No bombastic words, no amount of praise, and no stature of reverence can explain the significance of green emerald gems in the realm of gemstones. Considered as one of the integral members of the Beryl family, a natural emerald stone or panna gemstone is an indispensable part of the Big 4 club that encloses sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.
An original and excellent-quality emerald stone is not only hailed for its profound value in the international market but also for its gargantuan astrological value. However, the biggest concern among individuals looking to rope in a real panna stone is how to check its authenticity. Apart from sophisticated gem tools, there are different ways to tell if an emerald is real. In this all-inclusive blog post, we are going to explain in depth how to tell if an emerald is real and enclose different proven and time-tested ways to check its authenticity.
Table of Contents
WAYS TO TELL IF AN EMERALD IS REAL
Look for flaws
Real emerald gemstones have natural imperfections also called inclusions inside them that can be seen with the naked eye or a magnifying glass. Look for:
- Cracks or lines running through the emerald. These are called fissures.
- Shapes that look like crystals or chunks missing. These are cavities and chips.
- Tube-like lines next to each other inside the stone. These are growth tubes.
- Twisted, spiral shapes. These form when water gets trapped as the emerald grows.
- Shapes that look like fingerprints. These form from bubbles when the emerald is made.
- Uneven color in green, blue, and yellow. This is color zoning caused by the imperfections.
If you don’t see any of these natural flaws, the original panna stone is likely fake or man-made. Real panna stone contain these unique imperfections.
Check The Sparkles
Original emeralds do not sparkle with flashes of rainbow colors, or “fire,” like other gems. When you hold an authentic emerald up to the light, it should not show intense variations of colors or bright sparkles. If you see a lot of flashy fire or sparkling rainbows coming from the stone, it is likely a fake emerald. Real emeralds have a more subtle glow without dramatic color flashes.
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Check for Wear and Tear for Facets
If you have a gemstone that appears to be made of glass or another fragile material, pay attention to its edges. If the edges look dull and worn, there’s a good chance the gem is not genuine. Fake glass “gems” tend to show signs like having a bumpy texture that resembles an orange peel and slightly rounded edges on their facets. You can spot these features more easily by examining the gem closely with a magnifying glass.
USE A DICHROSCOPE
The dichroscope is a useful tool for determining if an emerald is real or synthetic. This small, portable device allows you to view the gemstone from different angles and observe the color variations that occur. When natural emeralds are viewed through a dichroscope, they display a distinct dichroism, meaning the color shifts between blue-green and yellow-green depending on the viewing direction. This is caused by the unique molecular structure and orientation of the chromium ions in a real emerald crystal. The color change will be dramatic and easily noticeable.
The lack of dichroism points to an artificial stone, while a strong color shift confirms the presence of a high-quality natural emerald. By using this simple optical test, jewelers and gemologists can quickly identify authentic emeralds based on their inherent dichroic properties. The dichroscope provides a reliable way to screen emeralds and ensure their authenticity as natural gems.
LOOK FOR LAYERS
Detecting a “Soudé” imitation gemstone requires looking for its distinctive multi-layered construction. This type of fake emerald is made by sandwiching a green layer between two clear layers of material. When unmounted, the best way to reveal this layered structure is by immersing the stone in water and viewing it from the side. The different materials and colors will be visible as distinct bands running through the stone.
For a mounted Soudé stone, examine the girdle area closely with a loupe or microscope. Look for any unnatural color variations or transitions that may indicate the presence of separate layers of materials. The interfaces between the layers may produce odd shifts in hue or clarity around the edges and perimeter of the stone. While more difficult to discern, irrational color zoning around the girdle can signify a Soudé imitation and not a natural solid emerald. With patience and careful inspection, the constructed nature of this type of counterfeit emerald can be detected.
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Give a Try to Chelsea Filter
You can use a Chelsea filter to detect synthetic emeralds. This special filter only lets two colors of light through: deep red and yellow-green, which happen to match the colors that a real emerald emits. If the gemstone gives off a bright red color when viewed through this filter, then it’s likely a fake emerald.
Examine Hues
Natural emeralds exhibit a range of green hues, from pale mint to deep forest tones. The most prized and valuable shades are a pure, vivid green or a bluish-green teal color. The green color should appear evenly distributed throughout the stone, with no visible uneven patches or color banding when examined with the naked eye. An ideal emerald stone will also have a high level of transparency and clarity. Cloudiness, opaque spots, or blurry areas indicate less desirable quality. The combination of a rich, intense, uniform green color and exceptional translucency is the hallmark of a top-grade emerald gemstone. Stones that display these attributes will be rare and highly coveted by collectors and jewelers. Carefully inspecting color saturation, distribution, and transparency can reveal an emerald’s true visual quality.
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Price Valuation
Authentic emeralds can command substantial prices, ranging from tens of thousands to even ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Be cautious when encountering emeralds being sold at unusually low prices, as they are often counterfeit. To ensure the authenticity of your purchase, it’s advisable to request a certificate of authenticity from a reputable laboratory when buying from a trusted seller or store.
Gemstone Certification
If uncertainties remain about an emerald’s authenticity, consult a qualified gemologist or appraiser to perform a professional assessment. Look for individuals accredited by reputable national organizations like the American Society of Appraisers or American Gem Society, or who hold a degree in gemology. Independent, third-party appraisers are best, rather than those affiliated with a particular jeweler or retailer. Be wary of any appraiser who stands to profit from confirming a high value on the stone being examined.
Appraisal fees can range considerably, so ask about pricing upfront. Some charge hourly, some have per-piece fees, and others charge per carat. Never accept an appraisal charging a percentage of the assessed market value, as this creates an incentive to inflate the appraisal. A fair, flat fee basis helps ensure an impartial, expert evaluation. The exam will involve technical gemological testing beyond what can be done casually at home. In the end, a qualified appraiser can provide definitive documentation of your emerald along with peace of mind about its authenticity.
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