It is impressive how a stone can enchant and beautify a jewel so much! They exist various gemstones with different colors, shapes, brightness and values. Among so many options, they can still be precious or synthetic. But how do you know how to tell them apart? In addition to their market value, what are the other divergent points between them?
Follow our post and find out!
the gems
First of all, it is worth saying that the term precious and semi-precious stone is no longer used. In the past, the term “precious” was used only for diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, as they were the best known and admired since antiquity. the diamond it is the most coveted and preferred since the beginning of its use in jewelry, which is why it is so valuable and never goes out of style, even if it is not the rarest stone to be found in nature. But such nomenclature devalued other stones such as amethyst, alexandrite, aquamarine, opal, chrysoberyl and others of unique beauty. It was then that such gems began to be called gems.
natural gems
Natural gems are those that do not have any interference from man and are formed completely by nature. They can be organic or of animal origin, such as pearl, amber and coral. And they can be inorganic (no carbon base) or mineral, such as sapphire, ruby, diamond and aquamarine.
synthetic gems
Some gems are difficult to find and therefore are rarer and have a high cost. With all these factors, man found a way around this and created synthetic gems (also called coated or constituted) in laboratories. They are made from the natural gem, they are a kind of “clones”. The natural gems are pulverized, and the material obtained is melted and recrystallized under different conditions.
As the material is obtained from a natural gem, the synthetic gem has properties very similar to natural gems, as well as transparency, brightness, density, hardness. Therefore, identifying the differences between natural and synthetic gems is only possible through the use of a gemological microscope. It is worth noting that synthetic gemstones are not artificial gemstones.
artificial gems
Synthetic gemstones are created from a natural gemstone, unlike artificial gemstones, which are entirely man-made. A great example is cubic zirconia, which has never been found in nature.
The first attempt to produce a synthetic gem was in Egypt, 4 years before Christ, probably at a time when lapis lazuli was scarce, which was of great importance to the Egyptians. They tried to heat the steatite but were unsuccessful. From the XNUMXth century, after several different processes, the production of synthetic gemstones increased and the creation of these small notables began.
Currently, Brazil is a producer of synthetic gems such as alexandrite. Russia produces synthetic diamond, also with high value. Thailand and Australia stand out for the production of sapphire. All these gems with high value and acceptance in the market.
Did you already know the differences between natural, synthetic and artificial gems? Do you know of any other useful information on this subject? Share with us, tell us in the comments field of our blog!
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13 Answers
Hello and good morning, due to natural and synthetic stone e.g. Ruby. Because those who don't have knowledge end up buying the synthetic as if it were original (100%). So, I want to buy men's graduation ring. Law course. Please guide me how not to fall off the horse?
Hello Mauritius, in order not to be tricked into buying jewelry with a synthetic stone instead of a real stone, ask for the certificate of authenticity.
You can also see more in this article: //artouro.com.br/blog/a-importancia-do-certificado-de-autenticidade-das-pedras-preciosas/
I have a valuable jewel and I don't have a certificate, how can I get a certificate to add value? We usually receive it as a gift from family or loved ones and we don't know how to update it for use.
Hello Fátima, you can attest to the authenticity of your jewel and obtain the certificate of authenticity through the GIA Institute, which does not have an office in Brazil, which does not prevent you from making direct contact with them and sending the material via Sedex. And in Brazil, we suggest the IBGM laboratory:
//www.gemologiaibgm.com.br/laboratorio/
I have a collection of stones, some of which are precious, how do I sell them and where am I from São Paulo
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
I have a ring with a Pedro that is an inheritance from me I always said it was real I have them for over 30 years I would like to know if they are really real like I do
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
Hello, I would like to buy a safari stone for my amen but I don't know if they will really sell it as original, and what would be the difference between the sapphire and the Lina turba?.
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
Hello, I would like to ask a question about a "stone" which I found recently.
It has an orange color and light passes through it, I think this process of light passing through it is called translucency, I'm a layman on the subject!
I found it in the region of Joaçaba-Santa Catarina, in the rural area!
I would like to get in touch with someone to clarify some doubts about it, if it is a gem/something like that, or if it is just a “common stone”! I found a beautiful rock!
It has several unique features! Very interesting!
If you want to get in touch, my email is: luizferjw@gmail.com
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
My wife found several blue pebbles inside the gizzard of a chicken that we bought in the countryside, so I would like to know how to differentiate if it is real or synthetic.