Natural Gemstones are in high demand in India due to their astrological benefits. It is true that gems can enhance the strength of planets, but only if we select the authentic natural gemstone.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of gemstones knowledge shopping for gemstones is no less than a hurdle for many of us. It’s difficult to differentiate natural gemstones from synthetic stones and the labels or terms used to describe a gemstone can be confusing.

If you don't know how to read the gemstone certificate and are unfamiliar with the terminology used to describe them, you could end up paying a much higher price for a fake gemstone.

One should primarily educate themselves before planning to buy any gemstone for Astrological reason or as an ornament. Having the right information about gemstones will help you select the right one and you'll be able to pay what's a fair price.

There’s no prescribed way of identifying gemstones that are real, without having them examined by an expert gemologist. However, there are several things you should know to purchase real gemstones instead of imitations.

Natural, Genuine, Synthetic, and Simulated what do they really mean?

• Natural Gemstones: Natural gemstones are extracted from the mines and have not undergone any kind of treatment besides being cut and polished. 

• Genuine Gemstones: Genuine gemstones and natural ones appear the same, but they are treated in some way to enhance their appearance. 

• Synthetic Gemstones: Synthetic stones are developed in a laboratory and sometimes share a natural stone’s physical as well as chemical qualities. 

• Simulated Gemstones: Simulated stones are no way near to natural stones. Their chemical composition and other properties are very different. 

When shopping for gemstones, look out for words like dyed, simulated or man-made as these indicate the stone is not real.

Here’s a list of things to keep in mind whenever you plan to buy natural gemstones.

1. Check The Description

The first and most important step to identifying if a gemstone is real, you should thoroughly read their descriptions. Check if the seller has mentioned the origin of the stone. This will help you determine if it’s authentic or not.

2. Determine The Price

If you ever go to buy gemstones and feel that the price is considerably low for a natural gemstone, you may have to drop the idea of buying one. Because authentic natural gemstones are costlier than their imitations.

Try to do some research around natural gemstones before you go shopping and determine the market price of authentic gemstones.

3. Take A Closer Look

One of the most important factors to look for when you are about to buy natural gemstones is their appearance.

Natural Gemstones generally have some flaws to them, as they are directly extracted from the earth. Due to their natural state, no two stones will look exactly the same. If you find any gemstones that appear surprisingly smooth and are flawless, then chances of them being altered are strong. Also, if their colors are more saturated, they might have been dyed to enhance their appearance. 

4. Verify The Seller

Make sure you do your research, take some time and make informed decisions whenever you decide to buy natural gemstones online or offline. You should always buy certified natural gemstones from an authentic and reputed seller. One who provides genuine information and is open to share each gemstone's origins.

A reputed natural gemstone seller will always provide an authentic gemstone certificate with every stone. 

How To Read A Gemstone Certificate? 

The basic details highlighted in a gemstone certificate are its quality (natural or synthetic), carat, weight, shape & cut, color, measurements, optic character, specific gravity, refractive index & hardness and species. 

You must look for the comments mentioned in the certificate as they are considered highly important. The attributes of each certificate may differ with respect to the laboratory and the technology they might be using. However, the features of a gemstone are mostly the same in every gemstone certificate.  

Let us shed some more light on how to read an authentic gemstone certificate. For example, we'll look at the following certificate provided by the most trusted gemstone certification lab in India – IGI-GTL – GJEPC.

A gemstone report or certificate provided by Indian Gemological Institute – Gemological Testing Laboratory (IGI-GTL) typically includes the following attributes:

1. Report Number

On the top left side, you can find the stone report number. This number will be very helpful when you require a duplicate copy of the report from the lab. 

2. Date of Testing

On the top right, you’ll find the date of the testing.  All the test reports done after April 1, 2019 are stored online. You can easily check or view any specific reports on their website using the report number.

3. Stone Type

The title of the certificate denotes the type of a stone, which could be Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, or others. 

4. Color

The color of the gemstone is mentioned in this section. Color is of utmost importance considering the astrological benefits of a gemstone. 

5. Weight

This section mentions the weight of the gemstone generally defined in carats. 

6. Description

This section gives general information like if a gemstone is mounted on a jewelry like a ring or pendant or is in its original condition.

7. Shape & Cut

In this section, the structure of a gemstone will be defined as oval, round or mixed. 

8. Dimensions

The size of a gemstone is mentioned in this section. You can verify the stone through this as no two untreated stones have the same size. 

9. Transparency

This section tells you if the gemstone is transparent or opaque.

10. Other Tests

Different technical tests are conducted to determine the characteristics of a gemstone to determine its authenticity. Tests like IR spectra analysis, microscopic observation of others are mentioned in this section.

11. Comments 

This section mentions the comments on the gemstone-like, if the stone is heated or treated with a particular chemical to enhance its overall appearance, any fracture filling done to it, etc. 

12. Signature and Seal

At last, you'll see that the certificate is signed and verified by the authorized signatory of IGI- GTL.

NOT ALL GEMSTONE CERTIFICATE IS GENUINE, CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT

Final Words

You must have got an idea of how to know if a gemstone is real or fake and how to exactly read the gemstone certificate. Use this information to buy authentic natural gemstones at a fair price. 

When it comes to natural gemstones Brahma Gems is India's No.1 natural gemstones store. Awarded ‘Global Excellence Award’ for the Best Natural Gemstone Dealer & trusted by thousands of blessed customers, Brahma Gems is a prominent name in the Indian Gemstone Industry.  

Offering 100% Natural, Unheated, and Untreated gemstones with Authentic Certificates of prominent government laboratories like (IGI-GTL), international labs (IGI), and private labs like GRS, GIA.