Choosing genuine gemstones is important when you want long lasting jewellery that holds value. Many buyers face confusion because the market in India also offers synthetic stones, heated stones, and glass filled stones. When you try to Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India, you need clear facts, simple tests, and trusted sellers. This page guides you through practical steps you can use before you buy.
Dalakosa creates handcrafted jewellery using natural gemstones. Our process uses strict checks that protect you from imitation stones. When you know what to look for, you can buy with more confidence.
Why the Indian gemstone market needs careful checks
India is a major center for gemstone cutting and trading. This brings a wide range of stones at different price levels. Natural stones cost more because they take millions of years to form. Imitation stones are made from glass or synthetic material in labs. They look close to natural stones but lack the same structure.
Reports from trade groups show that more than 30 percent of low priced jewellery in busy Indian markets contains treated or coloured glass stones. Many buyers do not notice the difference because the finish appears attractive. This makes it important to Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India before you buy.
Real gemstones vs imitation gemstones, simple facts
Real gemstones
Natural formation
Clear internal grains
Strong light reflection
Stable colour
Higher hardness
Long term value
Imitation gemstones
Made from glass or plastic
Uniform structure with no grains
Light reflection looks flat
Colour may fade
Lower hardness
Low resale value
These points help you see why testing matters.
Core tests you can use at home
You can do simple checks before visiting a jeweller. These steps cannot replace lab grading, but they help you understand the stone better. When you try to Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India, start with these easy actions.
1. Check weight by hand
Real stones feel heavier than glass. Hold the stone in your palm. If it feels too light for its size, it may be imitation.
2. Look for natural inclusions
Natural inclusions are tiny marks inside the stone. These marks form during growth. A natural stone shows light mineral lines. A glass stone looks too clean.
3. Use light
Point a white light on the stone. Real stones bend light differently. You can see more shine and depth. Imitation stones show a single flat colour.
4. Fog test
Breathe lightly on the stone. Real stones clear fog in one or two seconds. Imitation stones hold fog longer because they trap moisture.
5. Scratch test on safe surfaces
Hard stones like ruby or sapphire cannot scratch easily. If the stone scratches with light pressure on a ceramic plate, it may not be natural. Do not test on jewellery pieces. Use loose stones only.
Why lab reports help you the most
A gemstone certificate gives you verified details from trained gemologists. These details include cut, colour grade, clarity, and treatment information. Popular labs in India include GIA India, IGI, and SGL. When you Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India, a certificate protects your investment.
Many stones sold online include lab reports. Always check that the report number matches the stone. If the seller cannot show a report, ask questions.
Market signs that can warn you
When shopping in India, look for these common signs. They help you avoid imitation stones.
Low price
Large discounts
Same colour tone in all stones
No certification
No weight mention
Seller avoids questions
If you note these signs, check more before you buy.
How jewellers test stones professionally
Trusted jewellers use tools and methods that give accurate results. These tests help them Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India with more precision.
Refractometer
Shows how the stone bends light. Each gemstone has a fixed range.
Loupe
A 10x glass used to check natural inclusions.
Spectrum analysis
Shows light absorption patterns.
UV test
Shows if the stone reacts under ultraviolet light.
These tests show if the stone is natural, treated, or imitation.
Why treatment matters
Many real gemstones go through mild treatment. This includes heat treatment for rubies or oil treatment for emeralds. These are common processes. They improve colour or clarity. This does not make them fake. But you should know about the treatment before buying.
Imitation stones are different. They contain no natural formation. They do not hold long term value. When you try to Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India, knowing about treatment helps you make a good choice.
Common imitation stones in India
The Indian market often mixes these imitation types with genuine stones.
Glass filled ruby
Synthetic sapphire
Plastic based amber
Dyed quartz
Doublet stones
Triplet stones
Doublet and triplet stones combine thin layers of natural and imitation material. These look similar to natural stones but cost much less.
How you can stay safe when buying gemstones
Follow these steps when you want natural gemstones for your jewellery.
Buy from known sellers
Ask for lab reports
Check stone weight
Ask how the stone was sourced
Compare with market price
Request loose stone testing
Check colour under daylight
Confirm return policy
These steps help you Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India with more accuracy.
How Dalakosa protects your gemstone purchase
Dalakosa uses strict quality checks in every stage. Our artisans inspect each stone before setting it in jewellery. We use natural stones that pass certification standards. We check clarity, colour stability, and hardness. Each piece gets reviewed by skilled craftsmen.
We source stones from trusted suppliers. We also verify gemstone reports before we use them. This reduces the risk of imitation stones in our jewellery.
When you buy from Dalakosa, you get handcrafted pieces made by artisans with years of experience. Our process uses time tested methods. We believe in honest quality. You receive stones that retain shine and value over time.
Final guidance for your next gemstone purchase
You can now Identify Real vs Imitation Gemstones in India with more confidence. Use simple checks at home. Ask for lab reports. Study the colour and shine. Compare weight. Trust sellers who give clear answers. These habits help you avoid imitation stones and choose jewellery that lasts.