Misleading Gemstone Practices: A Silversmithing Tip

Most people I've met in the jewelry industry have had integrity. That being said, there are some who don't. This beginner video tip shows 6 different ways that deception can be present in the gemstone industry.
The main topics covered are:
1. Synthetic stones sold as natural stones.
2. Simulated stones sold as real.
3. Deceptive stone names.
4. Not disclosing gemstone treatments.
5. Selling the common form of a mineral as the gem variety.
6. Not disclosing relevant information about the gemstone.
There are undoubtedly many other practices that I haven't covered, but this is a good starting place for understanding some common practices that buyers should be aware of. Mostly, if you do a little research, you'll be ok! I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others, as I've taught people for most of my life. This hobby turned into a fun side gig for me for years while I taught public school. I love suggestions and hearing about others' experiences. What is your favorite project? What kind of tutorials would you find useful? Scroll down for information on my new Patreon!
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Understanding potentially deceptive practices surrounding semiprecious gemstones

[@Artemesia_]

The marketing schemes people employ to sell “gemstones” are never-ending. It’s frustrating having to do research on everything I come across that peaks my interest, just to make sure I’m not getting duped (Looking at you Etsy!). As of now I’m sticking to buying from a trusted jeweler who can explain the different stones he has. I pay more but I know exactly what I’m getting. Thanks for sharing this info, it’s really helpful.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Sure RTMSIA! Glad it was useful. Thanks for the comment:)

[@codythompson2560]

It's very cool to see your skills as a teacher really shine here! And we all certainly appreciate this info, especially those of us who are newer to the gemstone aspect of silversmithing.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks for the nice compliment Cody! There is so much more stuff like this that goes on, and these were just the ones that came to mind when I sat down to organize my thoughts.

[@puresas]

Excellant imformation, as a lapidary and advancing silversmith this is really not talked about enough. Thank you

[@chadssilversmithing]

Sure Chris! Thanks for the comment!

[@FridayFrida]

Great information! I cant really afford expensive stones so just about every stone I set is bad quality or a fake in som capacity. But as long as they are pretty or interesting, they are fine with me. And I always tell my customers that this stone is not worth very much and what it is, if I know. I just set one of those "tacky" stones as you said, :) A huge "Magic Topas", its rainbow like a see through oil slick, and just how big it is screams fake, with I find funny. My wedding ring is also fake, but in an interesting way, its an antique from 1910 with a synthetic sapphire, and that was around the time when they had just leaned how to make those so it was new and fashionable then. It is surrounded by real diamonds though, which speaks to the value of it at that time I think. Sorry for the essay, interesting subject.

[@chadssilversmithing]

My wife says I’m a stone snob:). I don’t judge, as everyone likes different stuff! I do like synthetic sapphires and rubies. Thanks for the nice comment Frida!

[@judyirwig2835]

Thanks

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thank you Judy!

[@carolchase2086]

Good to know tips!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Carol!

[@Junoshelly]

Very interesting Chad.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Shelly! I appreciate the nice comment:)

[@tywhitmire860]

Thanks for providing this very valuable information. I was hoping you would talk about this problem in the industry. Perhaps you could do a part 2 and include the term lab-created and talk about the problem with coral, etc. I really enjoy when you talk about the stones you are using in your pieces. The natural stones are what make each piece special, in my humble opinion. Lol

[@chadssilversmithing]

I like natural stones best as well. My wife says I’m a stone snob:). I’m sure there is enough material to revisit this in the future. Thanks Ty!

[@tywhitmire860]

@@chadssilversmithing Absolutely! It's just fine to be a stone snob because it makes everything betters! :)

[@3143kimmy]

Absolutely brilliant information. Thank you so much 😊 I find the way you explain things so easy to follow. Information like this is just so valuable. Unfortunately I don't think enough people take the time to educate, which is a shame. I know I definitely could of done with information like this when I first started out. Thank you x

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Kim! Im glad you found it useful. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@keineangel]

Very interesting and helpful. Was unaware that bumble bee jasper was not an actual stone.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Its a stone, just not Jasper:)

[@andreamarkovic6314]

Great information, thanks! I like mystic topaz, I am not cool!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Aww, that's not what I meant, hehe. You are allowed to like whatever you want Andrea! Everybody's tastes are different. I'm the stone snob here:)

[@andreamarkovic6314]

@@chadssilversmithing

[@naomiwendy2234]

Glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels mystic topaz looks tacky... I felt that it looked too much like those crystals with the Aurora Borealis coating... Fyi... Hydro quartz is a man made glass that some are selling as actual stones. I personally don't mind simulants in some instances, but yes, sellers should be more honest, and we should always do our own due diligence and research before buying. Thanks for the video! 😊

[@chadssilversmithing]

Sure! Glad you liked it:)

[@Sageandstone18]

I had purchased 2 cabs that were supposed to be Kingman turquoise from a seller on Etsy, turned out to be plastic.

[@chadssilversmithing]

That's frustrating. It's hard to buy stones online.

[@sherriewilson768]

What is your opinion of treating stones with resin or epoxy for stability? Is that a permanent treatment? I have a lapidarist friend who has offered to stabilize some turquoise for me that way - but there’s some sentimental value attached to the stones and I don’t want to end up with regrets.

[@chadssilversmithing]

A lot of people stabilize porous or crumbly material like that. As long as it is disclosed, most consider it fine. Turquoise purists will probably disagree with me:). It would be a permanent treatment. Someone who specializes in lapidary might be a better source of info than me Sherrie.

[@paulinemegson8519]

Ok, I gotta weigh in on this lol even if I AM a month late. Personally I don’t have an issue with lab created stones as long as it’s made clear that’s what they are. They’re beautiful and let’s be honest they’re the ONLY way many people will ever get a gem quality stone. They also don’t have any troublesome mining history with impacts like war stones and slavery and human trafficking. I also have no issue with glass filled sapphires and rubies, again as long as it’s clear that this is what you’re getting….and tbh the filled gems ARE genuine rubies and sapphires, just very poor quality stones that would otherwise be used as industrial grit. You’re also not likely to find an untreated ruby in particular, for sale anywhere. Most every ruby is heat treated to brighten the colour. I’m also fond of natural stones that aren’t really gem quality, like opaque corundums. Tbh it annoys me a bit when people(usually jewellers) knock treated and filled stones, cos it’s elitism, pure and simple.

[@chadssilversmithing]

That is a good point about the questionable provenance of some natural stones. I also don’t have a problem with treated or modified stones as long as it is disclosed. My video was mainly to inform people of those practices.

[@paulinemegson8519]

@@chadssilversmithing oh I know….and tbh it DOES need to be highlighted to people esp those who are new to gemstones. There are folk who have no idea that lab created stones are a thing, or that heat treatment exists let alone the vast changes it makes to the raw material. It’s good to make folk aware. I am however, with you on mystic topaz lol(goldstone too)