Introduction: In the world of gemstones, it's not uncommon to come across offers for fake emeralds masquerading as the real deal. As a gem lover searching for precious stones online, you might have unknowingly encountered such offers. To help you avoid purchasing undesirable products, let's explore some essential tips for distinguishing natural emeralds from imitations.
1. Price: An Indicator of Authenticity Keep an eye on the price, as it can reveal a lot about the emerald's authenticity. Genuine natural emeralds range from USD 30 per carat for lower quality pieces to over USD 10,000 per carat for high-quality, untreated Colombian emeralds. Be cautious of stones that are surprisingly cheap, as they may be suspect. Take the time to conduct thorough research on such products before making a purchase.
2. Glitter: A Clue to Immitations The level of glitter or sparkle in a stone can be a giveaway. Different minerals have varying refractive indexes, affecting their glitter. For instance, Cubic Zirconia (CZ), often used to imitate gemstones, has a higher refractive index, making it sparkle more than emeralds, sapphires, or rubies. If a stone appears to have an unusually high sparkle, it might be an emerald imitation.
CZ emerald imitation3. Color and Inclusions: Examining the Stone Pay attention to the color and inclusions within the stone. Gas bubbles may indicate that the stone is made of glass, assembled, or synthetic corundum. While natural emeralds can also have gas bubbles, they are typically more irregularly shaped and challenging to identify. They often appear in natural cavities inside the emerald.
Examples of Fake Emeralds:
a) Assembled Stones - Doublets: These consist of a thin plate of emerald glued to another stone's pavilion. The color is derived from the glue, and the rest of the gem appears to have that color. However, the girdle, the area where the two materials meet, remains colorless and exposes the deception.
a) Assembled Stones - Doublets: These consist of a thin plate of emerald glued to another stone's pavilion. The color is derived from the glue, and the rest of the gem appears to have that color. However, the girdle, the area where the two materials meet, remains colorless and exposes the deception.
b) Foil-Backed Stones: In this type, colored foil is applied to the pavilion to provide the appearance of color. Scratches and holes in the foil can reveal colorless spots in the gem material, exposing its true nature.
c) Glass: glass can contain gas bubbles, hinting at their artificial origin.
Spotting Genuine Emeralds: Emeralds have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other gems:
• Unique Green Color: Genuine emeralds possess a soft, shimmery green hue that is unmistakable. This green tone might appear bluish in photographs, distinguishing it from gems like peridot, which exhibit a yellowish green color.
• Inclusions: Natural emeralds often contain inclusions and may have been treated with oils to improve their appearance. These inclusions can sometimes be visible and have a unique appearance under magnification.
• Inclusions: Natural emeralds often contain inclusions and may have been treated with oils to improve their appearance. These inclusions can sometimes be visible and have a unique appearance under magnification.
• Lab-Grown Emeralds: Identifying lab-grown emeralds is challenging, even for dealers. They have the same chemical and visual properties as natural emeralds, but they usually lack significant inclusions or have none at all. To be certain, specialized tests at a reputable gem lab are necessary. However, the price range for lab-grown emeralds will vary from USD 15 per carat for darker colors to over USD 60 per carat for Colombian vivid color. While lab-grown emeralds may closely resemble natural ones to the naked eye, it's essential to remember that they are manufactured in a controlled environment. The price difference between lab-grown and natural emeralds can sometimes be significant, making it crucial to be vigilant during your gemstone search.
Conclusion: When purchasing emeralds, always be cautious and informed. Check the price, observe the stone's glitter, and closely examine its color and inclusions. By following these guidelines and seeking the advice of professionals, you can ensure that you're getting the genuine and valuable gemstone you desire.