GIA Uncovers Two Moissanite Impostors
November 15, 22
(IDEX Online) - Two cases of attempted frauds involving synthetic moissanite are highlighted in the GIA's latest quarterly journal Gems & Gemology.
In one case a 7.42-ct rough stone, presented to its New York lab, had been carved into an octahedron, with stepped edges and coarse textures deliberately chosen to imitate the appearance of a natural diamond.
In the other, what appeared to be a 1.71 ct square modified brilliant, complete with a GIA laser inscription on its girdle, also turned out to be synthetic moissanite. It was submitted to the Mumbai lab, where gemological and spectroscopic examination confirmed its true identity.
Commenting on the rough stone, the GIA said: "This investigation is a reminder to take caution when identifying gemstones, as intentional material processing steps such as these may be used to deceive consumers and could damage the integrity of the gem trade."
Pictures, courtesy GIA, show (left) the 1.71-ct polished stone and the 7.42-ct rough stone.