Positioned to be one of the most-desired gemstones of 2022, the tsavorite is a must-have for fashionistas all over the globe.
Join us today as we spotlight the key aspects of this gem and show you the best ways to differentiate between a real and fake one.
First things first, what is it?
The tsavorite is a grossular garnet that is greatly loved for its stunning green hue. It is exceptionally rare and can only be found in Africa. What’s more? This gem has a high refractive index and high dispersion levels, which result in a brilliant sparkle that instantly catches the eye.
What is a fake Tsavorite?
At its simplest, a fake tsavorite is an imitation jewel generally created from resin, plastic, or glass. And while it may look like a tsavorite, it does not feature the structural and chemical properties of one.
So, how do you distinguish between the two?
Tip #1. Conduct the microscope test
This is one of the easiest ways to distinguish between a real and fake gemstone. To conduct this test, place the stone under a bright light and look at it through a microscope or a 10x jeweller’s loupe. If you notice any bubbles within the gem, it is most likely a fake. This is mainly because when a fake jewel is created from glass, tiny round bubbles get trapped inside during the process, thereby indicating that the gem is indeed unauthentic.
Tip #2: Search for inclusions
It is natural for most tsavorites to have inclusions that are not visible to the eye; some of these include needles, feathers, or crystal-like impurities (however, no bubbles). So if you happen to spot them while using a 10x jeweller’s loupe, then your gem is most likely authentic.
At the end of the day, only a professional jeweller will be able to tell the difference between a real and fake tsavorite with 100% certainty. So, remember to take your gemstone to a professional once you’ve received it.
Keep the following points in mind
- In your search for the perfect tsavorite jewellery, you’ll probably come across many websites that offer good-looking products. But how can you tell if the brand is legitimate and worth buying from? To clear all doubts from your mind, we highly recommend you do a quick company search on Google and cheque its Bizrate rating, BBB accreditation, etc. Also, cheque the company’s social media channels to get a better insight into the overall brand reputation.
- Ensure that the brand you plan to purchase from has a clear return/exchange policy. So in an instance where you’re unhappy with the product, you should be able to return/exchange or get a full refund for the same.
- Opt for jewellery featuring GIA certified tsavorites. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is known for its stringent and unbiased gemstone evaluation process. So when you opt for a GIA certified tsavorite, you know there’ll be no discrepancies regarding its authenticity.
