Daily Wire Tip Feb. 17: Real Gemstones V. Lab Created Stone

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
February 17, 2010

Question:

How do I know when I have a real gemstone or lab stone? I have found stones labeled synthetic, simulated, reconstituted, lab, and genuine, and I have found they are not always correct. I need to label properly.

Answer:

I imagine you are speaking about faceted/cut stones? Or do you mean cabochons as well? If you are purchasing expensive gemstones, I highly recommend that you purchase from reputable dealers or those who have a list of guarantees that protect the consumer if they later find that their purchase was indeed misrepresented. If you have very expensive stones that you do not think were labeled properly, then I suggest you take or send them to a certified gemologist or lab to have them properly identified. There is equipment you can purchase to test your faceted stones at home, the downside to this solution is the cost of the machinery. You can find gem-testers on-line by searching for ‘gemstone basic id tests’.

If you need to know what certain labels mean, in the introduction to our Gemstone Glossary there is a list of the terms and their definitions https://wire-sculpture.com/pages/gemstone_info.html and to find out what the letters mean regarding enhancement, check out the chart here https://wire-sculpture.com/pages/gem_enhancement_codes_chart.html You could also pay a visit to a local gemshow or jeweler, or contact a local gem & mineral club to see if they have a certified gemologist who could help you.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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