Counterfeiting is a serious issue in the jewelry business, and advances in technology combined with wider adoption of the internet have increased the presence of fake gems. While there are many benefits to gain by purchasing jewelry and gemstones online, it is important to take the proper precautions to ensure the product you receive is the genuine article.

How Much Does The Gemstone Weigh?

Fake gemstones will almost always weigh more than gemstones which are authentic. This is primarily due to their greater density. Another factor which contributes to their weight is the usage of chemicals which are designed to make them seem real. When shopping for a gemstone takes the time to become familiar with the weights of authentic products so you’ll be in a better position to spot fakes.

Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good To Be True

You should be suspicious of gemstones which seem too cheap. However, a high price tag doesn’t guarantee that you’re purchasing the real deal. Before buying a gemstone from a physical or online store you should do extensive research on the dealer to learn everything you can about them.

How long have they been in business? Do they have a website? Are there any complaints about them in online forums? Are they listed in the Better Business Bureau, and if so, what grade do they have? The answers to these questions will make it clear whether or not you should give a dealer your business.

Study The Color Carefully

A gemstone’s color will tell you a lot about it. Gemstones which are fake will often display a color or luster which is uneven. This is usually a sign that the counterfeiter made a mistake with the dye. Sometimes they will use paint on the gemstone’s tip in order to make the color more striking. Another sign of a fake gemstone is the sparkle. Synthetic gemstones will often have stronger sparkle than real ones.

Consult With A Professional

The gemstone business can be complex for those who are making a purchase for the first time. Therefore, the wisest course of action is to receive a consultation from a professional who knows gemstones very well. Even if a gemstone is authentic these individuals can appraise it to make sure you don’t overpay. They will also be able to provide recommendations on legitimate dealers who can provide you with the gem you desire.

In addition to fake gemstones, there are also authentic gems being peddled on the market which have been stolen. While these gems will cost less than those that are sold in stores, they should not be purchased under any circumstances since they’ve been taken by force from others and law enforcement actively investigates jewelry thieves.

Put it another way, purchasing a stolen gem from a thief can land you in hot water even if you didn’t know the gem was stolen. This is another good reason to avoid gems that seem too affordable. Fake gems often have properties which are similar to real gems so knowing how to differentiate the two is of great importance.