| Although you may not be able to tell the | | | | stone but will have different optical, physical, and |
| difference between two different pieces of | | | | chemical properties. An example of a simulant |
| jewelry by just looking at it, there may be very | | | | that is produced in the United States that most |
| real and significant differences between the | | | | people are familiar with is cubic zirconia. While cubic |
| pieces. The choice between something that is real | | | | zirconia has the same color and similar appearance |
| and something that is not depends on your | | | | of a diamond, it does not have the same |
| preferences and budget. Following are some | | | | characteristics such as the hardness or the clarity. |
| terms that you can use to help you understand | | | | The most expensive gemstones are those that |
| the difference between real and synthetic stones. | | | | are found in nature and have the fewest flaws. |
| Natural Stones - These are the stones that are | | | | At the top of the list are rubies, which surpass all |
| found in nature and have no other treatment than | | | | the other gemstones in value. The ruby is known |
| to be cut and polished. These are the real stones | | | | for its fiery red color and is desired in part due to |
| that usually have the highest price tags. | | | | its rarity. When choosing gemstones like the ruby, |
| Genuine Stones - These are the stones that | | | | you can decide which characteristics matter most |
| began as natural stones and then were treated in | | | | to you in order to choose between real or |
| some way that has enhanced their appearance. | | | | synthetic stones. If the quality of the stone and |
| There are different types of treatments | | | | the color are important to you, then a natural |
| commonly used to improve the appearance of | | | | stone that is nearly flawless will be the most |
| stones by giving them a more desirable color or | | | | desirable choice. However, if you are looking for a |
| to make them shinier. | | | | red stone for a necklace to match your new |
| Synthetic or Simulated Stones - These terms | | | | outfit and you are shopping on a budget, then a |
| both mean nearly the same thing and are both | | | | synthetic ruby will be available at a much lower |
| used to describe laboratory created gemstones. | | | | price that can only be differentiated by an expert. |
| They may also be labeled specifically as being | | | | If you are going to purchase a real stone for its |
| laboratory grown. Synthetic stones are created to | | | | value, then it is important to purchase from a |
| look like the real thing and will usually have the | | | | well-known, reputable dealer that you can trust. |
| same appearance, properties, and size as the | | | | Since the real stones and the synthetics can only |
| natural stones. Simulated stones, on the other | | | | be determined by an expert, you don't want to |
| hand, will have a similar appearance to the real | | | | risk getting less than what you are paying for! |