Antieke juwelen glossarium
(verklarende woordenlijst)

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z         (alles)

Composite stone

A simulation of a gemstone that is made of two or three layers of gemstone or glass that are cemented or fused together so as to appear as a whole natural stone.

The purpose is to provide a more attractive colour or a protective top surface (as for an opal).

They can be distinguished from genuine stones by several tests:

• by revealing a ring around the gridle, especially when immersed in water or certain liquids and then viewed from the side
• by having different specific gravity
• by microscopic examination
• by immersion in hot water or an organic solvent which will soften the cement and separate the layers

Such stones are sometimes called an 'assembled stone'.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson