You can probably see why there are many imitations of Turquoise with its captivating appearance. The demand is high and unfortunately people spot an opportunity to deceive with fake pieces disguised as real in the industry. Some our different minerals or materials entirely whereas others have been dyed to enhance the colour which will fade over time.
It is important to spot the signs of unauthentic pieces of Turquoise to avoid wearing a fake. Gemologists can easily identify authenticity yet it is much harder for those not working in the industry.
The Fakes
It’s not an easy task to spot the imitations. Turquoise can vary so much in colour and its matrix is unique to each piece. Howlite is by far the most popular copycat yet magnesite, plastic, epoxy, glass and resin are also often mistaken for our favourite gem.
Another way that some jewellers try to trick, is reconstituted Turquoise. The process involves mixing pieces of grounded Turquoise with other stones to create a fake lookalike. Alternatively, the stone could be another gem entirely trying to be sold as Turquoise. No wonder people get mistaken.
The Tests
1. A clear indicator is the price tag. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is! Genuine Turquoise is pretty expensive so if you find a piece that is inexpensive it’s most likely not the real deal. It’s probably painted plastic.
2. The least risky of all the tests is the scratch test. Turquoise is a soft stone yet Howlite is much softer - a mineral that gets regularly mistaken for Turquoise. A simple way to distinguish between the two is to scratch the stone. If it scratches very easily it’s probably Howlite and if it doesn’t it’s Turquoise. Make sure that you find a discreet area of the striking stone to carry out the test to avoid any visible damage.
3. A simple yet maybe more damaging test is to heat a pin and place it on the stone. If you smell burning plastic then you will immediately know that the piece has been treated or isn’t authentic. Again, it’s important to choose a place that is not clearly visible.
4. Soak a cloth in acetone and rub the stone. If a blue colour has been transferred to the cloth then the gem is definitely a fake and if no colour is removed then it is genuine.
5. Upon close inspection of the stone you will notice if the lines are embedded in the gem or painted or dyed on the surface. An easy way to know if the matrix is ingrained within the stone is to simply run your fingernail over it, you will feel nothing if its artificial.
Buy From A Trusted Supplier - Like Us
Many of these tests are to be carried out before being handcrafted in to striking pieces of jewellery as there is such a high risk of damaging the piece entirely. Therefore, it can feel a tricky industry to navigate with so many fakes in the market. Buying from a reputable company that is open and honest as to where their Turquoise is sourced will put many at ease.
Always ask a professional if you are unsure if a design that you own or about to purchase is genuine. It may be disappointing if you do agree to buy a piece that is fake so it is wise to do your research prior to the sale. We're more than happy to help you and of course, any Turquoise jewellery that you buy from us is the real deal.
