Fraud and scams precious stones: a consumer guide

 Expertise are needed to determine the authenticity of a natural stone. It is not difficult for a trader to pass a synthetic and natural gem, or sell cheap as kyanite gem like a sapphire more expensive. Even the examination of the gems in person is unlikely to protect the consumer against fraud, sophisticated gemological instruments are usually required to detect synthetic gems or treated.

That said, you may be surprised to learn that such blatant fraud is not really common at all in the business of precious stones. The reason is that dealers who engage in fraudulent practices obviously do not survive long in the business.

Smart consumers prevent fraud more frank, just buy her jewelry merchants who have certified by independent gemological laboratories. These laboratories are experts in identifying gems and use high-tech instruments to determine if the gemstones are natural or have been treated by various methods.



However, it is important to understand that above all gemological labs do a quantitative analysis - we can say that a particular stone is a natural sapphire unheated, but can not tell if the stone is a sign of high quality or even if it is gem quality. Also, do not give you an idea of ​​the value of the stone.

The majority of frauds and scams in the business of gemstones have to do with the qualitative aspects, which sells a poor quality stone, like a jewel of high quality. This type of fraud is unfortunately very common, especially among the dealers who sell in the price. When you see the jewelry offered at what appear to be exceptionally cheap prices, it is time to raise the fraud alert.

 The fraud of the most common gemstone supply or included as a poorly cut gemstone fine jewelry. While asking prices for these gems is far below the market price of high quality jewelry, the stones of poor quality, in fact, have little or no value in the market. The same is true for natural gems, which have poor or mediocre color - jewelers and fine jewelry marketers not to touch these stones. However, some dealers offer these remains to unsuspecting buyers as "fine jewelry" in what appears to be a very attractive price.

Another example is the very treaty jewelry sales to consumers who do not understand the implications of treatment. For example, some traders to sell ruby ​​fracture is filled with lead crystal. But not enough to know the treatment. The fact is that these precious stones are not durable at all, and the glass filler is easily affected by household chemicals and heating by a jeweler routine during the adjustment process. These precious stones filled fractures should not be bought at any price. In fact, the best gem labs now identify these stones do not like the ruby, but as "composite ruby" or "hybrid Ruby" to indicate that it would be unfair in comparison with the natural ruby.

The reputation of a gem dealer is your most important asset. This is a business based on trust. Traders who engage in fraudulent practices by offering low-quality stones fine jewelry should be exposed. Fortunately, the Internet users are vigilant and report suspected distributors of fraudulent practices. Not well known consumer sites to report scams and unethical practices. Some consumers have gemological. knowledge and generosity to share his experience in these forums. Like any other product on the market usually get what you pay for. But in the case of gemstones, fine jewelry has lasting value, while low-quality stones are essentially useless.