real, as diamonds are denser than water. If it floats or sits in the middle, it's probably fake. 

• Scratch Test:

  Try to scratch the stone with a glass or ceramic plate. If it leaves a scratch, it's likely real, as gemstones are generally hard. 

• Ultraviolet (UV) Light Test:

  Different gemstones react differently to UV light. Some may glow, while others won't. This test can help differentiate between real and fake stones. 

• Magnifying Glass Test:

  Use a 10x jeweler's loupe to examine the stone for inclusions and bubbles. Real stones may have natural imperfections, while fakes often have bubbles or other irregularities. 

• Seek Expert Advice:

  For a definitive answer, consider consulting a gemologist or getting the stone graded by a reputable gemological laboratory.