I have re-produced the following guide (with a few additions), from one that was recently here. So, with the principles of - truth hurts - and - honesty is the best policy - here it is again!!

What is a triplet? A triplet is so-named because it is made from 3 parts:

1. At bottom, the shale matrix or some other dark stone; 2. Then, less than 1 tenth of a mm of ammolite gemstone; 3. Covered by the see-through spinel, quartz, crystal or glass cap. The three parts are all glued together with a two part epoxy. Spinel (synthetic sapphire) is the most desirable for the cap because of it's hardness, 8 on the Moh's Scale. It will stay shiny the longest. Not forever; any scratches will be there for the life of the wearer. A natural can be repolished, but a triplet's scratches - Are Forever - !

This method of stone enhancement, long used on opal, is now very commonly used on ammolite. It protects the surface of softer stones and enhances the color like a magnifying glass. It is also the cheapest way to mass produce callibrated stones without too much training and makes it more affordable with standard cast gold settings. Just pop in the stone and, presto, your finished!

On the down side - these stones do not like sonic baths, heat, and many other things. It would not be recommended wearing one in the hot springs for example, there is a good chance it could separate, and if it does, it is not fixable. To avoid having your triplet separate while you are making them the secret is to grind it down to one layer of gem if possible, and this is why a separated stone is finished - there is just nothing left to work with. The idea of grinding the cap off is a waste of time, there is simply not enough gem to work with. Replacement is the only option.

The first sign of separation is a white spot. Usually on the edge. From here it just gets bigger until you see no more color, the reason that these stones separate is the fact that they need to be allmost pollished before the cap is glued on or else you would see scratchs in the stone. This is where the adhesion problem is: it is like glueing 2 pieces of glass together, there is simply nothing to adhere to.

Not all white spots are an indication of separation. Sometimes called an inclusion it is a white or pale spot of color that is caused by a small fragment of another layer of aragonite. Usually they can be minimized by rotating the stone causing it to disappear. A good setter will certainly account for this in their design.

Another method of enhancement in the triplet world is what we call a quadruplet or gem mosaic. This is done by gluing gem to gem to get red / green / blue into one stone. Very nice multi-colored stones can be assembled in this way.

BUYERS GUIDE - or - What to look for:

1. Separation of cap (i.e. white spots, or dull areas);

2. The type of cap. Spinel is harder than glass but changes the colors more. The low dome or flat caps distort the surface of the stone less but often leave a blank ring around the stone;

3. Blue zone or sheet material is selling faster than crush (or lizard skin), but it is more prone for separation as it is made up of multiple layers.

4. The type of glue used. You must ask the manufacturer what kind of glue they have used as all epoxies are not created equal. Some have a bonding age of 100 years. (on average, if applied under optimum conditions). Some glue will fail the first time you clap your hands too vigorously. All will fail eventually;

5. The most important factor is the quality of the goldsmith who will set the stone. Too much heat, stress or pressure in setting and the cap will lift. We only produce triplets for a few highly experienced setters that we have been working with for many years. If we sell loose stones where we do not know the setter we highly recommend that it is a natural!!

-- COMING SOON -- The Gallery of Shame!!

A collection of gruesome pictures showing failed, dull, chipped, bubble strewn triplets!!