Ask yourself:
Does it have flaws?
Using a jeweler’s 10x
magnifying glass, inspect the
gem.
Does it pass the breath
test?
Breathe on the sapphire to
fog it up.
Does it have air bubbles?
Inspect the gem from all
angles.
Does it pass the scratch
test?
If you have 2 sapphires and
you know 1 is real, use it to
scratch the second.
Does it pass the light test?
Turn the lights off and shine a
flashlight on the sapphire.
*Consult a gemologist for a professional opinion on your sapphire's authenticity if you're unsure
or can't figure it out on your own.
Fake
Lab-made sapphires do not
have specks and blemishes.
Fake sapphires will take
around 5 seconds to clear.
Gems created in labs will
contain tiny air bubbles
because they’re made of
glass.
A fake sapphire is able to be
scratched and will show a
mark.
Being made of glass,
lab-made sapphires will
reflect a spectrum of colors.
Real
Natural sapphires should
have small specks and
blemishes.
It should take 1-2 seconds for
natural gems to clear.
Real sapphires will not have
any air bubbles.
Sapphires are extremely hard
and will easily leave a scratch
on other gems but unable to
be scratched themselves.
Real sapphires only reflect
light that is the same color as
the mineral.