<strong>How to identify fake gemstones:</strong> Does it have shadowing (double lines)? How does its color look from the back? An expert shares tips that will help you avoid being scammed when shopping for gems.
How to identify fake gemstones: Does it have shadowing (double lines)? How does its color look from the back? An expert shares tips that will help you avoid being scammed when shopping for gems.
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<strong>Ask for a lab test: </strong>It's worth asking the trader to do a lab analysis when making a big purchase -- it will help flush out unreliable traders. A gem analysis report often costs less than $100 and can be completed within two to three days.
Ask for a lab test: It's worth asking the trader to do a lab analysis when making a big purchase -- it will help flush out unreliable traders. A gem analysis report often costs less than $100 and can be completed within two to three days.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>Gemstone trading hub: </strong>Bangkok, Hong Kong and the Indian city of Jaipur are among Asia's three busiest gem trading centers.
Gemstone trading hub: Bangkok, Hong Kong and the Indian city of Jaipur are among Asia's three busiest gem trading centers.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>Gemstones workshops: </strong>Thai gemologist Kanpoj Thanachakaphad holds workshops in Bangkok that teach tourists how to assess the quality of gemstones.
Gemstones workshops: Thai gemologist Kanpoj Thanachakaphad holds workshops in Bangkok that teach tourists how to assess the quality of gemstones.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>Learn the basics: </strong>Gemologists advise potential buyers to learn some of the basics of the gemstone trade, as well as the lingo, which will help them avoid being scammed.
Learn the basics: Gemologists advise potential buyers to learn some of the basics of the gemstone trade, as well as the lingo, which will help them avoid being scammed.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>Jewelry Trade Center: </strong>Bangkok's Jewelry Trade Center is home to dozens of gemstone traders.
Jewelry Trade Center: Bangkok's Jewelry Trade Center is home to dozens of gemstone traders.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>Difficult to spot: </strong>Sophisticated fake gemstones can be impossible for the average person to spot, gemologists warn.
Difficult to spot: Sophisticated fake gemstones can be impossible for the average person to spot, gemologists warn.
Ronan O'Connell/CNN
<strong>The city for expensive gems: </strong>Among the three key gem trading centers in Asia, Hong Kong is the region's number one location for expensive gems, including "million-dollar-plus jade and ruby pieces."
The city for expensive gems: Among the three key gem trading centers in Asia, Hong Kong is the region's number one location for expensive gems, including "million-dollar-plus jade and ruby pieces."
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