"REAL" vs. "FAKE" Gemstones. How do we know?
Today I attended a very nice and busy Women's Network Event. During lunch a lady said to me that my jewelry was over priced. She went on to say that although she loves all and every necklace, bracelet, earring, ring and anklet on my website; that she will not pay my prices.
I asked her how did she come to that conclusion? She responded that she can get a turquoise necklace for under $50 almost anywhere.
So as I always do, I explained a few things to her; because more than selling my jewelry I like to educate my new and repeated customers.
I explained to her that any turquoise necklace under $200 (depending on size of stone, quality of the stone and cut of the stone) is most likely a fake turquoise.
There are many cheaper stones that pass very nicely for turquoise. Magnesite and Howlite are the most available and easy stones to pass for a genuine turquoise. They are called "Impostor Stones".
The process for impostor stones to pass as Genuine Turquoise is very inexpensive and easy. They inject a dye with turquoise color in the stone, and then a sealant epoxy to seal the color in and avoid body oils, perfumes and creams to stain the stones. The cost for magnesite and howlite is minimum compared to Genuine TURQUOISE stones.
Others stones that are easily copied and faked are: Jade, Lapis Lazuli, and Coral.
A Necklace made of Genuine Jade could easily fetch in the high $600's.
A Necklace made of Genuine Lapis Lazuli can sell for more than $400.
A Necklace made of Genuine Turquoise could sell around $500.
Real Coral, depending on color, origin, cut and flaws could be purchased for $700+ dollars. ONE STRAND. Due to Over Mining of Coral Reefs from all over the world, Coral is almost extinct.
Accompany your Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and or Coral piece(s) of Jewelry with either Sterling Silver (.925) or Pure Thai Silver (.999), and you will pay much more for the jewelry you are buying.
So when you visit my website and browse through all the beautiful jewelry we offer; rest assure that all of our Gemstones, Pearls, and Metals are Genuine. All my metals are stamped (.925) or (.999).
I purchase stones from all over the world. From Thailand, China, South America, US, and Australia. As well as a few favorite suppliers here in the US.
Because my Gemstones are Genuine REAL stones, Grade AA, AAA or Gem Quality; naturally I pay more for them. Combine these beautiful treasures from Mother Nature with Shiny Beautiful Metals, and Voila! you have a piece of beautiful Jewelry to treasure for many years to come.
Sofie.
