Gemstone Identification at Home | How to Identify Gemstones in Jewelry | Gems & Stones

[@fernbrisot325]

Another way to ID common stones is using their hardness (Mohs scale). Agate, jasper, quartz, amethyst, citrine, carnelian, onyx, chrysoprase, chalcedony, bloodstone, periodot and tourmaline will easily scratch glass. In contrast, turquoise, labradorite, moonstone, jade, lapis, malachite and fluorite are soft and can be scratched with an iron nail, so if you have a stone that resists scratching, it is possibly a glass/ceramic bead. Of course, you need to be careful when testing, as you can mess up a stone by scratching it. Also, fluorite is fluorescent under a UV light.

[@Random_847]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Phloppy]

thank you for being so concise and informative! it’s crazy-making when someone has “coveted” information they’re sharing and they teach in a lengthy, drawn-out, scavenger hunt kinda way! Thanks for those links too, that will for sure come in handy! You’re beautiful! Don’t forget to water yourself and your plants!

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Fake turquoise can be tricky to identify from the real thing, as some producers used powdered turquoise and reform it. If you can see the back of the Stone then this is where the tell tale signs are. Often very smooth and looks like extruded plastic . Amber is also tricky as the plastic resin can look effective but again try and get in behind the stone. One test I have used which works is static electricity Rub the piece of amber quickly over the carpet a few times then try and get it to lift a flat tissue from off the table. Real amber gets statically charged, fake does not

[@Random_847]

Awesome thank you!

[@Random_847]

This was very helpful! Thank You! I have been dabbling in making all sorts of different jewelry over the last 20+ years and recently just want to stick to natural stones, just as a personal preference. I am OVERWHELMED trying to purchase affordable stones that are also unique on Etsy for the most part. I feel like I’m getting scammed the whole time to be honest! But man some are so pretty I almost don’t care! The problem with that is I still want to know what I’m working with ESPECIALLY if I’m going to gift it to someone. I’ve also considered selling here and there at fairs and absolutely don’t want to overprice something fake even though I paid more for it. I take pride in my work no matter how small and I surely won’t gift or sell something I know nothing about. Anyway, I appreciate the video and resources you shared, thanks again❣️☮️💟

[@laurenr6372]

I like fire mountain gems, too! If you go to their learning section they have a gemstone meaning section that has good pictures of many different kinds but it's just alphabetical, I don't think it's searchable. Thanks, Margaret! Great video!

[@courtneysmith6082]

Thx for mentioning the meaning section! There is so much info that it’s easy to overlook.

[@eastcoasttreasures5736]

Great video, the best so far. This is exactly where I am stopped in my tracks. I bought a "gem tester" but it is still confusing. Great content on this video, thanks Margaret.

[@kirstenrissling879]

I bought my first two jewelry jars today!! I don't make videos, but the goal is to resell some hidden treasures!

[@laurenr6372]

Good luck!

[@qbz7176]

Where do you buy those?

[@lmbell69]

Does that 200 machine thing work. My husband might be interested in buying one. Does it tell you if it’s glass ? Or just don’t register. Appreciated.

[@Jillloveszumba]

The world of gemstones is so confusing. Where do you recommend going to purchase estate auctions? It's hard to find a reputable one. I love this video and found it so informative. I wish I had found you earlier! Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful knowledge with everyone!

[@nwanyaaugustine608]

It takes patience and continuous study and practice to understand gemstones. It is a lifetime study. I am saying this out of experience. Understanding color in gemstones is the main thing. The color of gemstones is the largest part of its value.

[@MysticalLoveAndLight]

You mentioned before and I could not find it when you said if you touch the stone and if it’s cold is it glass or is it stone I can’t remember which one you said it was it if the touch is cold

[@staceyrutledge2825]

would you do a beginner guide on the gemstone tester. I have one and the marks on left side are close together. I have trouble sometimes with which line it's really on. sometimes I can test a stone twice and once it will test as garnet and the next it's glass. Once I get a category (like somethings that have many colors) I have trouble narrowing it down. I have a book that you recommended, the gemstones book. It helps if I get the correct category.

[@TexasGalTreasures]

I've done a few

[@carolhearn8157]

Gemologists go to a specialized school for several years to be able to identify gems and tell whether they are natural or synthetic and, if natural, have been color-enhanced. I am not a gemologist but have invested time and money in GIA-approved classes and equipment so that I have the knowledge to sell fine jewelry, which I've done for 30 years. I recognize that you have studied more than most resellers, but some of the information in this video is incorrect. For example, it isn't true that darker versions of a stone are always (or even generally) more valuable. A common example is blue sapphires. Dark blue (nearly black) sapphires are extremely inexpensive while some colors of light or medium blue are very expensive, if not color treated. The one strong suggestion I would make to anyone teaching about gemstones is to include a very strong disclaimer about your training in the subject. There have been many expensive lawsuits about the identity of stones in jewelry sold as one thing but later found to be another - often when the buyer took the piece to a gemologist for an appraisal for insurance purposes. Another point I'd make is that it's fine to make a guess about what something is from a picture or video, but without using gemological instruments, you can't make a definite statement.

[@Max-420]

Can you please help me identify the stone on my channel

[@TreeLynnT]

Thank you! I was annoyed.

[@MsShellybell12]

This is a wonderful video I just bought a beautiful stone necklace at Salvation Army it was 14.99 got it half off it is a real stone necklace as well has many green Chalcedony and other pretty stones ...

[@joannkletke1569]

Thanks for the lesson and web sites Margaret.

[@DragonValueHome]

Fantastic, Information I always learn so much everytime I watch your channel! Inspiring me to look at more jewelry and some of the best advice Handsdown. Thank you

[@42quantumleap]

You look like a fashionable Miss Frizzel today. 😂❤️ goals! Thanks for another awesome video!

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Thank you! 😊I love fun dresses!

[@rosegionomo1426]

Wow what a great video this has helped me tremendously I had a problem finding websites that would tell me what gemstones are whatever precious stones and this helped me very much thank you thank you thank you so much

[@nedrahundley8288]

What are the good sites to sign up to to coordinate listings on several sites, e.g, ebay, etsy,, etc.

[@jmade2lastvintage175]

Thank You, This was a very helpful video! Would love to see you go through some you have 🙂

[@aloraguiles8619]

Treatments of stones can impact the color! Like Ruby it is often filled or injected with dye! It really impacts the cost. Gia

[@thatwiseyogi]

I'm not even finished with this video yet and had to pause it, hit the like and subscribe!! :) lol. What a wonderful video and resources you're sharing! Thanks so much because this is exactly what I needed to help me identify some stones in some vintage estate jewelry I recently acquired at an online auction. I am going to list them for sale but wanted to do my research first so that I can be as accurate as possible when describing the items. Truly, I'm really thankful you are sharing your knowledge with those of us still learning. :). Blessings to You, Dear One! :)

[@margerykerstine5574]

Very helpful as a starter to identifying whatever it may me. Thanks

[@robynfox478]

Great to see you doing what you know best - jewellery!!!! Hi Margaret from Australia.

[@BubbasChibi]

Where does Mother of Pearl fit in the overall scheme of things? I have a large, carved flower necklace of what looks like M of P and I'd really like to know more about it. It looks like it's from the 40s or 50s. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Good question! Depending on the style of the MOP i can do well :)

[@0230Raveena]

I haven't even watched it as yet. But thank You so much. I absolutely needed this. Its one of the reasons I stay away from selling jewelry. Kind of exciting to get to it. :-). Your vids are much appreciated.

[@carolhearn8157]

At 8:00 on the video you test a blue stone that doesn't make the needle move on the Presidium. That usually means that the stone is a colored CZ. CZs don't have any internal flaws and are very pretty and often set in silver and sometimes gold. One the size you were testing would cost the manufacturer less than a dollar, so they're very commonly used. A Presidium doesn't test for CZ but does test for zircon, which is a gemstone that was you see in antique jewelry but don't see much today because it doesn't hold up to everyday wear very well and is a little pricey.

[@BlessedBaubles]

Also, in Jet, can we still see wood grain?

[@maryfielder3348]

This was very educational! Thanks so much for making these awesome videos to help those of us who are beginners!!

[@TheHpool07]

Thank you for this video, and all the info you give.

[@Missunderstood103]

Very, very helpful.

[@dalilasalas9638]

Great video Margaret. The one you of yesterday too...⚘ very informative

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Also an indication of the possible value of a Stone is the setting, if it is set in genuine silver then the chances are better that it is a better quality of stone However beware that items made in China use 925 willy nilly and it certainly isn’t sterling silver. I cringe when I see things for sale online stating they are silver when they are not. And that they are silver coated or plated when they are not . Describing things incorrectly can get you in to big trouble lf you are not sure always say ‘silver tone’ and price it accordingly Tibetan silver is most certainly not sterling silver - it is mixed metals with a thin white metal coating.

[@carolhearn8157]

Jewelry that is imported into the US MUST meet US standards. If not, it is subject to seizure by US Customs as well as fines. That doesn't mean that there are no pieces that slip through, but it does mean that mismarking is RARE rather than common to encounter pieces marked 925 that are not as marked.

[@bobbiellison4315]

​@@carolhearn8157I have two items marked 925 that I've had for years that are still super shiny. Very sus. 😊. If I were to sell them I would try to obscure the marking in the photo and just list as silver tone. But I have no idea if even that is allowed. I recently purchased an acid test kit and will test them. But I'm in big doubt!

[@terrymitchell2895]

Most informative site yet Thank you.

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karens5951]

Thank you! I love these educational videos!

[@80sWavrDude]

Would you consider a good quality aquamarine semi-precious?

[@laurenr6372]

Definitely

[@permiebird937]

Aquamarine is a beryl just like emeralds. Gem quality aquamarine are precious.

[@laurenr6372]

@@permiebird937 There are lots of beryl gemstones, but I've never heard any other than emerald referred to as precious. I tried googling if it can be called precious (for way too long lol) but couldn't find anything that confirmed it, so if you have a source I'd love it. My understanding was the rarity and color of emerald are a large part of why it is precious vs other beryls like aquamarine or morganite. I saw many sources saying things considered semi precious traditionally may be more rare and valuable than precious stones, though, and I know aquamarines can get quite expensive

[@fernbrisot325]

I think topaz, aquamarine and morganite are more than semi-precious. These 3 and the big 4 are all hard, very clear stones, just with different colors. It is just tradition that separates precious from semi-precious. Opal is in a category all its own, but from a price perspective, it would also be precious. But that is only my opinion on these pretties!

[@permiebird937]

@@laurenr6372 I spent a while learning about rock hounding and gems a couple of decades back. The important distinction that I learned back then, was about the difference between gem quality material and lower quality material. That is why a gem quality aquamarine is precious, while lower quality is rightfully considered semi precious. That said, I was researching from the rockhound angle, and 20-25 years ago, which may not be where folks are in categorizing stones with jewelry resale today. I have had jewellers refer to gem quality beryls as precious, because gem quality is still pretty rare in aquamarine and morganite. That find it rather odd that gem quality topaz and natural gem quality spinal are often not considered precious, because the best gem quality material is as beautiful as sapphires or emeralds. I once bought a low grade sapphire form the Yolo mine in Montana that was definitely semi precious quality bought for mineral interest, and I have a pair of faceted lavender Yolo mine gem quality stones too. When you get into the mineral rock hounding angle, things get dependent on what is the quality as much as the material. Which is why I specified gem quality instead of a blanket all beryl is precious, when there are lots of non precious examples of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and aquamarine. I hope that clears up where I am coming from.

[@Konstansia1]

I love your educational videos! By the way, you look stunning! Whatever you did with your make up, brings out your gorgeous blue eyes!

[@carolynm7-28]

Great info you helped me out a lot.

[@jenniferbowman7813]

What an awesome video! I have 100+ agate (I think) in many colors, shapes, etc. most are encased or set already. I inherited. Do you sell? Do you want to buy in bulk? I’m not having much luck.

[@paulamurphy2595]

Great information in today's video.

[@stephanielouise8299]

Your videos are great, really helpful. I followed your advice and got a UV torch and found in among my goodies two gorgeous amber pieces (I knew they were haha!) and a strange but beautiful uranium glass necklace. I also have two lovely necklaces (both broken sadly!) that I think are jet. I do live in North Yorkshire though and luckily right next door to Whitby, the home of jet haha! They do have a museum and loads of jewelers there, hoping one of them will be open next week so I can get these checked out . Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us :)

[@MysticalLoveAndLight]

I must have missed that video what is the UV torch used for???

[@stephanielouise8299]

@@MysticalLoveAndLight You can use it to help identify genuine amber. Under the UV light it real amber 'fluoresces' :)

[@beverlyramsahai8503]

You’re simply awesome 👏 I’m a gem lover thanks for sharing your knowledge with us it was very informative video

[@kimspeers2916]

Thank you so much. I needed to see this.

[@TopazStones]

Wah a good lesson for learning

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Yes, thanks

[@johns.5062]

can tourmaline look like carnelian stone? i got a ring that the guy who sold it to me swears is tourmaline stone, but it really looks more like a dark brownish carnelian

[@nancycrane7584]

Thank you for this ... got info for sure. Hope you do more !!

[@farhansadiq7907]

2:42 it's just a lapis lazuli

[@fascination2525]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@deniseblanchard2156]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@starfriday531]

Thank you so very much!! You are so very helpful and inspirational.. I watch your videos everyday ❤️❤️❤️ This video was right on time for me lol keep shining beautiful 💖

[@alicialavoie9371]

Thank you!😊

[@twichmcvey6065]

are the detectors for metals and gem stones really worth it? I mean I have found them for big ranges of price. do I need to buy an expensive one to be sure of a good reading or are there ones that are more price friendly?😅

[@aussiestew99]

G'day from Australia. Just watched your awesome video. Thankyou. I am not a "Gal", can I still refer a piece to your group if I get stumped? Thankyou.

[@lisasorce2258]

Wow! Thank you, this was an awesome video!

[@Tzarina8472]

I have a blue and green 'black opal' which I believe was created in a lab. I got it as a teenager on a trip to Alaska. The reason I think it's from a lab is because it has lines or layers in it. Opals from the ground don't have that.

[@carolhearn8157]

You're right that opals with layers are not natural (although the top layer may be). They are called doublets or triplets. The bottom layer is usually black because a black background makes even a dull open without a lot of highlights look very nice and cuts the price of the finished piece.

[@cecilialugo6188]

I have rare necklace and earrings with opal gems made by hand in Mexico 1900

[@jennifercoyne758]

Thank You😊

[@destinee9903]

Hi what does it mean if no light goes threw it??? Fake?

[@janierozmaryn97]

Great content! Thank you Margaret💕

[@markellwein6579]

Great video

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I like to use my torch on whatever it is I'm curious about. It always ruins it but it's fun. Fire is fun. Also using a hammer can be fun too.

[@kathybloodgood6484]

Thank you

[@konnierood9665]

Thank you, very fascinating. 🌹

[@arturonava1181]

Hi. If the stone is chip could it be real, or how can you tell if if worth something. Greetings from Mexico City, let me know

[@edisonwaggawag2285]

I have a red hard stone how to know if it's a precious stone home remedy plss

[@angelak5160]

Great video😊

[@christhompson4270]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BlessedBaubles]

I’ve heard Ruby Sapphire, that Sapphires can be red too. So, now what? I put out all the money for Presidium but it’s a lot harder than I thought to really know what’s what. Bit this video really helps. Most of your vids do. Thank you girl!! I’ll keep researching. But honestly, I need to get selling!! Hard to do until you know what you have. Ugh.

[@carolhearn8157]

Ruby and sapphire are different colored forms of the mineral corundum. You have to know something about gemstones to interpret the results of the Presidium properly. Or use it with a good gemstone picture book to learn more about gemstones.

[@bobbiellison4315]

Knowing you have an actual precious stone, couldn't you just market it that way without specifying? Just describe it's color and that it's real? Probably can't get as much for it, but at least get yourself started selling. I'm in that same boat right now. But the studying and learning is still a fun part!

[@mookamoomoo]

Thank you so much this really help me descover how to break down my invetegation on my stones. A==

[@temiakis6991]

Can you help me figure out what my gem is. It's turquoise and transparent. It has a little spot on it that almost looks like a little cloud but that parts still transparent . It feels a bit heavy. It has no flame and is smooth on the inside (sorry if that's a bad description)

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Look into ellensburg blues maybe

[@ronaldasilverberg9251]

Well done !!! Thank you so much !!! ❤️

[@gemgoddess6889]

Love your video & the knowledge you share. Thank you 🙏!

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

You rock gal

[@bridgethanbery8464]

Ty! Helpful.

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Glad it helped!

[@angelajakem366]

Great info!

[@slowasmolasses2301]

I love this. I do somewhat the same thing. Mostly gold. I recently came across an 18k necklace and pendant. The pendant has a stone that is either Amber or Citrine. It's a gorgeous piece. Would love your opinion if that's an option? I liked and subscribed BTW. 😆🤣😂

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

Amber will feel light and won’t get cold in freezer. Citrine will. Glass will. Could also be cz or glass

[@carolhearn8157]

Amber is very soft and doesn't hold sharp facets. If the stones are faceted, they are unlikely to be amber. Things that look like amber may also be one of any number of kinds of plastic however. Gemological testing is required to know for sure.

[@kristibrown48]

Actual citrine is very rare and usually from Madagascar. The color is very pale yellow. Heat treated ones will have a darker area going to light that’s typically heat treated amethyst. A lot of ppl buy stones for their properties as a spiritual thing so it’s pretty important to know when your listing:) love this channel!

[@MsMelly51]

So good

[@jennefertuico7632]

what kind of stone is these

[@sharonbolte8522]

Hi Margaret BALTIC AMBER CROSS has arrived5 STARs Thank you!!

[@ZenaidaCaniban]

Can you identify my stones is it fake or real gemstones

[@valuablegem5307]

Hi mam good morning pls let me how can contacting you thanks take care mam

[@joanne4871]

👍

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

A lab created emerald will be clear, a natural emerald will have a “garden” of inclusions.

[@daenvgiell4924]

How can i tell if it’s fake?

[@marialevintage]

Great video Margaret! much appreciated. If it happens to be signed, I like to look up the maker's website to verify components through their own descriptions. If it isn't current it may have been on their site previously so I enter their link at www.archive.org and check other years. I also check their descriptions from old catalogs and vintage jewelry ads.

[@thistledowntreasures7990]

How do you find old ads and catalogs?

[@swizzmis]

😄

[@colourgems]

For your information, Emerald is not a precious stone, it's a semi-precious stone that falls in the beryl family.

[@nahirehamza5127]

I got blue stone at my home how can I identify it. if it's true gemstone or not??

[@janierozmaryn97]

👋😊

[@Max-420]

Can someone please identify the stone on my channel

[@marialarnicosme5655]

Permission to share pls..

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Sure!

[@marialarnicosme5655]

@@TexasGalTreasures Thank you Now i convinced to sub ur channel actually i am your long time follower. More power to ur channel. God bless Kuwait here , from philippines.

[@incredibledragon7765]

boring go direct

[@ابواسحاق-ف2ه]

Please translate you programs to Arabic to be more useful , thank you so much , F .

[@bjebenstein]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@TopazStones]

Wah a good lesson for learning

[@TexasGalTreasures]

Thanks for watching

[@jlda9474]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@cherylsavage6178]

Thank you

[@TexasGalTreasures]

You're welcome

[@ritabuckhannon2293]

Thanks!

[@Ina3144]

How do you know if it’s fake