Can you tell the difference?

The creation of gems in the lab has been a goal of scientists and entrepreneurs for ages. Now, most popular gems can be synthesized.

It is important to distinguish between imitations and synthetics. An imitation is a stone that is a different material but looks like the real stone. A synthetic is a man-made duplication of the natural substance.

Synthetics have the same atomic structure and optical properties as well the same hardness and chemical composition as the natural stone.

The only way to determine the origin of these stones is be telltale internal markings called inclusions. Natural stones have inclusions such as gas bubbles, liquids or chemical compounds.

In synthetics we find round bubbles, curved growth lines and other distinctive markings that reveal their origin.

Gem synthesis is a major business and manufacturing has become a fine art. There are even invented synthetic gems which have no natural counterparts. These new gems are unique creations that have extended the gem world in new and unique directions.

Detection of synthetics is a major problem and should only be trusted to a professional jeweler. There's nothing wrong with these new gems. Problems only arise when a synthetic is sold as a natural stone. A five carat high quality natural ruby might sell for $50,000, whereas a similar synthetic might sell for $800!