Real Gemstones - How to Differentiate between Real and Artificial Gemstones

One of the most common questions asked about gemstones is whether they are real or not. Artificial stones are also known as synthetic or imitation stones which are made to look like original gems but are quite inexpensive. These stones exhibit the same physical and chemical properties as the real ones including color and shape but they are produced in a laboratory. Naturally occurring minerals and crystals come with flaws and imperfections, whereas their synthetic or artificial counterparts are made to be flawless. This factor is used as one of the parameters of identification of real stones by gemologists.

Everyone should learn the techniques of distinguishing between real and artificial stones. This skill comes in handy when one has to buy valuable and expensive jewelry made of colored stones. Diamond stimulants such as CZ and moissanite sometimes exhibit even more fire and brilliance than a genuine diamond. Normally synthetic stones are heavier than their real counterparts. Although some people think that heaviness is directly related to the value of a stone, but it’s not true. Real gems are lighter and more transparent. Artificial ones, on the other hand, tend to be more opaque than transparent. Because of the density, artificial gems weigh more and this can be felt by holding them in your hand.

Real gemstones are rare and they are obtained or mined after tiresome efforts. Because of this reason, genuine stones are very expensive as compared to their synthetic equivalent. Some jewelry designers would tell you whether they use real stones or artificial ones, but it is always a good idea to inspect the genuineness of a stone before buying it. Natural gems are not available in large quantities and therefore only limited pieces of jewelry are made by the jewelers. If you want to acquire a jewelry article made from genuine stones, you will have to pay the high price.

Even genuine gemstones are graded according to their hardness and quality. For example, there are countless types of diamonds depending on their carat weight, quality of cut, degree of transparency or colorlessness, and level of clarity. The highest quality diamonds are quite expensive. Mostly people compromise on one or more of the above-mentioned parameters to locate a diamond which suits their budget. Another point to remember is that almost all naturally occurring stones are enhanced, dyed or polished to improve their texture and to remove as many flaws as possible.

The quality of gemstones is therefore also dependent on how expertly they have been prepared to be used in jewelry making. Diamonds come in many shapes and each one is differently priced. Lab-grown synthetic stones are somewhat more similar to natural gems. These stones take time to acquire the shape and other physical properties of a gem. If you are confused about whether to invest in buying real stones or artificial ones it will be helpful to know that the value of real stones increase over time. For example, if you own genuine diamond jewelry, you can always resell it possibly by getting more price than you paid when you bought it.

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