You've probably noticed the, um... creative way some retailers use gemstone names. Broghton emerald sounds more appealing than its true name -- green glass. Herkimer diamond is a unique variety of quartz, pretty but not a diamond. Blue moonstone 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. Cape rubies are garnets and a Brazilian sapphire is actually blue tourmaline. There are hundreds more deceptive names tagged onto impostor gemstones.
There is a flip side -- impostor gems are attractive and (should be) affordable. Sellers who misrepresent what's in the box are the problem (the ones who hope we don't catch the iffy terms and who charge an inflated price based on what we think we're buying). Guarantees that what you buy is exactly what's described are only as good as the integrity of sellers who take your money, but knowing some of the warning signs that scream "fake" can put you in enough of a questioning frame of mind to discover the truth before you put down the cash.
More About Gemstones
Natural vs. Genuine, What's the Difference?
Gemstone Treatments to Enhance Appearance
Translate Misleading Gemstone Names
Gems that Are Sliced, Diced and Pasted Together
How to Use a Jewelry Loupe
Why Should You Care About the Mohs Scale?
Photo by Don Farrall / Getty Images
Comments