In the 19th century, synthetic rubies were the first synthetic gem to be successfully created using a process called flame-fusion. Since that time, the demand for cheap, synthetic gems to be used in jewelry and elsewhere has led to the creation of lots of different kinds of crystals.
The makeup of synthetic gems is the same as natural gems. A reproduction though, might resemble a real gem, although it has a dissimilar chemical makeup, and its crystal structure is different, as well as some dissimilar material properties. Imitation or synthetic gems usually contain properties that permit jewelers to differentiate them from their natural counterparts.
The method by which synthetic gems nowadays are manufactured utilizes crystallization from one of two methods: via crystallization of melted material with a similar composition as the gem being created; or from a range of different substances that together have the appearance of the gem in question.
Jewelers and wholesale gemstone retailers have had trouble with synthetic gems for some time, but since synthetic diamonds require special conditions and expensive equipment; they are not readily available, which helps. The gems that are not utilized for jewelry often have yellowish-brown color to their crystals and weigh less than or equal to one carat. These often yield smaller pieces that are less than a half of a carat in weight.
Over time, synthetic and natural materials and minerals have been used to make simulated diamonds using various techniques. Cubic Zirconia is utilized the most, due to the fact that it is lowest in cost and looks the most like a real diamond that has been polished. Additionally, jewelers can easily distinguish them from real diamonds because they transfer heat. A simple device can test this feature although it is out of the reach of home use by consumers.
