Gemstones have captivated humanity for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations believing in the mystical powers of sapphires to modern shoppers confused about diamond grading, misconceptions about precious and semi-precious stones continue to flourish. These myths cost consumers money, create unrealistic expectations, and sometimes even lead to purchasing decisions based on completely false information.
Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast, a first-time buyer searching for an engagement ring, or simply curious about the world of colored gemstones, understanding what’s true and what’s marketing hype is essential. This comprehensive guide tackles the most persistent gemstone myths head-on, providing you with expert-backed, scientifically accurate information.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to make informed decisions, avoid common purchasing mistakes, and appreciate gemstones for what they truly are: remarkable natural formations with genuine beauty, rather than magical objects with supernatural powers.
Diamond Myths That Cost Buyers Thousands
Diamonds remain the most heavily marketed gemstone in the world, and with that marketing comes a substantial amount of misinformation. Let’s examine the most damaging diamond myths that continue to influence purchasing decisions.
Myth 1: Diamonds Are Extremely Rare
The Reality: Diamonds are not particularly rare compared to many other gemstones. According to geological surveys, diamonds are found on every continent and are mined in significant quantities each year. What creates the perception of scarcity is controlled supply by major mining companies and strategic marketing rather than actual geological rarity.
Gemstones that are genuinely rarer than diamonds include alexandrite, paraíba tourmaline, red beryl, and high-quality natural rubies. The famous De Beers marketing campaign of the 20th century successfully created the illusion of diamond scarcity, a perception that persists today despite abundant evidence to the contrary.
Myth 2: Diamonds Are a Good Investment
The Reality: For the average consumer, diamonds are a poor investment vehicle. The moment you purchase a diamond at retail price, its resale value drops dramatically, often by 30 to 50 percent or more. Unlike gold or platinum, which have standardized trading markets, diamonds lack a universal pricing system that would support easy resale at fair market value.
Investment-grade diamonds do exist, but they represent an extremely small percentage of the market. These are typically exceptional stones with rare characteristics such as significant carat weight, exceptional color grades, or historically significant provenance. The average engagement ring diamond does not fall into this category.
Myth 3: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake
The Reality: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are composed of the same carbon crystal structure, exhibit the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and display the same optical properties including brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
The Federal Trade Commission updated its jewelry guides in 2018 to remove the word “natural” from the definition of diamond, acknowledging that lab-created diamonds are, in fact, real diamonds. The only difference lies in their origin: one formed deep within the Earth over millions of years, while the other was created in a controlled laboratory environment over weeks or months.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Characteristic | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond |
| Chemical Composition | Pure Carbon (C) | Pure Carbon (C) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.417-2.419 | 2.417-2.419 |
| Formation Time | 1-3 billion years | 2-6 weeks |
| Price (1 carat) | $4,000 – $20,000+ | $800 – $4,000 |
| Resale Value | 30-50% of retail | Minimal |
Colored Gemstone Misconceptions Explained
Beyond diamonds, the world of colored gemstones is filled with its own set of myths. From sapphires to emeralds, rubies to amethysts, misunderstandings about quality, treatment, and value run rampant.
Myth 4: Sapphires Are Only Blue
The Reality: Sapphires occur naturally in virtually every color of the rainbow. While blue sapphires are the most famous and commercially popular, the corundum mineral family (which includes both sapphires and rubies) produces stunning stones in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and white. These non-blue varieties are known as “fancy sapphires” in the gem trade.
Particularly prized are padparadscha sapphires, which display a delicate pinkish-orange hue reminiscent of lotus blossoms. Yellow and pink sapphires have gained significant popularity as engagement ring alternatives, offering unique beauty at often more accessible price points than their blue counterparts.
Myth 5: Natural Gemstones Are Always Better Than Treated Ones
The Reality: The vast majority of gemstones on the market have undergone some form of treatment, and this is entirely industry-standard. Heat treatment, which has been practiced for centuries, permanently enhances color and clarity in stones like sapphires and rubies. This practice is so widespread that untreated stones of fine quality command significant premiums precisely because they are unusual.
The key is disclosure. Reputable dealers clearly inform buyers about any treatments a gemstone has undergone. Some treatments, like heat treatment, are stable and permanent. Others, like surface coatings or fracture filling, may require special care or disclose over time. Understanding the type of treatment and its implications is far more important than avoiding treated stones altogether.
Myth 6: Emeralds Are Too Fragile for Daily Wear
The Reality: While emeralds do require more careful handling than diamonds or sapphires, the notion that they cannot withstand regular wear is exaggerated. Emeralds rate 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them harder than many popular gemstones including tanzanite, opal, and pearl.
The concern with emeralds relates primarily to their natural inclusions (called “jardin” or garden by gemologists) and the oil or resin treatments used to improve clarity. With proper setting designs that protect the stone, sensible removal during activities like gardening or sports, and periodic professional cleaning, emerald jewelry can absolutely serve as everyday pieces.
Crystal Healing Claims: Separating Science from Belief
Few topics in gemology generate more debate than crystal healing. While many people find personal meaning and comfort in their crystal practices, it’s important to understand what science does and doesn’t support.
Myth 7: Crystals Have Scientifically Proven Healing Properties
The Reality: No peer-reviewed scientific study has demonstrated that crystals possess metaphysical healing abilities beyond placebo effects. Research conducted by psychologists at Goldsmiths, University of London found that the effects people reported from crystal use were identical whether they held genuine crystals or glass fakes, provided they believed the objects were real crystals.
This doesn’t necessarily mean crystal practices hold no value. The placebo effect itself is a genuine psychological phenomenon, and meditation practices involving crystals may provide benefits similar to other mindfulness exercises. However, claims that specific stones can cure illness, detoxify the body, or protect against electromagnetic radiation are not supported by scientific evidence.
Myth 8: Crystals Need to Be Cleansed and Charged
The Reality: From a strictly scientific perspective, crystals are stable mineral formations that don’t absorb, store, or release energy in ways that would require cleansing or charging. Rituals involving moonlight, sunlight, salt water, or sage don’t alter the physical or chemical properties of gemstones.
In fact, some “cleansing” methods can actually damage certain gemstones. Prolonged sunlight exposure can fade amethyst and rose quartz. Salt water can corrode softer stones and damage treated surfaces. If you engage in cleansing rituals as a personal or spiritual practice, that’s entirely your choice, but these practices should be understood as symbolic rather than affecting any measurable property of the stone.
Gemstone Value Myths: What Really Determines Price
Understanding how gemstones are valued can save you from overpaying and help you make smarter purchasing decisions. Several persistent myths cloud this topic.
Myth 9: Carat Weight Is the Most Important Value Factor
The Reality: While carat weight certainly affects price, it’s only one of several critical factors. For colored gemstones, color saturation and hue typically matter more than size. A smaller ruby with exceptional “pigeon blood” red color will command higher prices than a larger stone with washed-out or overly dark coloration.
Similarly, clarity plays different roles depending on the gem type. Eye-clean sapphires and rubies are expected, but some inclusions in emeralds are considered acceptable. Cut quality dramatically affects how a stone displays its color and sparkle. A poorly cut large stone may look dull and lifeless compared to a smaller, expertly cut gem.
Myth 10: Birthstone Gemstones Have No Real Value
The Reality: The value of a gemstone has nothing to do with its designation as a birthstone. This myth likely arose because birthstone jewelry is often sold in lower quality at mass-market price points. However, fine-quality specimens of any birthstone gem can be extremely valuable.
High-quality natural rubies (July birthstone) regularly sell for more per carat than diamonds. Fine emeralds (May) can exceed $50,000 per carat for exceptional specimens. Even seemingly common birthstones like garnet (January) include rare varieties such as demantoid and tsavorite that command premium prices.
Geographic Origin Myths and the Truth About “Premium” Sources
Myth 11: Kashmir Sapphires Are Automatically Superior
The Reality: While historic Kashmir sapphires are legendary for their velvety blue color, the region has produced minimal output for over a century. Today, “Kashmir” is often invoked as a marketing term more than a genuine indicator of quality. Excellent sapphires from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and other sources can equal or exceed the beauty of average Kashmir stones.
What matters is the individual stone’s characteristics, not its zip code. A certificate stating “Kashmir origin” doesn’t guarantee exceptional quality any more than finding a mediocre wine from a prestigious vineyard makes it taste better.
Myth 12: Burmese Rubies Are Always the Best
The Reality: Myanmar (Burma) has historically produced some of the world’s finest rubies, particularly from the Mogok region. However, quality varies enormously within any geographic source. Furthermore, significant deposits in Mozambique have yielded rubies that rival Burmese stones in color and quality.
Geographic origin can influence value when all other factors are equal, similar to how provenance affects art prices. But an exceptional Mozambique ruby will always be worth more than a mediocre Burmese stone. Smart buyers focus on the gem’s inherent qualities rather than origin prestige.
Gemstone Care Myths That Could Damage Your Jewelry
Myth 13: All Gemstones Can Be Cleaned the Same Way
The Reality: Different gemstones have vastly different care requirements based on their hardness, porosity, and any treatments they’ve received. Ultrasonic cleaners that work safely on diamonds can shatter emeralds or cause treated stones to crack. Steam cleaning can damage heat-sensitive gems like opals, pearls, and tanzanite.
Safe cleaning for most gemstones involves lukewarm water with mild dish soap and a soft brush. However, porous stones like turquoise and pearls should only be wiped with a damp cloth. Always research the specific care requirements for each gemstone you own or consult a professional jeweler.
Myth 14: Diamonds Are Indestructible
The Reality: While diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, hardness refers specifically to scratch resistance, not overall durability. Diamonds can chip, crack, and even shatter if struck at the right angle with sufficient force. Their crystalline structure includes planes of relative weakness called cleavage planes.
Jewelers regularly see damaged diamonds from customers who believed in their invincibility. Particularly vulnerable are thin girdle edges, pointed corners on fancy shapes like marquise or princess cuts, and any existing feather inclusions that reach the surface. Diamonds deserve careful handling despite their reputation.
Additional Gemstone Misconceptions Worth Knowing
Myth 15: Certification Guarantees Value
The Reality: Gemological certificates from reputable laboratories like GIA, AGS, or IGI verify characteristics such as carat weight, color grade, clarity, and treatments. They do not assign or guarantee monetary value. Two stones with identical certifications can have significantly different prices based on subtle quality differences visible only to experts, market conditions, and the seller’s positioning.
Furthermore, not all certification services maintain the same standards. Some lesser-known labs are known for “generous” grading that inflates apparent quality. Stick with well-established gemological laboratories and understand that certification documents your stone’s characteristics, not its worth.
Key Takeaways: What Every Gemstone Buyer Should Remember
- Diamonds are beautiful but not rare, not great investments for most buyers, and lab-grown versions are chemically identical to mined stones.
- Treatment of gemstones is industry-standard; what matters is full disclosure and understanding the implications of specific treatments.
- Crystal healing lacks scientific support beyond placebo effects; enjoy crystals for their beauty without expecting them to cure illness.
- Geographic origin is less important than individual stone quality; a beautiful gem from any location is still a beautiful gem.
- Different gemstones require different care; research your specific stones before cleaning or wearing them during activities.
- Certifications verify characteristics but don’t guarantee value; use reputable labs and understand what the paperwork does and doesn’t tell you.
Conclusion: Making Informed Gemstone Decisions
The gemstone industry, like many luxury markets, thrives partially on mystery and tradition. While this adds to the romance of precious stones, it can also leave buyers vulnerable to misleading claims and unnecessary spending. Armed with accurate information, you can appreciate gemstones for their genuine qualities while avoiding the pitfalls of pervasive myths.
Remember that the value of a gemstone ultimately lies in what it means to you. Whether you’re drawn to a stone’s beauty, its symbolic significance, or simply the joy it brings when you wear it, these personal connections matter more than marketing narratives. By understanding the facts behind the myths, you ensure that your gemstone purchases align with reality and your own genuine preferences.
If you’re in the market for gemstone jewelry, take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions from certified gemologists. Your knowledge is your best protection against misinformation and the key to finding stones that will bring you lasting satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gemstone Myths
Can I tell if a gemstone is real just by looking at it?
Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient to authenticate gemstones. Modern synthetic stones and treatments are sophisticated enough to fool even experienced observers. Definitive identification requires specialized equipment such as refractometers, spectroscopes, and microscopes. For valuable purchases, always obtain certification from a reputable gemological laboratory. Even trained jewelers send stones to labs for authentication when significant value is involved.
Do gemstones actually increase in value over time?
Most consumer-grade gemstones do not appreciate in value in ways that benefit individual owners. The retail markup on jewelry means you pay significantly more than wholesale value, and reselling typically yields only a fraction of your purchase price. However, genuinely exceptional stones with rare characteristics, significant historical provenance, or from depleted sources may appreciate over decades. Treating gemstones as financial investments requires expert knowledge and is not recommended for casual buyers.
Why do gemstone prices vary so dramatically between retailers?
Price variations stem from multiple factors including stone quality differences that may not be immediately apparent, treatment levels, retailer overhead costs, brand positioning, and markup strategies. A stone graded VS clarity at one lab might be graded differently elsewhere. Retailers in premium locations or luxury brands add significant markups. Online dealers often offer lower prices due to reduced overhead. Compare stones with similar certifications from the same reputable lab when price shopping.
Is it safe to buy gemstones online without seeing them in person?
Purchasing gemstones online can be safe with proper precautions. Look for detailed photography and video showing the actual stone (not representative images), comprehensive certification from recognized laboratories, clear return policies, and established vendor reputation. Many reputable online dealers offer inspection periods. However, for significant purchases, working with vendors who provide extensive documentation and allow returns if the stone doesn’t meet expectations is essential.
Are there any gemstones that truly are extremely rare?
Yes, several gemstones are genuinely rare. Alexandrite with strong color change properties is exceptionally scarce. Paraíba tourmalines from the original Brazilian deposit command extraordinary premiums. Red beryl, sometimes called red emerald, is found in only a few locations worldwide. Natural pearls (not cultured) are increasingly uncommon. Collectors prize these stones, but their rarity means even small specimens command high prices and require expert authentication.
How can I verify that a seller’s claims about a gemstone are accurate?
Request documentation from independent gemological laboratories such as GIA, AGS, Gübelin, or SSEF for colored stones. Verify certificates directly with the issuing lab when possible. Be wary of vague claims like “high quality” without specific grading. For origin claims on colored stones, insist on origin determination reports from respected labs. When purchasing expensive stones, consider having them independently appraised before finalizing the purchase. Trust established dealers with clear return policies over unknown sellers making extraordinary claims.