For centuries, emeralds prided themselves on their beauty which emanated from their deep green luscious color. According to most gemologists, emeralds are only ranked second best after diamonds, which makes them tremendously valuable both ethnically and financially. With the increasing market demand of emerald stones, the number of their imitations and fake versions also increase along with it. For a buyer investing in emerald stone jewellery, guarantee of authenticity is critical.
At Jewel Teller, we are devoted to aiding our customers to make great decisions. This guide will help differentiate the two while boasting that their approach is competent and trustworthy in deciding whether the stones are real or fake emerald stones.
1. Understand the Types of Emeralds in the Market
Take note the following classifications of emeralds before going into the verification process:
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Natural Emeralds: They are extracted from the ground and almost always contain natural inclusions known as “jardin” which in French means garden. These inclusions are peculiar and most often unlike any other inclusions found in other stones of the same type.
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Synthetic Emeralds: Natural emeralds which are created in a laboratory setting. They have the same chemical makeup and physical attributes as natural emeralds. They are cheaper than Natural emeralds and are more inline with the public eye due to having less inclusions in them.
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Imitation Emeralds: Unlike the rest, these “emeralds” are made from glass or other green colored stones such as peridot or green tourmaline set to masquerade as real emeralds.
2. Visual Inspection
The initial steps to assess gemstone jewelry, such as emerald, would start with a visual inspection:
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Color: An emerald should naturally be deep and vivid green, with hints of blue or yellow. A uniformly green stone that lacks variation may indicate an artificial or imitated origin.
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Inclusions: Almost always, real emeralds possess some semblance of inclusions or internal flaws, crystals. Overly flawless gemstones, devoid of any imperfections, are usually synthetic or treated.
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Surface Bubbles: The existence of bubbles within the stone generally suggests imitation. Such bubbles are nonexistent in natural emeralds and discovering them is a clear indication of a fraudulent product.
3. Check the Refractive Index (RI)
Refractive Index is one of the types of gemological tests done to measure the bending of light while entering a gemstone. The RI of a real emerald is between 1.565 and 1.602. These measurements can be done using a refractometer which is a tool found in professional gem testing laboratories. Even though the measurement requires specialized tools, it is one of the best methods for gemstone identification.
4. Use a UV Light Test
Shining ultraviolet (UV) light on emerald stone jewellery could provide important information:
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Actual emeralds almost never glow under ultraviolet light.
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Depending on the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, synthetic emeralds may show some orange or red fluorescence.
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The type of fraud being examined here consists of stones made out of glass: these show bright and unusual colors under ultraviolet radiation, which makes distinction from real stones easy.
5. Specific Gravity Test
This test establishes the density of the gemstone in question. The specific gravity of a natural emerald usually lies within the range of 2.7 and 2.8. Gemological labs often utilize hydrostatic weighing methods for these types of evaluations as they demand a high degree of precision. This test can differentiate authentic emeralds from pseudo gemstones that closely imitate emeralds but have a lower density.
6. Magnification Testing
Emeralds exhibit a fibrous or dendritic inclusion pattern at high magnifications (usually when viewed through a gem microscope). This feature is difficult to replicate synthetically. In contrast, synthetic gemstones will most likely exhibit curvature in the growth lines or possess gas bubbles which are hallmarks of a synthetic origin.
7. Check for Double Refraction
Emeralds, like all gemstones, belong to the hexagonal crystal system, and possess a single form of refractive index. This signifies that they do not fragment light into two different rays. Conversely, some limitations such as spinel or cubic zirconia are produced synthetically and possess double refraction. This feature which helps resolve the genuineness of the stone is visible through a polariscope or microscope.
8. Thermal Conductivity Testing
In contrast to the diacritic tests which use a combination of methods to arrive at a more narrowed and accurate approach, thermal conductivity testers, widely known for their use in diamonds, may not provide exact accurate results but can assist greatly in identifying a stone. It is common knowledge that emeralds fall within the category of precious stones which means they would have moderate thermal conductivity. On the other hand, in comparison, glass or plastic imitations cool at a much faster rate. Although this test works better when contrasting diamonds with other stones, it does provide some additional information when evaluating emeralds.
9. Certification from a Gemological Lab
The most reliable method of verifying the authenticity of emerald stone jewellery is through certification obtained from a gemological institution such as:
These institutions offer detailed reports about a gem's source, any treatments it's undergone, and its authenticity. Jewel Teller ensures all of our clients’ emerald pieces are emerald certified by reputable labs, fully guaranteeing the clients’ peace of mind.
10. Seek a Reputable Jeweller
Collaborating with a specialist like Jewel Teller provides assurance regarding the emeralds’ quality while guaranteeing clear documentation. Jewelers of high caliber equip clients with a return policy, gemstone certificates, and other post-sale services. Our professional gemologists examine all items of jewelry in detail and help the customers appreciate the relevant attributes and values of their jewelry items.
11. Price as an Indicator
Although price should never be the singular consideration, it always provides a clue of some sort. Highly included specimens and deep colored genuine emeralds demand high pricing. If a piece of emerald stone jewellery is priced significantly lower than the market value, then it is best to be paid attention to with care.
Conclusion
The process of determining whether a stone is an emerald requires keen observation, scientific procedures, and expertise. A professional’s evaluation of the gemstone’s authenticity bears equal weight alongside examining the inclusions, performing refractive index, and ultraviolet tests. Given the complex methods used in counterfeiting goods, one needs to employ a broad strategy backed by professional judgment.
Jewel Teller is fully committed to offering only certified emerald stone jewelry. Our professionals are prepared to assist you with selection and verification regardless of whether you are buying an item for the first time or adding to your collection. The purchase of an emerald should be associated with excitement and confidence. It is essential that this confidence is built on something authentic. Jewel Teller is your choice for stunning elegance with verified brilliance.
