Methods of making artificial gemstones using sublimation printing, and artificial gemstones made therewith

Abstract

Methods of making artificial gemstones that include providing a base body having a sublimation surface composed of a sublimatable material. A transfer print composed of one or more sublimation dye inks is received. The transfer print provides, for example, a translucent multicolor gradation pattern or a simulation of visual surface characteristics of a finished natural gemstone. The transfer print is contacted with the sublimation surface and pressure is provided between the print and the base body and heat is applied to the transfer print and base body for an amount of time sufficient for the transfer print to sublimate into the sublimation surface so as to create a sublimation print in the sublimatable material. Finishing steps may be performed after creating the sublimation print. The base body may be, for example, translucent or opaque and/or a component of a multiplet gemstone. Artificial gemstones having sublimation prints are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.