Consumer Education: Glass "stones" VS natural gemstones

[txgreeneyes]

This Sunday, I opened an ad for a certain department store that starts with K (and it's not KMart).

The ad is for a sterling silver GLASS ring or pendant for $129.99 or $159.99 each.

I was shocked that glass jewelry would be selling for that high of a price.

The glass "stone" vaguely resembles an aquamarine or a light blue topaz.

I have some questions:

1) How can a consumer tell the difference between a glass "stone" versus a natural gemstone such as aquamarine/quartz or topaz or a diamond? I suppose glass is see through? If I put a newspaper print under it, I could be able to see it clearly? Glass wouldn't sparkle like a cut gemstone. Anything else that could help me tell them apart?

2) Why would anyone buy glass at that high price? Is sterling silver really going for that high of a price?

Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Glass has a slightly different look than aquamarine (beryl), quartz, topaz and diamond to the naked eye due to having a different refractive index and lustre.

Beryl 1.577 - 1.600
Diamond 2.417 (the sparkliest with high dispersion if cut well)
Glass 1.5 to 1.6 depending on the type of glass
Quartz 1.544
Topaz 1.620

The best way is of course to use test it checking for its specific gravity and refractive index to be 100% sure. Being able to see print through the stone is a function of the cut. Even badly cut natural gems with a big window will allow light to leak right through, letting you read newspaper print through it.

I have no idea why silver and cut glass will be so expensive. Perhaps the store needs a higher profit margin to pay for the overhead costs.

 

[T L]

Vendors can charge whatever they want for a piece of jewelry and/or stones. It's consumer education that allows you to make the distinction of what is/isn't a good buy.

 

[Barrett]

Vendors can charge whatever they want for a piece of jewelry and/or stones. It's consumer education that allows you to make the distinction of what is/isn't a good buy.

 

[txgreeneyes]

I guess I'm worried that I could easily be scammed by someone selling glass. I'm so thankful that I found this board. I'm learning new stuff every day.

This particular department store is not scamming anyone. They clearly state that it's glass.

I didn't tell you the funniest thing. Yes, the sales price is $129.99 for one and $159.99 for the other. That is the SALES price. They are regular priced $325 and $400. That must be a lot of sterling silver!

Ironically, I've searched their website. I cannot find these two pieces online. I may have to stop by and just see them in person and see how heavy they are.

Now that I'm more educated (but I still have a lot to learn!), I don't know if I will ever pay retail again. I found this website about a month ago, and I've already bought a 2 carat clearish unheated topaz from Gene. It's beautiful! I'll try to take pics and post it on a new thread later.

 

[T L]

I guess I'm worried that I could easily be scammed by someone selling glass. I'm so thankful that I found this board. I'm learning new stuff every day.

This particular department store is not scamming anyone. They clearly state that it's glass.

I didn't tell you the funniest thing. Yes, the sales price is $129.99 for one and $159.99 for the other. That is the SALES price. They are regular priced $325 and $400. That must be a lot of sterling silver!

Ironically, I've searched their website. I cannot find these two pieces online. I may have to stop by and just see them in person and see how heavy they are.

Now that I'm more educated (but I still have a lot to learn!), I don't know if I will ever pay retail again. I found this website about a month ago, and I've already bought a 2 carat clearish unheated topaz from Gene. It's beautiful! I'll try to take pics and post it on a new thread later.

The materials of an object do not necessarily dictate how much it will cost. There are lots of variables, like the designer name, store overhead, work involved in creating the piece (hand forged) etc. . .

For example you can spend $$$$ buying a David Yurman silver and blue topaz ring (inexpensive materials), or buy a very similar looking 'no-name' ring for much less. I've seen murano glass jewelry for sale, and some antique glass bead jewelry, and they were not inexpensive, but to some people, they have an appeal that makes it worth the price. About ten years ago, my friend purchased an antique glass bead necklace for hundreds of dollars, and I almost fainted at the price because it was glass, but she loved it and felt it was worth the price despite my opposition to her buying it. A lot of people on this board feel you should not overpay on gems and jewelry, and then you'll find sites that are dedicated to designer clothes, jewelry, purses, etc. . . and they have no problem paying a great deal for something that you can find in similar appearance and quality for much less.

It's where your priorities are.

 

[LD]

I guess I'm worried that I could easily be scammed by someone selling glass. I'm so thankful that I found this board. I'm learning new stuff every day.This particular department store is not scamming anyone. They clearly state that it's glass.

I didn't tell you the funniest thing. Yes, the sales price is $129.99 for one and $159.99 for the other. That is the SALES price. They are regular priced $325 and $400. That must be a lot of sterling silver!

Ironically, I've searched their website. I cannot find these two pieces online. I may have to stop by and just see them in person and see how heavy they are.

Now that I'm more educated (but I still have a lot to learn!), I don't know if I will ever pay retail again. I found this website about a month ago, and I've already bought a 2 carat clearish unheated topaz from Gene. It's beautiful! I'll try to take pics and post it on a new thread later.

Unfortunately many many many people fall into traps like this. It's only with education that you stop and think before parting with your money. As you learn more you reduce the risk of being scammed BUT (forget glass for a minute) synthetics can be very very very difficult to distinguish from the real deal. So, if you're parting with what YOU consider to be a large amount of money, make sure you ensure the sale is conditional upon getting the piece checked out.

I it makes you feel any better, we've all been scammed at one time or another. However, each time you treat it as a learning experience and you can bet you've reduced the risk for the next time!