When it comes to Sapphire, people often think of the blue color due to its name 'Blue Gem.' However, it also appears in red, yellow, orange, green, or various other mixed colors. Natural Sapphires are found deep within the earth or beneath water, whereas synthetic or lab-created Sapphires are made in controlled environments. To distinguish a natural Sapphire, look for imperfections or inclusions inside the stone, test with breath and authentication methods. For synthetic Sapphires, examine the air bubbles, test hardness, and shine light through the stone. Additionally, don't forget to ask the seller about the type of Sapphire they are offering.
Look for Signs of Authentic Sapphire
Examine for imperfections or inclusions within the stone. Use a jeweler’s magnifying glass with at least 10x magnification to inspect the stone closely. Natural Sapphires often contain small foreign materials, so pay attention to minerals or specks inside the gem. These imperfections are strong indicators of an authentic Sapphire.
- Synthetically made Sapphires (fake stones) do not have natural inclusions. However, some natural Sapphires may be flawless, but if you spot an imperfection, it is most likely a natural Sapphire.
Test with your breath. Hold the Sapphire and exhale onto it, causing the stone to fog up. Count how long it takes for the mist to start clearing and completely disappear. Natural stones will clear up in just one to two seconds, while synthetic Sapphires can take up to five seconds.
Have the Sapphire tested for authenticity. Evaluation centers can inspect and determine the type of gemstone. After testing, they will provide a certificate confirming whether the Sapphire is natural or synthetic, treated or untreated, and detail other properties of the stone.
- Once gemologists have fully examined the stone, they will issue an official statement. If your family owns a valuable natural Sapphire, it’s advisable to have it tested to ensure you receive the highest value in case of a sale.
- Sapphires with certification tend to sell for a higher price.
Our experts suggest: Testing by reputable centers is the only way to confirm whether a Sapphire is genuine. They will use equipment like refractometers, magnifying glasses, and polarizing microscopes to evaluate the stone. Try finding a certification center near you or reach out to a member of organizations like the Vietnam Gemstone Association.
How to Spot Fake Sapphires
Check for air bubbles inside the stone. Lab-created Sapphires are essentially glass formed through a similar process to natural Sapphires. Due to their glass nature, air bubbles can remain trapped inside. If you notice bubbles inside the stone, it’s likely not a genuine Sapphire.
- Be sure to rotate the Sapphire and inspect it from various angles. The bubbles might only be visible from certain perspectives.
Test the hardness. If you have two Sapphires and you are sure one is genuine, rub the natural stone against the other. Gems of equal hardness cannot scratch each other. If both stones are real Sapphires, there should be no marks. However, if the genuine Sapphire scratches the other stone, it’s likely not a natural gem (or it may be of lower quality).
- This method can damage a synthetic Sapphire, so use caution if you don’t want to risk losing value.
Observe how light reflects off the Sapphire. Turn off the lights in the room and shine a flashlight on the stone. A genuine Sapphire will only reflect light in the same color as the stone. In contrast, a fake Sapphire (made from glass) will reflect other colors in addition to the stone’s natural hue.
Assessing Sapphire Quality
Look for intersecting lines inside the Sapphire. Some natural Sapphires are of such poor quality that they cannot be sold as-is. Sellers often mask this by filling the stone with leaded glass to enhance its appearance. If you notice intersecting lines inside the stone, it may be a genuine Sapphire, but of lower quality.
Ask the seller whether this is a natural gemstone. If you're considering purchasing a Sapphire from a gem dealer, make sure to ask about the product's origin. To protect consumers and promote transparency, sellers are required to provide information about the gemstones they sell.
- Don’t worry about coming off as too demanding or uninformed when asking. This is your money, and you have every right to know what you are buying.
Ask the seller whether this Sapphire is natural or treated. Various methods are used to enhance the color and clarity of Sapphires. While these techniques improve the stone’s appearance, they may diminish its natural characteristics.
- These treatments are not permanent, so it’s important to ask what methods were used and how long their effects will last. After the treatments wear off, the stone will return to its original look.
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