[header] How to determine if a sapphire is real [title] Look for flaws and inclusions. [step] Use a jeweler's magnifying glass, at least 10x magnification, to inspect the sapphire closely. Natural sapphires form with tiny bits of other matter in them, so look for small specks and blemishes. 
These flaws are a good indication that a sapphire is real. [substeps] Lab-created (fake) sapphires do not have inclusions of this nature, and some natural sapphires don't have flaws either, but if you find flaws it is real.