Learn the Secrets of Identifying Fake Gems with Minimal Equipment
Real or Fake 101 teaches you how to use inexpensive gemology tools to identify common jewelry and gemstone imitations.
Get Instant Access For $199
What People Are Saying...
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"Since I went through the course, I not only know more about gemstones, but I also know the contents of my own jewelry box much better now.
In addition, I now feel much more confident when making new purchases because I know what questions to ask or what to look out for.
I can only thank Chris for this wonderful course and hope that there will be part two and three sometime."
-Henrike M.
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"I just want to thank you—I’m having a wonderful time learning about identifying gemstones from your course.
I'm also glad that I can go at my own pace, as my family has kept me pretty busy this summer.
It's been really helpful to revisit the lessons I've already seen, trying to use the various tools on different stones. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. All the best!"
- Julia B.
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"I am a professional bench jeweler with 10 years experience. I love your videos!
I wish I had this collection of knowledge 10 years ago. The quick ID of stones is invaluable for me as a jeweler in a retail /repair shop.
I'm training a new guy in the bench and and so happy he had this resource to reference. Please keep the videos coming. Your presentation is great and the pace is excellent!"
-Austin M.
Trying to decide if Real or Fake 101 is for you?
Who, specifically, is this course for?
Real or Fake 101 is for jewelry enthusiasts, amateur treasure hunters and even seasoned jewelry professionals who want to learn the basics of spotting the most common fake and imitation gems with minimal gemological equipment and knowledge. If you've always wanted to learn about gems, but have struggled to find a fun, practical and inexpensive way to begin, this course is for you.
Who should NOT buy this course?
If you are a gemologist or already know how to identify most common gemstone imitations and simulants, this course is probably not for you.
This course is focused on building a basic gemological skill set to quickly identify fake, imitation and simulant gems. It's a behind-the-scenes look at my personal approach to identifying fakes when visiting estate sales, pawn shops, antique stores and flea markets. This is not a gem identification course requiring expensive equipment and deep gemological knowledge. It's focused on building a basic beginner skill set to help gem and jewelry junkies increase their odds of spotting fake gems and jewelry with minimal equipment.
Will I be a gemologist after taking this course?
No. While this course has some helpful tips, it's not intended to teach you gemology. This course will show you how to use basic gemological tools and use them to identify the most common fake and imitations gems and jewelry in the market.
What You'll Learn Inside of the Course
Tools & Techniques
Learn to use basic tools like the 10x Loupe, Dichroscope, UV Light, Diamond Tester, Neodymium Magnet, Flashlight and Gold Acid Test Kit.
Setting Identification
Learn how identify common precious metal purity stamps and how to reliably and inexpensively test gold, platinum and silver purity.
Diamond Identification
Learn to identify real diamonds and not be fooled by imitations. You'll also learn to avoid the pitfalls of using an electronic diamond tester.
Colored Gem Imitations
Learn simple techniques to spot common fake and imitation gems including glass, plastic, doublets, triplets and a few common synthetics.
Not Sure If Real or Fake 101 Is For You?
I've got you covered. How about I give you a friendly peek into the course with a FREE lesson? Click the button below and let me know where to send your free lesson. No fuss, just a friendly peek into the course.
Get Your Free Lesson
Course Outline
I. Introduction
- Welcome & Course Overview (1:59)
- Disclaimer (5min read)
- Recommended Equipment (5:39)
- Glossary of Terms (4min read)
II. Tools & Techniques
- Introduction (0:26)
- The 10x Loupe (3:50)
- The Dichroscope (3:17)
- Long Wave UV Light (2:14)
- The Electronic Diamond Tester (5:22)
- Neodymium Magnet (3:59)
- The Gold Acid Test Kit (8:09)
III. Examining the Setting
- Introduction (0:33)
- How to Test Settings (11:08)
- BONUS: Using an Electronic Gold Tester (4:09)
IV. Identifying Diamonds
- Introduction (0:34)
- Diamond & Moissanite Identification (7:10)
- Lab-Grown Diamonds (4min read)
V. Common Colored Stone Imitations
- Introduction (0:30)
- Glass & Plastic (8:39)
- Foilbacks (4:24)
- Doublets & Triplets (4:46)
- Garnet & Glass Doublets (2:04)
- Synthetic vs Natural Opal (7:48)
- Synthetic Ruby (4:51)
- Synthetic vs Natural Star Sapphire & Ruby (4:25)
- Other Common Synthetics & Imitations (5:07)
- BONUS: Natural Gemstone Inclusions (6:18)
VI. Finding, Verifying & Valuing Hidden Gems
- Introduction (0:34)
- Where to Find Real & Fake Jewelry (4min read)
- Verifying & Valuing Gems & Jewelry (5:55)
- Putting it all together (4:00)
Don't Miss Out on the Fun!
Join Real or Fake 101 now and learn how to confidently spot fake and imitation gems in a friendly and engaging environment. And remember, you'll have a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.
Give it a try and let's start this exciting gemstone adventure together!
Get Instant Access For $199
FAQs
Who, specifically, is this course for?
Real or Fake 101 is for jewelry enthusiasts, amateur treasure hunters and even seasoned jewelry professionals who want to learn the basics of spotting the most common fake and imitation gems with minimal gemological equipment. If you've always wanted to learn about gems, but are struggle to find a fun, practical and inexpensive way to begin, this course is for you.
Who should NOT buy this course?
If you already know how to identify most common gemstone imitations and simulants, this course is probably not for you.
This course is focused on building a basic gemological skill set to quickly identify fake, imitation and simulant gems. It's a behind-the-scenes look at my personal approach to identifying fakes when visiting pawn shops, antique stores and flea markets. This is not a gem identification course requiring expensive equipment and deep gemological knowledge. It's focused on building a basic beginner skill set to help gem and jewelry junkies increase their odds of spotting fakes with minimal equipment.
Will I be a gemologist after taking this course?
No. While this course has some helpful tips, it's not intended to teach you gemology. This course is intended to show you how to use basic gemological tools and use them to identify the most common fake and imitations gems in the market.
Can I take the course at my own convenience?
Yes. Real or Fake 101 is a self-paced course with nearly two hours of video instruction with additional bonus modules.
How long will I have access to the course?
As long as you need. This is a go-at-your-own-pace course.
How much does the equipment cost?
Prices fluctuate but if you buy everything new from Amazon the total cost of equipment hovers around ~$140 USD. You are welcome to buy cheaper versions of the equipment I recommend, but they may not be as effective or durable. Additionally, you may already own some of these tools such as a portable incandescent flashlight, magnet, etc. which will bring down your total equipment cost.
What if I have questions or need help during the course?
I'm here to support you throughout your learning journey. If you have any questions or need help with any aspect of the course, you can reach out to me via the comments section or by email, and I'll be happy to assist you as quickly as I am able.
Do I need any prior experience or knowledge to take this course?
No, Real or Fake 101 is designed for beginners and does not require any prior experience or knowledge in gemology or jewelry identification. The course covers all the basics you need to know to start identifying the most common fake and imitation gems with minimal equipment.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, I offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with Real or Fake 101, just let me know within 30 days of purchase, and I'll refund your money, no questions asked. I want you to be confident in your investment and feel secure knowing that you can give the course a try risk-free.
Can I apply what I learn in this course to other areas of gem and jewelry identification?
While this course is specifically designed to help you identify the most common fake and imitation gems, many of the tools and techniques you'll learn can be applied to other areas of gem and jewelry identification as well. As you develop your skills and gain experience, you may find that you're able to apply what you've learned to a broader range of gemstones and jewelry items.
Not Sure If Real or Fake 101 Is For You?
I've got you covered. How about I give you a friendly peek into the course with a FREE lesson? Click the button below and let me know where to send your free lesson. No fuss, just a friendly peek into the course.
Get Your Free Lesson
Meet Your Instructor...
Chris James is a jewelry appraiser and private jeweler based in Nashville, TN. He is known for his popular "real or fake" videos on Instagram where he breaks down the complicated world of gemology into short, easy-to-understand videos.
Chris is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), an Accredited Senior Gemologist (AGA) and is a candidate member with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA).
