PSA: Synthetic Mahenges on the rise

[chrono]

FYI from Spinelovers
There's not just clarity enhancement to contend with (filling) but synthetics the past few years. These are now found right at the mines as rough material, of the correct/expected rough shape and complete with natural looking inclusions.

 

[dk168]

Crumbs, what next?!

Would love to hear from those who go on gem safaris about how to avoid buying synthetics.

DK

 

[NKOTB]

Does this mean we should send any current stones to a lab?

 

[chrono]

Does this mean we should send any current stones to a lab?

I would do so if I were to purchase any spinels from now onwards. The AGL brief is not expensive and will catch clarity enhancement, heat treatment and synthetic pass-offs.

 

[Marlow]

Maybe we should learn to love small apatite, dolomite and other mineral inclusions.....in spinel, in corundum and other gems.

 

[pregcurious]

Gem brief is only $60 and a top spinel is very expensive. It's worth the cost

 

[Marlow]

Gem brief is only $60 and a top spinel is very expensive. It's worth the cost

For a larger ( 1 ct + ) top stone o.k. - but what about smaller stones - 0,25ct - 0,60 ct. Sidestones for example.

In G&G is an interesting article that the mix small synthetic and HPHT vivid yellow diamonds with natural untreated diamond - melee size.
Nobody will send lets say 24 stones with 3-6 points each for a halo to GIA.

 

[LoversKites]

Jeez, already at the mines.

Gem brief is only $60 and a top spinel is very expensive. It's worth the cost

For a larger ( 1 ct + ) top stone o.k. - but what about smaller stones - 0,25ct - 0,60 ct. Sidestones for example.

In G&G is an interesting article that the mix small synthetic and HPHT vivid yellow diamonds with natural untreated diamond - melee size.
Nobody will send lets say 24 stones with 3-6 points each for a halo to GIA.

Yeah it's a problem. You just have to trust the vendor, and trust they have honest sources. What else can one do?

 

[makeable]

Thanks for the info Chrono.

 

[Acinom]

Oh my..
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Chrono

 

[distracts]

I should probably send my pear spinel off before I set it, then!