Gem creation was once reserved for people who were either religious leaders, royalty, or simply wealthy. Humans always want what other humans have, so gems that are imitation in nature have been common for nearly 4500 years. These have occurred in the forms of composites, plastic, glass and treated gems. You’re not breaking a law if you create or sell simulated diamond, as long as you identify it as a synthetic. The only time selling synthetic gems is illegal is when synthetic or natural imitations are represented to be the true and natural gem, which is obviously worth much more.
When people look at gems in jewelry stores, they often ask gem enthusiasts or jewelers, “Is it real?” You don’t have to be an expert, actually, to answer this question. The more appropriate question would be to ask if the gem is natural or created. The difference it makes depends on the individual buying the stone. Synthetics and imitation stones can be very beautiful, and they simulate natural gems. Beauty means different things to different people, and thus this attribute is subjective. If the imitation and created stones are sold as simulations, and priced as such, they can be a pleasant alternative to the real thing, and more affordable as well.
A simulated stone is a copy or a likeness, which could mean a natural or synthetic gemstone. Imitations are not always synthetic stones, and synthetics are not always intended to be imitations. Some varieties of synthetics are actually gems in their own right, like cubic zirconia. The term imitation is normally applied to plastic and glass, although it can sometimes be used in reference to natural minerals as well. Gold-colored quartz called citrine has been used as imitation topaz in so many birthstone rings that people don’t even know the correct color of actual topaz.
