jewels from afghainstan

[joe80446]

I am new to this site and have read that you think that all, or at least most of the emeralds and other gems natural to this area are synthetic. I am curious as to know why, i have bought some beautiful rubies and sapphires from here and am also a soldier. It is my belief that most people dont consider Afghanistan a source of jewels because they have been at war for so long and have no export capability, can someone please give me another reason why they would say that the gems from here are synthetic?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Harriet]

Welcome, Joe! I don''t recall anyone saying that Afghanistan stones are synthetic. Maybe some said that they were treated?

 

[RevolutionGems]

Hi Joe,
I haven''t heard much about them being synthetic but most are definately treated. I have a small parcel of rough emerald from Swat. They are nice but the color is VERY consistent which indicates they are probably dyed. In any case, they cut a very nice stone. (These stones are from the Afghanistan/Pakistan broder area...)

Just be aware of what you are buying. Always try to buy from reputable dealers. This does not, of course, guarantee that the material is real or untreated, but it is the first step in the whole Buyer Beware thing.

Thank you for your service to our country. It is greatly appreciated!