What to do if you're sold a synthetic Colombian emerald
In our articles we have often given some tips to avoid buying a synthetic emerald thinking it is a Colombian natural emerald. However, it may happen that you end up buying a lab emerald by mistake or by trusting the seller's word.
Despite this, calm, everything has a solution and in this article we will give you some recommendations if you acquired a synthetic emerald and you don't know what to do to return it. Let's see
Synthetic emeralds vs natural emeralds
We know that a synthetic emerald can become as real as a natural emerald, so we want to give you some guidelines so that you learn to differentiate them and so, in case you want to acquire it, you can know what quality you are buying.
| ESMERALDA NATURAL | SINTICAL ESMERALDA |
| These gems tend to present more clouds, impurities and natural inclusions of emeralds | They usually look clearer, brighter and crystal clearer |
| They are much more expensive compared to synthetic stones | If the seller is honest and confirms that it is a synthetic emerald, it must be much cheaper. |
| You may present more variations in its green tone | Its color is vibrant, intense and with trends of bluish green |
| Natural emeralds are all different, it is impossible to find two of the same size, number of inclusions and color | Since they are created in the laboratory they can be produced in large quantities, the same size, color and even the same number of inclusions as others. |
What to do if they sold me a synthetic emerald
If you've been sold a synthetic emerald and you're dissatisfied with the purchase because you thought you were acquiring a natural emerald, there are some options you can consider:
- Contact the seller: If the purchase was recently made, the first thing to do is contact the seller to express your dissatisfaction. It may have been an honest mistake or a lack of communication. Explain your reasons for believing that emerald is synthetic and ask for an explanation or a possible solution.
- Check authenticity: If you have doubts about whether the stone is natural or synthetic, you can take it to a gemologist or gemma expert to make an assessment and determine its authenticity. Professionals can examine the emerald and provide you with a detailed report on its features.
- Check the return policy: If the seller has a return or warranty policy, check if you can return the emerald and get a refund or a replacement. Make sure you meet the deadlines and conditions set out in the policy.
- Report if necessary: If you consider that the sale of the emerald was fraudulent or misleading, you can file a complaint with the competent authorities or seek legal advice to protect your rights as a consumer.
- Learn about emeralds: Taking this incident as an opportunity to learn more about natural emeralds and synthetics can be useful for future purchases. This will allow you to make more informed decisions and avoid similar situations in the future.
In this blog we have various posts where you can know everything about these beautiful gems and prevent these incidents from happening again.}
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.
