Aquamarine, with its captivating blue hue reminiscent of the serene ocean, has won the hearts of gem enthusiasts for ages. Its name, derived from the Latin word for seawater, fittingly reflects its soothing blue-to-greenish-blue color. However, as its popularity soars, so does the emergence of fake or synthetic aquamarine stones in the market. At Victoria Marie Jewelers, we hold a relentless commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and personalized customer service. Guiding you toward an educated purchase, we shed light on the crucial ways to determine the authenticity of aquamarine.
Physical Properties:
- Color: Genuine aquamarine boasts a range of blue hues, from pale blue to greenish blue. The color should be evenly distributed and not too saturated.
- Clarity: Aquamarine is a gemstone that naturally has fewer inclusions, making it relatively clear.
- Hardness: With a hardness scale of 7.5 to 8, real aquamarine resists scratches, unlike softer, counterfeit stones.
- Luster: Authentic aquamarine exhibits a vitreous luster that sparkles subtly under light.
Professional Testing:
- Gemological Laboratories: A certified gemological laboratory can provide precise analysis and certification of aquamarine’s authenticity.
- Local Jewelers: Our seasoned jewelers at Victoria Marie Jewelers are at your service to assist in determining the authenticity of your gemstone.
Refractive Index Testing:
- The refractive index, measuring how light bends as it passes through the gemstone, is a robust indicator of authenticity.
- A standard refractometer reveals the refractive index of aquamarine to range from 1.567 to 1.590.
Specific Gravity Test:
- Specific gravity, the ratio of a gemstone’s density to that of water, can be another hallmark of authenticity.
- For aquamarine, it ranges from 2.68 to 2.74.
Visual Inspections:
- Inclusions: Although minimal, genuine aquamarine might exhibit long, thin inclusions.
- Bubbles: The presence of bubbles is a red flag indicating a glass imitation.
- Scratches: An abundance of scratches may signify a softer counterfeit stone.
Comparing with Known Genuine Samples:
A side-by-side comparison with a known genuine aquamarine, focusing on color, clarity, and overall appearance can provide insightful clues.
Price Too Good To Be True:
An unusually low price can often signal a fake. Quality and authenticity come at a fair price, reflecting the true value of the gemstone.
Synthetic versus Natural Aquamarine:
Synthetic aquamarine has a flawless appearance, contrasting with the natural inclusions of authentic aquamarine, albeit minimal.
Purchase from Reputable Sources:
Buying from reputable dealers like Victoria Marie Jewelers ensures you’re investing in an authentic, high-quality gemstone.
Conclusion:
Ensuring the authenticity of aquamarine is a step towards making a valued purchase. The expertise and personalized service at Victoria Marie Jewelers ensure a seamless journey in acquiring genuine gemstones that cater to your exquisite taste.
Delve deeper into the world of gemstones with our blog or schedule an appointment for a personalized service at Victoria Marie Jewelers. Share this insight with fellow gem enthusiasts and comment below about your experience in identifying real aquamarine.
