HOW TO TELL IF AN EMERALD IS REAL
Emeralds are some of the most sought-after gemstones, but it's important to identify if they're real or not. Just because a stone is green doesn't mean it's necessarily an emerald - in fact, many imitations exist! Luckily, there are some easy ways to tell if your emerald is the real deal or not.
Here is how to tell if an emerald is real...
1. LOOK FOR FLAWS
Many gemstone buyers consider flaws to be deal breakers. However, they are an important indicator of authenticity. Flaws signify that an emerald is real, and many dealers view them in a positive light. Flaws give authentic emeralds character and unique colors, which professionals use to identify them. So, if you're wondering how to tell if an emerald is real, start by looking for flaws.
Because of the differing formation processes, fake emeralds do not have the same flaws as real emerald stones. If bubbles or discs can be seen within the stone, it is most certainly a fake emerald.
2. CHECK THE COLOR
Real emerald gemstones exist in a wide range of green tones, from light to dark. However, the jewel's natural colors are pretty distinctive.Authentic emeralds can exhibit a bluish-green range, and this is completely normal. However, it is probably not a real emerald if the emerald tint contains yellow or brown tones.
3. CHECK THE SPARKLE
A real emerald gem does not have the same firey radiance as other gems like diamonds, moissanite, or peridot. If you hold an authentic emerald up to a light source, it will shine but with a dull fire. However, an emerald stone won't produce rainbow flashes. If the stone sparkles and has intense fire, it is likely a faux stone.
4. LOOK FOR WEAR & TEAR
Authentic emerald gems have a Mohs hardness grade of 7.5-8, meaning that they can resist exposure to harsh elements and general wear and tear without quickly deteriorating. Examine the facets on an emerald for signs of wear and tear. The presence of weak, worn edges on a stone indicates that it may be of an inferior grade to a natural emerald.
5. CHECK THE PRICE
Although emeralds are rare stones, there is a wide range of prices out there for emeralds. A real emerald may not necessarily be very expensive to be real. However! If you do suspect that your emerald might be fake, make sure to compare the price with similar stones on the market. If a price is too good to be true, it is most likely a fake.
In addition, fake emeralds are less expensive than authentic emerald stones but are more expensive than most other synthetic gems. For example, a rough estimate of a small, artificial emerald is $75 per carat. Beware of any 'authentic' emerald stone at a similar price.
6. CHECK FOR LAYERS
Some fake emeralds consist of two or three layers of various materials, with a green layer sandwiched between two colorless stones. If the stone is not mounted, you can easily see these layers by submerging them in water and viewing them from the side. It's more challenging to detect this in mounted stones, but you should try to look for strange color variations in the girdle region.
7. HAVE IT APPRAISED
The best way to tell if an emerald is real is to take it to a qualified gemologist or jewelry appraiser. They will examine the stone using a variety of methods, including:
MAGNIFICATION:
A jeweler's loupe or microscope can help gemologists see inclusions, tiny mineral crystals used to identify an authentic emerald.
REFRACTION:
The way light bends as it passes through an emerald can also assist in its identification.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT:
Some emeralds fluoresce or shine under ultraviolet light, which aids in their identification, but not all real emeralds do.
CONCLUSION
If you're wondering how to tell if an emerald is real, follow the steps above. The easiest approach to determine whether or not you have a real emerald stone is to have it assessed by a trained gemologist or jewelry appraiser. But, even with all of the information available, there is always the possibility of being duped by fake gems. To ensure you're getting an authentic emerald, be extra careful and always buy directly from a reputable supplier.
Good luck and happy gem hunting!