Faux? [Edit - title change]

[Winterloc]

I've read this over and over and can't quite land on any complete interpretation. Seems there could be many different possibilities. It reads weighty and rich with meaning. It's stunning. I'll be interested to see others opinion. Also cast works really well.

Faux

Faux pearl gutter-gleaming
scuffed and traffic-bruised,
crudely cast ~  
yet from any distance
could be taken for Platonic essence
of the jewel.

Essence


Faux pearl gutter-gleaming
scuffed and traffic-bruised,
crudely made ~  
yet from any distance
could be taken for Platonic essence
of the jewel.