Info about Jewelry
Faux Gemstones
You can call faux gemstones whatever you like – simulated gems or imitations – but they all have something in common. That is, they can look like the real gem to an untrained eye, but they don't share the physical characteristics of the synthetic or natural gem they imitate. Faux gems can give people a chance to wear colorful gems without spending the amounts needed to purchase real gems. If you like the looks of gemstones but you can't afford a real gem or even one of the many created diamonds on the market, then a faux gemstone may be your best bet.
The imitation stones of today are often times made from plastic or glass. Jewelers can easily discover these materials, so if you think you got a great deal on a gemstone ring or other piece of jewelry, have them checked out. A genuine gemstone may be mounted in a setting with a solid back, with foil under the gem to add to its brilliance, or to change its color.
A composite gemstone is made from one little piece of a genuine stone that is combined with an imitation or cheaper gemstone. Opal jewelry of low price ranges are often made with composites. A doublet is a composite stone that is made from an inexpensive, large chunk of stone that is topped by a thinner slice of a better-quality gemstone. This division isn't generally obvious, but it can be seen under a microscope.
One doublet type is made by assembling a colored bonding agent in between two inexpensive, clear stones, and the added color makes the doublet look like a genuine colored gemstone. Triplets are composite stones that are pieced together in three parts, rather than two.
Descriptive words sometimes are used before gemstone names, as in American ruby (a garnet) or Oriental emerald, which is a green colored sapphire. Treated quartz is sometimes called Australian jade. Check the authenticity of a gemstone that has an extra name in front of it.