In a world where gemstones hold cultural, spiritual, and monetary value, distinguishing an authentic gemstone from a fake can be challenging for the average person. Gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds are known for their beauty and rarity, making them targets for imitation.
To help you make the right purchase, especially if you’re looking for a trusted and original gemstone shop in Kolkata, this guide will walk you through practical steps to identify real gemstones.
Why Authentic Gemstones Matter
Original gemstones are prized for their unique properties, including spiritual, healing, and economic value. Genuine stones not only carry historical and cultural significance but also hold potential appreciation in value. For those looking for specific benefits, it’s important to know you’re investing in something authentic.
1. Understand the Basics of Gemstones
Different gemstones have distinct characteristics. Before diving into the technical details, here’s a quick overview of some popular gemstones and what makes them unique:
- Diamond: Known for its hardness and brilliance.
- Ruby: Vibrant red, symbolizes love and passion.
- Emerald: Green, symbolizes renewal and wisdom.
- Sapphire: Comes in multiple colors, but blue sapphire is the most popular and symbolizes loyalty and trust.
Each gemstone has unique qualities, and learning the basics will give you confidence when inspecting them.
2. Ask for Certification
One of the simplest ways to verify a gemstone’s authenticity is through certification. Reputable gemstone shops often provide a certificate issued by a recognized gemological laboratory, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This document confirms the gemstone’s authenticity and provides information about its origin, carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
If you’re looking for a trusted best gemstone shop in Kolkata, check if they offer certified gemstones to guarantee you’re buying a legitimate product.
3. Check for Flaws
Genuine gemstones are typically not flawless. Natural stones form over millions of years under high pressure and temperatures, resulting in tiny inclusions or imperfections. However, completely flawless stones are often synthetic or lab-made.
- Diamonds: Check for slight inclusions, visible under a jeweler’s loupe.
- Emeralds: Genuine emeralds often have inclusions known as “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions.
- Rubies: Look for needle-like inclusions called “silk.”
By knowing what natural flaws look like, you’ll be better equipped to recognize an authentic stone.
4. Conduct the Scratch Test
Some gemstones are harder than others, meaning they won’t scratch as easily. While this test isn’t foolproof (since some imitations can mimic hardness), it can be useful for certain stones.
- Diamond: The hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale (10), it shouldn’t scratch easily.
- Ruby & Sapphire: Both score a 9, meaning they’re resistant to scratches but not as much as diamonds.
If you visit an top gemstone shop in Kolkata, you can ask the jeweler about the stone’s hardness, which can give clues to its authenticity.
5. Observe the Color
Real gemstones usually have a rich, vivid color that looks natural. If a stone looks overly bright or synthetic, it might be treated or fake. For instance:
- Sapphires: Blue sapphires should have a deep, velvety blue hue.
- Emeralds: A true emerald has a lush green color with a slightly soft undertone.
If you’re shopping at a reputable store, like an best gemstone shop in Kolkata, they can guide you on the right hue for each stone.
For More Read : Why Emerald Stone is Popular Among Astrologers in Kolkata
6. Conduct the Fog Test (for Diamonds)
The fog test is easy and effective for diamonds. Simply breathe on the stone as if you were trying to fog up a mirror. If the gemstone stays fogged for more than a few seconds, it’s likely not a diamond, as real diamonds disperse heat immediately.
7. Inspect the Cut and Craftsmanship
Real gemstones are generally well-cut to enhance their beauty, even if they aren’t flawless. Look at the craftsmanship:
A high-quality gemstone should have a balanced, symmetrical cut.
Watch for uneven facets or poor-quality settings, which can indicate a fake or synthetic stone.
An original gemstone shop in Kolkata will likely have skilled jewelers and gemologists who ensure the cuts are precise and enhance the stone’s beauty.
8. Examine Transparency and Luster
Real gemstones have a natural luster and clarity that synthetic stones struggle to match. While not all gemstones are fully transparent, they generally reflect light in a unique way:
Sapphires & Rubies: These have a glassy or silky luster, and light should play across their surface.
Emeralds: Typically, they have a more waxy look compared to other stones.
The way light interacts with the stone can give clues about its origin.
9. Ask for a Professional Opinion
If you’re unsure, seek a professional opinion. A certified gemologist can conduct various tests, like checking the refractive index, thermal conductivity, and examining inclusions under magnification.
When purchasing from a reliable gemstone shop in Kolkata, ask if they have a gemologist on-site or if they can refer you to one for further verification.
10. Use UV Light for Certain Stones
Some gemstones react to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can help in identification. However, UV response varies:
- Rubies: Often emit a red glow under UV light.
- Emeralds: May fluoresce red or pink, depending on the origin.
- Diamonds: Some fluoresce blue, though not all.
This test, while helpful, is best conducted with expert assistance. An original gemstone shop in Kolkata may have the equipment to demonstrate this for you.
11. Be Aware of Heat and Dye Treatments
Many stones are treated to enhance their color or clarity. Heat treatment, for instance, is common for rubies and sapphires to bring out deeper colors. Dyes are sometimes added to stones like jade or turquoise.
Reputable gemstone shops disclose these treatments, which affect the stone’s value and care requirements.
12. Trust Your Instincts and Buy from Reputable Sellers
Finally, if a gemstone feels “too good to be true,” it probably is. Trust your instincts and research sellers carefully. Buying from a reputable and original gemstone shop in Kolkata ensures that you receive a genuine stone and transparent information about its origins and treatment.
For More Read : How to Choose the Best Gemstone for Health and Wellness?
Final Thoughts
Finding an original gemstone is a rewarding experience, and knowing how to identify an authentic stone is key to making an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a diamond, ruby, or sapphire, keep these tips in mind and shop from trusted gemstone shops to ensure you’re buying genuine stones.