subject: Synthetics; Products of the Quest [print this page] Synthetics; Products of the Quest Synthetics; Products of the Quest
Playing the back and forth between theory and experiment is the heart of modern science. You can see its results all around you. The food you eat, the building you live in, and the clothes you wear are products of humanity's quest to understand, control, and improve on natural processes.
One of the most beautiful and useful of these products is synthetic gemstones. Many people are unaware of the important role these play in modern life. Electronics, communications, medicine, and manufacturing depend on a steady supply of high quality synthetic gems.
Synthetic gems also have an important place in the jewelry industry. On one hand, low-cost synthetics are popular with young people. Many adults began a lifelong love affair with gems in their youth, when a relative or friend gave them jewelry set with a synthetic. School rings and a lot of fashion jewelry are set with synthetics, too. On the other hand, "luxury" synthetics help jewelers meet consumer demand for gems like emerald and alexandrite. Here, top grades are rare and expensive-out of reach for most consumers. The high quality synthetic can bridge the gap by providing the beauty of natural gems at a fraction of the cost. While flux-made and hydrothermal synthetics are the more expensive luxury" synthetic manufacturing methods, flame fusion and the Czocharalski process are the less expensive ones.
However,every silver lining has a cloud, and the cloud around synthetic gems is misidentification. Even the crudes synthetic can be mistaken for natural, and the most sophisticated scare even experienced professional. Still, a sharp gemologist working with the instruments available in many jewelry stores can identify most of them, and advanced tests done in facilities laboratories can identify all the synthetics cooked up so far.
Part of avoiding problems with synthetics is awareness and training. You need to know what is out there and how to identify it. Just as important, you need to know whom you are dealing with. You need knowledgeable, honest, conscientious suppliers. And to protect yourself, you need convenient, systematic procedures for taking in jewelry for repair and for estimate the value
Today most people find synthetic gems interesting and attractive. But many professionals let their own fears and opinions cloud their enthusiasm. Familiarity with the wide range of attractive, affordable synthetics, and an understanding of their nature and their place in the market, will help both the sales person and the buyer.
