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How to Identify Real Gemstones from Fakes: A Practical Guide
Buying gemstones can be exciting, but also a little intimidating. With so many options available online and in stores, how do you know if a gemstone is genuine or just a convincing imitation? I’ve handled gemstones for years, and I’ve learned that spotting the real from the fake isn’t magic, it’s about observing, testing, and trusting reliable sources. Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you shop smart.
1. Get to Know the Stone
Every gemstone has its own personality. Understanding its natural characteristics is the first step to spotting authenticity.
- Colour: Natural gemstones rarely have perfectly uniform colour. If the stone looks too flawless or overly bright, it might be synthetic.
- Inclusions: Tiny imperfections or “internal markings” are normal in natural stones. Diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds all have their own signature types of inclusions.
- Hardness: Some gemstones are harder than others. For example, a diamond can scratch glass, while softer stones like opals can’t.
Take a few minutes to research what your chosen gemstone looks like in nature, this makes it much easier to spot a fake.
2. Look Closely at the Cut and Sparkle
How a stone reflects light can tell you a lot about its authenticity:
- Depth and brilliance: Real gemstones have depth. They sparkle in a way that draws your eye in, rather than looking flat or glassy.
- Edges and facets: A genuine gemstone’s cut is usually precise, but not mechanically perfect. If every angle looks exactly the same, it could be lab-made or glass.
Tip: Hold the gemstone under natural light and move it around. Real stones play with light in subtle, beautiful ways.
3. Feel the Weight and Temperature
It may sound odd, but gemstones have a “feel” that fakes often lack.
- Weight: Genuine stones are heavier than glass or resin.
- Temperature: Real gemstones feel cool to the touch and take a few moments to warm up in your hand. Fakes usually heat up instantly.
This simple check is easy to do in-store or when receiving a parcel.
4. Use a Magnifying Glass or Loupe
A jeweller’s loupe is a small investment that can save you from buying a fake.
- Look for inclusions or tiny flaws, these are signs of a real stone.
- Check for bubbles inside the stone, which often indicate glass or resin.
Even a basic magnifying glass can reveal important details that are invisible to the naked eye.
5. Ask for Certification
If you’re spending more than a few hundred pounds, insist on certification. Certificates from recognised gemological laboratories confirm that the gemstone is genuine and give you details about its clarity, cut, and origin.
Certificates are especially important if you’re buying diamonds or coloured gemstones as an investment or for heirloom jewellery.
6. Buy from Trusted Sellers
Finally, trust matters. Buy from reputable gemstone dealers who have clear return policies and provides transparent information about their stones. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Quick Checklist to Spot Real Gemstones
- Does it have natural inclusions or imperfections?
- Does it feel heavier and cooler than plastic or glass?
- Does the sparkle and colour feel deep, not flat?
- Can you see air bubbles under magnification?
- Does the seller provide certification?
If you can tick most of these boxes, you’re likely holding a real gemstone.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a gemstone is a wonderful experience. With a little knowledge and careful observation, you can select a stone that is genuine, beautiful, and made to last. Every real gemstone carries its own story and unique charm, making it a treasure you can enjoy for years. With your new knowledge of gemstone identification, explore our collection of real gemstones.