Alternative Gemstones
Imitation gemstones usually resemble the natural gemstone only in color, and can be easily identified as an imitation. The ancient Egyptians were the first ones to make faux gemstones with glaze and glass, since the genuine stones were too rare or too expensive. One of the earliest imitations made to resemble turquoise was made from a ceramic substance the color of turquoise, used for rings, pendants, amulets and beads. Imitation gems made from blue glass were even found in the tomb of King Tut.
Alternative Gemstones
Imitations of gems usually resemble the natural gemstone only in color, and can be easily identified as an imitation. The ancient Egyptians were the first ones to make faux gemstones with glaze and glass, since the genuine stones were too rare or too expensive. One of the earliest imitations made to resemble turquoise was made from a ceramic substance the color of turquoise, used for rings, pendants, amulets and beads. Imitation gems made from blue glass were even found in the tomb of King Tut.