Buying gemstones online can be exciting and akin to a Treasure Hunt! However, how to distinquish between a synthetic and natural gemstone is part of the detective work Treasure Hunters have to take into consideration before clicking on the "Buy it Now" or "Place Bid" button.

This Quick Reference Guide will assist you in what too look for in purchasing gemstones.  First, if the description states the gem is "lab created" there's not much guesswork involved. If what you're looking for is a Lab Created Gemstone and the description states "Lab Created" then you know what you're buying.

However, sometimes you really have to read the description (line by line) in order to truly know if a gem is Lab Created. Read the description carefully as the words "Lab Created" may be present however, if the description of the item is extremely long, you might just miss the words "Lab Created".

Remember that some lab created gemstones can cost the same (if not more) than a genuine gemstone!

Lab Created gemstones are exactly what they are (created "grown" in a lab). They usually can come out absolutely clean without any inclusions or fractures. In other words, they're usually absolutelty perfect (something Mother Nature rarely creates).

The gem will test as a real gem! In other words, gems such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds and spinels will test as their natural counterparts!  However, there are a few signs, which will tell you if what you purchased is the real thing. 

Look at the gem with a 10x's loupe and if you see bubbles and/or their are numerous bubbles, the gem will have a cloudy appearance. If you don't own a loupe bring the gem to a local jeweler and just ask them to look at the gem under a 10x's loupe (no need to invest money in an appraisal, which may cost more than the gem itself!)

If you purchase gems in large quantities and/or are a collector of gems, invest in a 10x's loupe!

Many consumers ask "what is a doublet?" A doublet is creatd by combining the crown (upper part of the gem) with the lower part of a natural gem. It's basically created by using part of the a natural gemstone (usually of inferior quality), a substitute stone, colored paste or glass.  Think of two stones in one (one real and the other a substitute material to create one gem). It's one layer on top of another.

A triplet on the other hand combines three layers. Two layers of a poor quality gemstone with a layer of paste in the middle (think of an Oreo cookie and you'll get the idea). The paste usually contains lead and is very soft and eventually the stone will lose its color and brilliance.

Semi Precious & Precious Gemstones...

What is a the difference betwee Semi Precious and Precious Gemstones? Precious gemstones fall into a small group. The precious stone group would include Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald (to mention the few major precious gems).

The main Semi Precious Gemstone Group would include; Topaz, Garnet, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Quartz, Zircon, Opal, Moonstone (just to mention a few - the list is rather long).  Organic Gems include Pearl, Amber and Coral and are viewed as "precious".

Price Swings in Gemstones...

Price is determined by a number of factors. The first would be color. The more vivid the color, the more the gem will be valued. Gems are cut to maximize their brilliance and as such, the better the cut, the higher the price. If there are many inclusions in the gem, the Clarity of the gem will be affected and the price will drop.  

The carat weight will also determine the price of the gem. The larger the gemstone (in carat weight) the higher price. If you're buying a gem, which displays a vivid color, fantastic cut, superior clarity and a large carat weight, expect to pay more.

If the gem color is of good quality and the gem has some inclusions (cutting down on the clarity) and the cut is mediocre, expect to pay less. However, remember that if it's a mediocre gem, the price may still high due to the sheer size of the gem. Buy 5 carats of anything and expect to a pay premium due to size alone.

Calibrated Gemstones...

What exactly is a Calibrated Gemstone? Calibrated gemstones are cut in a variety of shapes and sizes. A Calibrated Gemstone is cut to specific dimensions so that they are able to fit in jewelry settings.

Popular gemstone cuts are round, emerald, princess, trillion, pear, heart, oval and marquise.

If you purchase a gemstone, which has not been Calibrated, you might find it difficult to set and/or may be required to have the gem re-cut to be set. Any gemstone, which is Calibrated - is ready to set!

Buying a Gemstone...

What to look for in a gemstone when purchasing one - is your budget! What can you afford? What you can afford will determine what you can buy! Once you have settled on a specific gemstone, you should then scout out a "like counterpart" in the same color zone to see if you can save money. If you really want to buy an emerald but can't afford the price of an emerald, look for a dark Green Tourmaline. No one will know the difference but you and a qualified jeweler!

Mystic Topaz...

The market for Mystic Topaz (and it comes in 30+ variations) is on the rise due to Domestic and International Shopping Channels selling this gem in 24 hour marathons. Sell enough of anything and prices will go up - as will demand!

Another factor, which has turned this stone into a GEM - is the unique process which is used to create the wide variations of colors. There are only three licensed firms which can utilize the process to turn a (lifeless) clear Topaz into a dazzling array of colors!

The Tanzanite/Topaz Industry...

Interestingly enough, there appears to be more than just a few similarities emerging in the Mystic Topaz market - akin to that of the Tanzanite market.

There are three site holders controlling the Tanzanite market worldwide and in the Mystic Topaz market, there are three firms licensed to utilize the process in creating Mystic Topaz. 

Tanzanite is a stone, which does not come out of the mines in the pretty purple hues and variation of colors we've become accustomed to seeing - it comes out of the mine and is heat treated to achieve its color! Topaz becomes "Mystic" due to a technique known as Physical Vapor Deposition. The Deposition is on the pavillion, which means that the table and the crown is natural topaz and quite resistant to scratching.

The price of Tanzanite has skyrocketed over the years and now Mystic Topaz and its colorful counterparts are heading in an upward direction as well. It may never be valued as high as Tanzanite but, considering current supply and demand, the price is escalating on a weekly and monthly basis.

Mystic Topaz Varities...

There are so many varities of Mystic Topaz that the industry is constantly coming up new names in order to "brand" each version of this popular gem. However, there are also those in the retail side of the business concocting their own names in order to reinvent a gem and market that gem with a new name to gain marketshare.

Desirable Sizes and Cuts...

Size does seem to matter when it come to Mystic Topaz! Collector's are buying up gems in all shades of the color spectrum and favoring gems 3+ carats. Large gems 3+ carats and up (generally to 10 carats) are being purchased by collector's and those seeking a colorful gem for pendant settings.

Something we never thought we'd witness is the come back of the Brooch! However, larger Mystic Topaz is now being scooped for Brooch settings!

We're now seeing Mystic Topaz necklaces coming onto the market, which are set in 18KT. gold and even Platinum! These beauties contain over 150+ carats of unbelievable sparkle and beauty.  They are priced in the thousands and come replete with matching earrings, bracelet and ring!

The answer is as clear as a can be. The masses have finally found a gem, which is one of the top gems on the market today! It's affordable, durable, unique and collectible!

Buying Mystic Topaz...

It's not hard to find a gorgeous Mystic Topaz. Whatever color you prefer, whatever compliments your look, there's a Mystic Topaz just for you. Prices are determined on carat weight, as Mystic Topaz is made using "natural topaz". The larger the topaz in carat weight, the higher the price of the gem. In addition, the price may also be determined by the cut.

The Emerald Cut appears to be most popular and thus demand for the Emerald Cut Mystic Topaz (in whatever variation of color) is more expensive.

Loose Mystic Topaz...

The best way to buy Mystic Topaz is loose (without the setting). The setting is what drives up manufacturing costs. If you prefer your Mystic Topaz to be complimented by a silver setting, you'll save plenty of money by bringing your loose gem to a local jeweler and picking a setting (one that you prefer). 

Keep in mind that there are so many color variations of Mystic Topaz available that if you seek to create earrings buy only matched pairs (sold together). In addition, be careful in choosing a setting in yellow or white gold. Bring your gem with you to the jeweler to ensure that the setting will compliment the variation in color of the Mystic Topaz you have purchased!