Counterfeiting happens – but is a much bigger problem when buying gold and jewelry abroad than with gemstones. First and foremost, it is difficult to check the quality of gemstones when buying them on vacation, even if they are genuine. Laymen cannot determine for themselves what treatments the gemstones have undergone, whether the stones have been fired, for example, to improve their purity. In general, the quality can be determined according to international criteria only by recognized laboratories and gemologists. Also, only an expert can determine whether the stated locality is correct, for example, by looking at inclusions typical of the locality.

Dealers abroad often meet the doubt with certificates issued by them. Internationally recognized certificates, however, come from renowned gemological laboratories. In the case of colored gemstones, Swiss certificates, such as those issued by the Swiss Foundation for Gemstone Research (SSEF), Swiss Research Gemlab (GRS) or Dunaigre, have the best international reputation. Only an internationally recognized certificate ensures the value and is also crucial for reselling a gemstone.