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Natural Gemstone FAQ from AfricaGems.com
Are the gemstones listed for sale on AfricaGems.com real?
Yes. All gemstones listed under the main navigation category GENUINE GEMS on AfricaGems.com are real, natural gemstones mined from the earth. They are not glass, plastic, or imitation stones.
Each gemstone in this section has been carefully hand-selected for beauty, color, quality, cutting, proportions, symmetry, brilliance, and suitability for fine jewelry such as rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and custom jewelry designs.
How can I tell if a gemstone is real?
The best way to tell if a gemstone is real is to purchase from a trusted gemstone dealer that clearly identifies the gemstone type, treatment status, measurements, carat weight, color, clarity, and other important gem details.
At AfricaGems.com, each gemstone includes detailed product information so customers can understand exactly what they are purchasing before they buy. Many gemstones also include photos and videos so you can review the stone’s color, brilliance, cutting, and overall appearance in natural lighting conditions. For higher-value gemstones, independent gemological reports may also be included or available when stated on the product page.
Are treated gemstones still real gemstones?
Yes. A treated gemstone can still be a completely real, natural gemstone. Treatment of gemstones has been in existence for thousands of years and simply means that a natural gemstone has been enhanced in some way to improve its appearance, color, clarity, or stability.
Many gemstone treatments are common, permanent, and widely accepted in the fine gemstone trade. The most common treatment is heat treatment, which is considered a normal and accepted practice for gemstones, including sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, tanzanite, tourmaline, zircon, and others.
What does heat treatment mean?
Heat treatment is a standard gemstone enhancement process where a natural gemstone is heated under controlled conditions to improve or stabilize its color and appearance.
Heat treatment does not make a gemstone fake. The gemstone is still natural and mined from the earth. The treatment simply enhances the beauty of the stone.
Does “natural” always mean “untreated”?
No. “Natural” means the gemstone was formed in the earth and mined as a real gemstone. “Untreated” means the gemstone has not been enhanced after mining.
Many natural gemstones are treated, and many treated gemstones are still highly desirable, valuable, and completely appropriate for fine jewelry.
For example, a fine quality, heat-treated sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, tanzanite, or zircon is a beautiful, durable, natural gemstone suitable for a ring, pendant, earrings, or custom jewelry design.
Does AfricaGems.com disclose gemstone treatments?
Yes. AfricaGems.com clearly discloses known gemstone treatments in the product description area. Treatment information is listed under the Gem Description tab so customers can review the details before purchasing.
We believe customers should know whether a gemstone is untreated, heat treated, oiled, irradiated, filled, coated, or enhanced by another accepted treatment method.
What should customers avoid when trying to identify a real gemstone?
Customers should be careful with unreliable at-home tests such as scratching glass, using a flashlight alone, or relying only on color. These methods can be misleading and may even damage a gemstone.
The safest way to verify a gemstone is to review the seller’s disclosures, confirm the gemstone details, and, when needed, consult a qualified gemologist or independent gemological laboratory.
At AfricaGems.com, we make this easier by clearly identifying gemstone type, treatment information, measurements, carat weight, color, clarity, and other important details directly on each product page.
Why buy natural gemstones from AfricaGems.com?
AfricaGems.com has been helping customers choose fine natural gemstones since 1984. Our gemstones are hand-selected for quality, beauty, cutting, and suitability for fine jewelry.
We provide detailed gemstone descriptions, treatment disclosure, photos, videos when available, and an industry-leading return policy so customers can shop for real natural gemstones online with confidence.
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Open Jun 16, 2026 - 06:11 PM
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