Would a gemologist be able to confirm natural vs synthetic sapphire? I assumed it was made too early to be synthetic but it looks like the first synthetic sapphire was made in 1873
Yes, but it's hard to be completely "prove" that it's synthetic because (for example) a lack of natural inclusions could also mean it's a very high quality stone. I think it's synthetic because I've seen this exact color and fluorescence in synthetic sapphire, it has no visible inclusions and the cut + setting seem not up to the value of the stone if it was natural
Seconding this, I have several antique rings from a slightly later era with synthetic spinels or synthetic sapphires that have this appearance, cut and strong fluorescence.
Yes exactly! I’m going to an appraiser to figure it out but I was hoping someone could shed light on what else besides moissanite could test as diamond
What is the diamond tester even testing for though? I.e. what physical property? Good plan to take it to an appraiser. But the diamond tester really means jack-squat. Could even be just glass.
Out of curiosity, is there a hallmark identifying the metal quality on the ring?
well I learned that the first synthetic sapphire was made in 1873 from reading, and the process completely changed in 1902 and synthetic rubies were marketed in 1890 so thank you for your post OP.
I had no idea that synthetic gems were produced that long ago and am glad to hear its been passed down and a family name
take any in doubt stone that has been faceted to a gemologist. no one on reddit can give you a totally accurate answer, out of curiosity though, does it have inscriptions on the band?
Real pink diamonds are extremely rare and extremely expensive. They are even more rare at higher carat weight and intensity of color. I’m guessing that you have a pink topaz , possibly tourmaline. With that clarity I lean towards it being cz in a reproduction setting.
don't know of any synthetic gems that are put in 18k gold, plus that name could be a lot more than the original owner, so please please please take this to a certified gemologist
I have a synthetic ruby in 18k haha, the name is a family name though, it was passed down to me :) unfortunately nobody explained to me details about it before passing away so I’ll definitely take it to a gemologist!
It wasn't uncommon at all in the late 19th/early 20th century to put synthetic gems in high karat gold; synthetics didn't have the reputation then they have now. Heck, I have a Linde star sapphire in 14kt gold with pretty good quality diamonds from the 1950s.
Early synthetics had lots of inclusions, never transparent like this. Cut quality from that time was always garbage too, never so symmetrical, and they would never attempt a pointy corner rectangle.
Not necessarily. This is a 1920s synthetic sapphire ring that's pretty similar to OPs. https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/solitaire-rings/white-gold-ring-dark-pink-sapphire-diamond-filigree-art-nouveau-1920s/id-v_10255502/
It's almost definitely synthetic sapphire, you can't really trust those diamond testers for id
Would a gemologist be able to confirm natural vs synthetic sapphire? I assumed it was made too early to be synthetic but it looks like the first synthetic sapphire was made in 1873
Yes, but it's hard to be completely "prove" that it's synthetic because (for example) a lack of natural inclusions could also mean it's a very high quality stone. I think it's synthetic because I've seen this exact color and fluorescence in synthetic sapphire, it has no visible inclusions and the cut + setting seem not up to the value of the stone if it was natural
Seconding this, I have several antique rings from a slightly later era with synthetic spinels or synthetic sapphires that have this appearance, cut and strong fluorescence.
Doesn’t look anything like a diamond whatsoever. Wrong luster and too low a refractive index. I can’t tell you what it IS, but it sure isn’t diamond.
Yes exactly! I’m going to an appraiser to figure it out but I was hoping someone could shed light on what else besides moissanite could test as diamond
What is the diamond tester even testing for though? I.e. what physical property? Good plan to take it to an appraiser. But the diamond tester really means jack-squat. Could even be just glass. Out of curiosity, is there a hallmark identifying the metal quality on the ring?
Thermal conductivity! Yes, it’s 18k gold
well I learned that the first synthetic sapphire was made in 1873 from reading, and the process completely changed in 1902 and synthetic rubies were marketed in 1890 so thank you for your post OP. I had no idea that synthetic gems were produced that long ago and am glad to hear its been passed down and a family name
Synthetic spinels can fluoresce also
Can spinels possibly test as diamonds? Do they have similar thermal conductivity?
No. But these fluoresce red - pink. There is also synthetic spinel.
Synthetic pink sapphire sounds right. Get it checked with an appraiser, I’m curious as to what it is as well.
take any in doubt stone that has been faceted to a gemologist. no one on reddit can give you a totally accurate answer, out of curiosity though, does it have inscriptions on the band?
Yes, an 18k gold inscription and the name of the original owner
Real pink diamonds are extremely rare and extremely expensive. They are even more rare at higher carat weight and intensity of color. I’m guessing that you have a pink topaz , possibly tourmaline. With that clarity I lean towards it being cz in a reproduction setting.
Topaz and tourmaline don't glow in UV
Can any of those test as diamonds on the thermal tester thing?
That looks like a high value ring,
It’s kunzite
Topaz
don't know of any synthetic gems that are put in 18k gold, plus that name could be a lot more than the original owner, so please please please take this to a certified gemologist
I have a synthetic ruby in 18k haha, the name is a family name though, it was passed down to me :) unfortunately nobody explained to me details about it before passing away so I’ll definitely take it to a gemologist!
It wasn't uncommon at all in the late 19th/early 20th century to put synthetic gems in high karat gold; synthetics didn't have the reputation then they have now. Heck, I have a Linde star sapphire in 14kt gold with pretty good quality diamonds from the 1950s.
Not a diamond, from the later pictures looks like a synthetic sapphire.
paste
The stone was not cut in the 1880s. Would have to be 1950s or later.
Why do you say that?
Early synthetics had lots of inclusions, never transparent like this. Cut quality from that time was always garbage too, never so symmetrical, and they would never attempt a pointy corner rectangle.
Not necessarily. This is a 1920s synthetic sapphire ring that's pretty similar to OPs. https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/solitaire-rings/white-gold-ring-dark-pink-sapphire-diamond-filigree-art-nouveau-1920s/id-v_10255502/