Knowledge Centre
Same material, different origin
Synthetic gemstones have the same composition and crystal structure as their natural counterparts. They are not imitations: an imitation only looks similar, such as glass or cubic zirconia imitating diamond.
Why testing matters
Origin has a major effect on value. As growth techniques improve, distinguishing natural from synthetic becomes increasingly difficult and requires special testing, which is why WGI gemologists use advanced equipment for this work.
Treatments
Many gemstones are treated to improve colour or clarity, for example by heating or filling. Detecting treatments is part of a full identification, and is recorded in the report where found.
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