IMITATIONS, IMPROVEMENTS, AND RECONSTRUCTION
COUNTERFEITING
precious stones of the higher classes has the same motive as
counterfeiting coin or paper money, and is easier, because gems have no
official characteristics, the physical and chemical characteristics
are known to but few, and the counterfeiter does not hazard the
penalties that the stringent laws of all nations enact against
counterfeiters of the currency, the deterrent and punitive effects of
which, however, despite their severity, have never entirely prevented
successful counterfeiting. The counterfeiter of precious stones, and
the dealer who knowingly and deceptively sells his product for an undue
profit, swindle, and they are amenable to the criminal and civil laws,
if evidence can be secured upon which to base successful prosecution
and suits, a difficult matter generally, especially to prove guilty
knowledge and intent. An enormous quantity of
unitation gems is constantly being manufac-
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