Synthetic rubies, sapphires and other types of gems are easy to find in the marketplace. Many stores sell them, and they account for a very significant percentage of the rubies and sapphires sold today. There is nothing wrong with selling them and nothing wrong with buying them. However, the essential part of the transaction is for the seller to clearly disclose that they are man-made and for the buyer to fully understand that they are man-made.
Sellers should make this essential communication at the time of sale by displaying synthetic gems with obvious labels, informing the customer verbally, and providing a receipt that clearly indicates that they are man-made. They might be called “man-made,” “synthetic,” “lab-grown,” “lab-created” or some other terminology that the buyer understands.
A benefit of buying a natural ruby or a natural sapphire is knowing that your gem was created by nature. A benefit of buying a synthetic ruby or sapphire is obtaining a stone with excellent clarity and color at an affordable price. Many people have additional benefits in mind when they go shopping for jewelry.
If You Are Buying a Ruby or Sapphire…
You should know that various types of rubies and sapphires are offered for sale. Some are natural gemstones, some are natural gemstones that have been treated by people to improve their appearance, and some are synthetic gemstones created by people. Many buyers have a strong preference for untreated natural gemstones and are willing to pay a premium price for them. Others find treated gems acceptable, especially at a lower price. Some will never purchase a synthetic gemstone, but others enjoy synthetic gemstones because they generally have an attractive appearance and an attractive price.
There is nothing wrong about any of these options. It is all about personal preference and the amount that you want to spend.
The vendor who is selling these items should educate you about what you are buying in language that you understand, and information about your purchase should be written on your receipt. If you are uncertain about anything, then you should feel free to ask questions. If you have any concerns about what you are buying, then it is probably a good idea to delay the purchase or buy elsewhere. You can simply tell the vendor that “I need to think about this a little longer.”
If you are purchasing a very expensive item, it is a good idea to have it identified by a gemological laboratory and receive a report from the lab. This will involve sending the item to the lab, paying a small fee, and a wait of two or three weeks to receive the lab report. Your purchase can be contingent upon the lab report being in agreement with information provided by the vendor. Even if the vendor already has a report, you can ask to have one prepared by the lab of your choice.
In summary, you should understand what you are buying, know that you have many options, and be comfortable with both the item and the price.