It can be challenging for a novice to tell whether their gemstones are genuine without taking them to a jeweller or testing facility and getting them appraised. However, there are some tests you can do at home that can tell you whether your gems are the real deal or not that can put your mind at ease. Below are some of the tests that you tell you if you have authentic gemstones or not, which will also indicate their value.
Testing Your Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substances known to man, and there is a quick and easy way that you can do a gemstone test at home. Diamonds can cut glass, and all you need to do is take your diamond and try scratching some glass with it, and an old jar will do. If it can scratch the glass, then it is a genuine diamond, and if not, you most likely have cubic zirconium.
Testing If Your Rubies Are Real
Rubies are gems that can also be faked, but luckily there are a few different ways you can test if they are real or not. One way to tell the difference between a real and a fake ruby is to look at the colour, and a genuine ruby will be a bright and vivid colour, while fakes will be much duller in appearance. You can also scratch the ruby with a coin, and if it leaves a mark, it is most likely not a real gem. However, it may be a garnet that is similar to a ruby but is worthless money.
Making Sure Your Sapphires Are Genuine
Sapphires are another extremely hard gem, and you can use a similar method to testing diamonds. You can also look at the colour of a sapphire which can help you determine whether it is genuine. You will also find that sapphires have imperfections, so if you hold the gem up to a source of light and you cannot see any, it may be glass or something else.
Testing Pearls
There is a very simple and effective way to test if your pearls are real and this is by putting them in your mouth. If the pearl feels gritty in your mouth then it is a genuine pearl, and if it is smooth it is not real and will be worth far less. If you do not wish to put the peral in your mouth you can also use your fingers, and you will want to look for a slightly abrasive feel to it which will tell you if you have a genuine pearl or not. You can always have your gems tested by a professional service if you are still unsure, and your local jewellery store will be able to do this for you.
