Identifying Amethyst: Understanding 10K Gold & Hallmarks

Question
Dear Mr. Lumetta, I have recently purchased a ring with a pretty purple stone, channel set style at the top of the ring. I bought it for a song as they say, and now that I'm home with it and looking at it through my 60X scope I am becoming much less excited about my purchase. My question for you is this: The ring is marked 10K and also has another hallmark of an Upper Case "G" with an arrow running through the center of the 'G', I have found the maker, I think, of the ring, and I am pursuing that separately, however, the purple 'Amethyst' which is the reason I bought it in the first place, well, now i see that it appears to have what looks like teeny tiny air bubbles. Now, I have been repeatedly told by people that precious stones don't have air bubbles and that only glass-like substances will have that. Can Amethyst have air bubbles, or have a quality that appears like teeny tiny bubbles? Or have I been duped? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! I will be anxiously awaiting your reply! Thanks again in advance! ~ Elizabeth ~

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

Quite fraqnkly crystal gems do not have air bubbles in them. Without seeing the stone it is difficult to say one way or the other. I am depending on your "identification" of what you describe as "air bubbles". There are many inclusions that look like bubbles but in fact are not. Many synthetic gems have bubble like inclusions, so you need to get a second opinion from a Gemmologist for a positive ID or remove the stone and have It ID'd by GIA. I woud say if you got it for a song then just enjoy it as is and don't worry about its true ID. If it were a diamond or ruby it would make a difference but the cost of a positive ID on amethyst is usually more than the stones value. Thanks for asking,

Peter