Original gemstones are not cheap, so if you’re going to buy them, you obviously want the real thing. It would be a painful experience to discover later that you got a fake gemstone after making sacrifices to acquire what you believed to be an authentic gemstone. Because of that, it is crucial to know how to tell if a gemstone is real before buying it.
So, how do you spot the difference between fake and real gemstones? You don't want to gift your daughter or spouse something ingenuine, or even buy yourself an imitation for that matter. So, before you swipe your card or empty your piggy bank, go through this quick read to learn how to tell if a gemstone is real.
Ready to learn how to tell if the gemstone in a ring is real? Let's get started.
Can You Really Learn How to Tell if a Gemstone is Real?
Gemstone experts did not wake up one day to discover that they had the ability to distinguish between fake and genuine precious stones. They learned it! So, if you're wondering whether it is possible for you to learn how to recognize original gemstones, we say- absolutely! However, it may take some time to feel confident in doing so.
Gemstone experts have years of experience scrutinizing different types of stones, which puts them in a better position to do the check. What may take you 20 minutes to examine may take experts less than 5 minutes to accomplish. This is why your best bet for determining the authenticity of a gemstone ring is to leverage the help of an expert rather than conducting the evaluation yourself.
However, when there is no gemstone guru around to help out, you can do a few checks on your own to ascertain the authenticity of a stone. See the next section for some methods that can help you tell if a gemstone is real.
How to Tell if a Gemstone in a Ring is Real: All Your Options
What is a gemstone ring good for if the gem isn’t authentic?
There are several tests that you can carry out to check if a gemstone is real. Now, because different types of precious stones exist, some of the methods that we are going to discuss are specific to that type of stone. In any case, we will indicate which type of gemstone the tests listed below can work for.
Let's dive straight into how to tell if a gemstone in a ring is real!
Quick Colorless Gemstone- The Read-Through Test
This test usually works for loose diamond and Cubic Zirconia stones (detached from the band). You need a piece of paper and a permanent marker or a newspaper to make it work.
Draw a line on the white paper and put the stone over it. If it is a newspaper you have, just put the stone over some letters. Ensure that no person or object is casting a shadow over the stone. A genuine CZ should show a distorted form of the line or letter that you put it over. However, if it is an original diamond, you should not be able to see the line or read any of the letters in the newspaper.
That happens because the facet of diamonds refracts light in different directions, while a CZ doesn't allow internal reflection due to the way it is cut.
Amber- Density Test
Amber is lightweight, making it a bit difficult to use most of our quick tests. However, there's one that works most of the time with these mischievous stones- the density test.
- To carry out this quick test, you need salt and warm water.
- Pour the water into a clear container and pour in plenty of salt.
- Drop your Amber into the saltwater solution.
- If the gemstone floats, it is Amber.
Amber is less dense than salt water, while plastics or glass, on the other end, have a higher density than salt water. So, a fake amber will most likely sink when you drop it into the saltwater solution.
The Fog Test- Diamonds
You will probably come across the fog test in every book teaching how to tell if a gemstone in a ring is real. It is a pretty popular method of testing diamonds. You just have to fog them up like mirrors to do the check.
A fake diamond will stay fogged for a few seconds, while a real one will not. That is because diamonds don't succumb easily to fogging. So, the fog clears up almost immediately as it hits the surface of a genuine diamond.
The Thermal Test
The Thermal test works when trying to tell whether a stone is genuine. But it doesn't reveal what kind of stone it is. So, we advise that you don't use it as an identifier inspection for gemstones that look like other stones. For instance, Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, and Moissanite.
The thermal test checks the thermal conductivity of the stone in question. Most gems have a high level of thermal conductivity. When you place them around your wrist, they should feel cooler. To ensure this works, ensure that the gem is at room temperature before placing it against your wrist. If it feels cool, it is most likely the real deal.
Lastly, The Tooth Test- Pearls
Can you test pearls too? Yes, you can, and it is quite simple. Real pearls have a gritty surface, unlike the imitations that feel really smooth. So, one way to check them out is by feeling them against your tooth.
It is impossible to feel the grit with your hands. However, your teeth are more sensitive and can feel any rough part of the gems. So, if the pearl feels smooth against your tooth, it is a fake. But if you feel the grit, it is most likely a real pearl.
Tips for Getting an Authentic Gemstone Ring the First Time Around
While all the tests above are quick methods to indicate genuine gemstones, it is best to take extra precautions to prevent really costly mistakes. Luckily, we have some tips to help you get authentic gemstone rings in this section. Read them all and apply them to your every gemstone purchase;
- If you have one, carry your diamond tester when purchasing a piece. It is an easy way to tell if the diamond is original.
- Always check the return policies of a jeweler before buying from them. An authentic vendor usually offers a period for item return.
- Gemstones are usually flawed, while fakes look too shiny. So, looks may deceive you. Always insist on a test, especially if it is a walk-in store.
- Shop with a jewelry provider that can be trusted. A reliable dealer usually equals authentic products and peace of mind.
Now that you know how to tell if a gemstone ring is real and tips for getting an authentic ring, let’s show you where to get authentic rings for sure.
Want Peace of Mind Knowing Your Gemstone Ring is Real?
As stated earlier, shopping with a trusted jewelry vendor allows you to get authenticity and peace of mind. And that is what we offer at Ideaure Jewelry Store. We are an ethical, luxury brand offering authentic, affordable gemstone rings for women- single, married, young, or old.
Our exquisite collection of different real gems and metal rings is a stunning sight. You can trust that you’re getting a stunning piece of jewelry at unbeatable prices. If you’re shopping for someone for a gift, you can rest assured they’ll love their Ideaure Jewelry. If you’re shopping for yourself, just wait till you see the way our rings shine on your finger - you’ll know you made the right choice.
Head over to our site to check out the testimonies from hundreds of satisfied customers. You will be thrilled to join them!
Final thoughts on How to Tell if a Gemstone is Real in a Ring
With the methods and tips above, you should be able to tell the difference between an original gem and an imitation. However, for premium peace of mind, shop at Ideaure for the most authentic gemstone rings.
If you are a fan of mixing silver and gold jewelry rings, we also have different shades and sizes of mixed metal rings to delight you. We have beautiful spinner rings for women that you can purchase to elevate your style, aid meditation, and reduce anxiety. Christian rings for women with spiritual relics are also available in our store at reasonable prices.
What is stopping you from ordering at Ideaure? Head over to our site now to get good deals for you and your loved ones.