How to Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones – Expert Guide for Buyers in India
Gemstones hold beauty, value, and emotion. But in India’s vast jewellery market, both real and imitation gemstones often look similar. Knowing how to identify genuine stones helps you protect your money and ensures your jewellery retains its worth and energy.
Dalakosa, a fine jewellery brand from New Delhi, crafts designs inspired by nature and raw gemstones. From our experience working with natural minerals, we’ve seen many buyers struggle to tell the difference between authentic and imitation gemstones. This expert guide explains how you can identify real gemstones with simple, reliable checks.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Real gemstones carry natural durability, energy, and unique imperfections. Fake gemstones, often made from glass or plastic, may look bright at first but lose shine and color over time.
If you buy imitation stones:
- You may overpay for low-value materials.
- The stone might crack or fade quickly.
- It will not hold any astrological or healing value.
- Its resale or investment potential becomes zero.
When you understand the difference, you make informed choices and ensure your jewellery remains valuable for years.
- Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity
A genuine gemstone always comes with a certificate from a recognized gemological laboratory. In India, trusted labs include:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
- GII (Gemological Institute of India)
- SGL (Solitaire Gemological Laboratories)
The certificate includes:
- Stone name and type (e.g., Natural Ruby – Corundum)
- Carat weight and cut
- Color grade
- Clarity details
- Treatment information
You can verify the report number on the lab’s website. If a seller doesn’t provide certification, avoid buying.
- Observe Color and Clarity
Natural gemstones have small imperfections and uneven color tones. Fake gemstones look flawless and uniform.
Examples:
- A real emerald shows fine lines or inclusions called “jardin.”
- A genuine ruby may display natural zoning or internal patterns.
- A real sapphire often changes slightly under different light.
If a stone looks too perfect, it is likely synthetic.
- Feel the Temperature
Touch the stone to your skin.
- Real gemstones stay cool even after holding them for a few seconds.
- Fake gemstones warm up quickly because they are made of glass or resin.
This simple test helps detect imitations instantly.
- Check the Weight and Density
Real gemstones are heavier than fake ones of the same size.
For example, a genuine ruby feels denser than a glass or plastic copy.
Hold two similar stones and notice which feels heavier.
- Inspect the Cut and Finish
Natural gemstones are cut to enhance beauty, not hide flaws.
- The cut might not be perfectly symmetrical.
- Light reflections appear soft and deep.
Fake stones are machine-polished to look perfect but appear flat and overly shiny. Check with a magnifying glass to see how the stone reflects light.
- Ask About Treatments and Enhancements
Some gemstones undergo treatments to improve clarity or color. A reliable jeweller will share this openly.
Common treatments include:
- Heat treatment – used in rubies and sapphires to enhance color.
- Oil filling – used in emeralds to hide small cracks.
If a jeweller avoids discussing treatments, it’s a warning sign.
- Use Light Tests
Hold the gemstone under a flashlight and rotate it slowly.
- Real gemstones show different shades and reflections.
- Fake gemstones reflect light evenly, without internal depth.
You can also use a polarizing filter to check light behavior. Natural stones display varied patterns or double refraction, while fake ones look flat.
- Consult a Certified Gemologist
If you are unsure, visit a certified gemologist. They use advanced tools like refractometers and microscopes to confirm authenticity. While it may involve a small fee, this step ensures that you buy a genuine gemstone, especially for high-value pieces.
- Compare Prices Realistically
Market price often indicates quality.
- Natural blue sapphires may start at ₹10,000 per carat.
- Real emeralds range from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 per carat.
If a seller offers a “real” gemstone at an unusually low price, it’s likely imitation. Always compare prices from trusted jewellers and avoid unverified sellers online.
- Buy from Trusted Jewellers
Choosing the right jeweller is the most reliable way to buy real gemstones.
Trusted jewellers provide:
- Certificates from reputed labs
- Transparent information about treatments
- Ethical sourcing details
Dalakosa ensures that every gemstone used in our jewellery is tested for authenticity and purity. Each design celebrates natural beauty and craftsmanship born from our New Delhi studio.
Common Imitation Gemstones in India
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ) – used as a diamond substitute
- Glass or resin stones – mimic emeralds, rubies, and sapphires
- Synthetic corundum – made to look like rubies or sapphires
- Spinel or garnet substitutes – sold as precious gems
- Plastic beads – used in fashion jewellery
Knowing these materials helps you identify imitations quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can check temperature, weight, and color variation using simple tools. However, the safest method is to ask for a certified gem report.
No. Lab-created gemstones have the same structure as natural ones but are grown under controlled conditions. They are not imitations, though they lack natural rarity.
Buy only from certified jewellers who provide authenticity certificates and transparent return policies.
Final Thoughts
Real gemstones hold more than beauty—they represent earth’s natural strength and individuality. By learning these checks and purchasing from reliable jewellers like Dalakosa, you protect your investment and own jewellery that remains timeless and genuine.
Read Also – Diwali Jewelry Gifting Guide
Contact us today:
📍 2502, 3rd Floor, Gurudwara Rd., Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110008
📞 98111 94902
✉️ care@dalakosa.com