Glass vs. Esmeraldas Colombia: How to Avoid Scams in the Purchase of Esmeraldas
Colombian emeralds have captivated gem lovers for centuries due to their dazzling green colour and unique origin. However, in the current market, the authenticity of emeralds is often threatened by fraudulent practices, with genuine emeralds being one of the most common scams.
To avoid being deceived by acquiring emeralds, it is crucial to understand the differences between glass and the authentic Colombian gems, as well as to take precautionary measures when making purchases.
In this entrance we will give you some tips to differentiate green emerald glasses and the characteristics that you should take into account when buying your green gems.
Distinctive Features of the Colombian Emeralds
Colombian emeralds are known for their intense and deep green color, which is the result of the presence of chrome and vanadium in the stone. This distinctive color is difficult to imitate and provides a key clue to differentiate a real emerald from a glass imitation.
The authentic emeralds also usually have inclusions and internal characteristics, known as gardens, which are unique to each stone and can be observed under a jewelry magnifying glass.
The purity and quality of an emerald are evaluated by factors such as color intensity, clarity, size and shape. Authentic emeralds display a range of green tones, from light green to dark green, and often have natural inclusions. The uniformity of color and lack of inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated or, worse, that it is simply glass.
Surely it's glass when...
In the gem-commerce world, replacing genuine emeralds with glass is a persistent scam that consumers need to address with caution. As the market faces challenges related to the authenticity of the precious stones, it is crucial to understand the differences between glass and the real Colombian emeralds, and adopt preventive strategies to ensure safe and reliable purchases.
Unlike Colombian emeralds, glass:
- Lack of optical and chemical properties
- Glass cannot replicate the hue of emeralds.
- Glass that is generally more uniform and lacks these distinctive marks.
How to Avoid Scams
- Gemological certification: When buying an emerald, it requires a gemological certificate issued by a reliable laboratory. This certificate provides details on the specific authenticity, quality and characteristics of the stone.
- Buy in Trust Jewelry: Opt for buying emeralds in established and renowned jewelry stores that have a solid track record. These stores often ensure the authenticity of their products and offer certification services.
- Previous Research: Get familiar with the distinctive characteristics of Colombian emeralds and compare prices in the market. If an offer seems too good to be true, you might be facing a scam.
- Visual and Tactile Inspection: When examining an emerald, it observes its color, brightness and any visible inclusion. In addition, a genuine emerald will have a cooler feel to the touch compared to glass.
- Distrustful of Last Hour Offers: Scams are often based on urgency and pressure to make quick decisions. If you are offered an emerald at a significantly reduced price, stop and reconsider before committing.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
