Beware of Fake Gemstones

Fake gemstones can be wonderful, because they let us wear large and colorful "gems" for a teeny price, but faux gems aren't so welcome when sellers misrepresent what's in the box, and charge us an inflated price based on what we think we're buying. Sometimes the facts about for-sale jewelry are purposely hidden. Sometimes sellers hope buyers don't notice the fine print, or question a descriptive name that's been added to a gem. Like blue moonstone -- it sounds yummy until you find out the ring you bought isn't set with a moonstone at all, and that the stone is really cut from the lesser-valued chalcedony. Guarantees that what you buy is exactly what's advertised are only as good as the integrity of sellers who take your money, but knowing some of the possible warning signs can put you in enough of a questioning frame of mind to discover the truth before you put down the cash.

More Gemstone Helpers
Learn Gemstone Terminology
Common Gemstone Treatments