Dec 30, 2025

How To Tell If A Gemstone Is Real

Understanding how to tell whether a gemstone is genuine isn’t about suspicion—it’s about confidence. Knowing what you’re looking at allows you to appreciate the stone’s role in design, value, and longevity, and ensures your jewelry reflects exactly what you intend it to.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, established in 1981, we believe clarity is part of elegance. Here’s how professionals—and informed buyers—distinguish real gemstones from simulants and synthetics.

What “Real” Actually Means in Gemstones

Before identifying a gemstone, it helps to define real.

A gemstone may be:

Natural – formed in the earth
Lab-grown – created with the same chemical and physical structure
Simulant – a different material that only imitates appearance

All three have a place in jewelry design. Problems arise only when they’re confused with one another.

The Most Noticeable Differences: Appearance

Sparkle and Light Behavior

Natural gemstones tend to reflect light with depth and variation. Their brilliance feels layered rather than uniform.

Simulants often appear:

Too glassy
Overly bright in a flat way
Lacking internal character

For example, real diamonds reflect sharp white flashes, while simulants may show broader, softer light.

Color Depth and Saturation

Natural gemstones usually display subtle variations in tone. Even stones prized for vivid color show complexity rather than perfection.

Red flags include:

Flat, uniform color
An overly “neon” appearance
No tonal variation under different lighting

Inclusions: Nature’s Fingerprints

Most natural gemstones contain tiny internal characteristics—called inclusions—that confirm their formation.

A stone that looks perfect under magnification is often:

Lab-created
A simulant

Weight and Feel in the Hand

Real gemstones are usually denser than simulants.

If a stone feels unusually light for its size, it may be:

Glass
Cubic zirconia
Synthetic material

This is especially noticeable in larger stones or statement pieces.

Durability and Wear Over Time

Natural gemstones age gracefully.

Simulants often show:

Scratches along facet edges
Clouding or surface wear
Loss of polish with regular use

When Visual Tests Aren’t Enough

Professional identification relies on:

Magnification
Refractive index testing
Conductivity testing
Certification review

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, our team evaluates gemstones using professional tools and decades of experience—never guesswork.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters in Jewelry Design

Different gemstones serve different purposes.

Natural Gemstones

Ideal for heirloom pieces
Best for daily-wear engagement rings
Chosen for longevity and symbolism

Lab-Grown Gemstones

Excellent for precision-driven designs
Offer consistency and flexibility
Perform like natural stones structurally

Simulants

Useful for fashion jewelry
Ideal for travel pieces
Suitable when design, not permanence, is the goal

Can Some Stones Be Used Interchangeably?

Yes—when done intentionally.

Simulants like cubic zirconia work well when:

The piece is trend-driven
It’s worn occasionally
Budget is allocated toward design rather than materials

They are not ideal when:

Longevity matters
Emotional or heirloom value is central
Daily wear is expected
The Simplest Rule to Remember

If a gemstone:

Looks overly perfect
Feels unusually light
Loses polish quickly

…it deserves a closer look.

And if certainty matters, professional guidance is always the most reliable step.

Experience Clarity at Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, founded in 1981 and located in the quiet elegance of Plaza Oaks, we believe jewelry should never leave you guessing.

Whether you’re evaluating a gemstone, designing a custom piece, or refining an existing treasure, our team is here to guide you with honesty, expertise, and warmth.

Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry

Address: 2101 W Wadley Suite 31, Midland, Texas 79705

Contact: Cathy@cathyeastham.com

(432) 682-8008

Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm | Saturday by appointment

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