How to recognize a real stone from a fake one? Tricks are often used for jewelry that can deceive those who are not experts.
Beware of fake stones. But also to those who are half-fake. You may not know that there are many ways to simulate precious stones on jewelry, and there are many ways to make a Red Gemstones more interesting than it is. Of course, the greatest danger is when buying a jewel without the usual guarantees and certification of a gemological institute. Or some suspicion may arise for some old family jewel, whose origin is unknown.
Fake stones
Plastic and glass are materials often used to simulate lab made gemstones. Technology today allows you to create something in the laboratory that cannot be distinguished from natural stones, such as rubies, emeralds, or fossil resins such as amber.
Of course, an expert jeweler or a specialized laboratory can identify if they are fake gemstones or imitations. If you have any doubts, ask for specialist advice.
Artificial stones
Cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite (there is also the natural one, rather rare) are two of the lab grown gems and which have characteristics similar to authentic gems, such as diamonds. Similar, but not the same. Of course, if you want to sell them, they have a little value, but at the time of purchase, only a gemologist can distinguish cubic zirconia, often passed through a zircon, which is instead a natural stone.
Composite stones
One of the trends among jewelers is the proposal of half-true Emerald Gemstone and half composed of other materials or other less expensive stones. The goal is to make the stones used on the surface appear more substantial, adding an imitation, perhaps in the lower part of the stone, hidden by the setting. This system is less frequent for transparent stones, while it is more easily used in opaque ones, such as opals or turquoise.
Sometimes the lab grown gemstones are just a small layer that is glued onto a less valuable mineral. Another system, however, concerns transparent stones. To get an exciting shade, an expedient consists of gluing two or three different stones with a special invisible adhesive to make them look like one and transform it into a "precious" Emerald Gem with a fascinating shade. In addition to relying on a brand that enjoys your trust, it is good to carefully observe, perhaps with a lens, the workmanship of the jewel.
Fantasy stones
Another idea of those who do not want to be transparent with those who buy jewelry is to change the name of the stones. If you read that a ring has a synthetic emerald, for example, know that it is a green sapphire, which is less valuable. Other examples: an "American ruby" is a garnet, which is worth much, much less. And the "Australian jade"? It is simply treated quartz. Reconstituted stones
Some stones are stabilized or rebuilt. Often it happens with turquoise. Stabilization consists in subjecting the stone to pressure to make it more compact and eliminate the chalky consistency. Also, Alexandrite Stone or other soft stones are often reconstituted by mixing the powder with a binding element. In short, they are a kind of pasta, to which colorant is often added to make the color more vivid.
