An Introduction to Gem Treatments and Care
Most gemstones on the market today have been modified by mankind in one way or another.
Whilst there are some gemstones such as Peridot, Zultanite, Garnets etc that are
not enhanced at all (other than the cutting and polishing of the gemstone), there
are other gems such as Tanzanite, Emeralds, Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz etc, where the
gemstones are normally enhanced.
The subject of treatments can often seem very confusing and what makes matters worse,
many treatments are undetectable by standard gemmological laboratory equipment.
As a lot of treatments are carried out whilst the gem is in the raw crystal stage,
it’s even often impossible for us at Gems TV to be 100% sure what enhancements have
been made to a particular gem.
As we can’t ever give a cast iron guarantee on a gemstone's enhancement (unless we
have physically dug it from the ground ourselves), we would rather provide the attached
document to highlight the most common treatments that certain gemstones undergo.
Many of these enhancements have been practised for literally thousands of years.
The dying of Agate is one example. Others, such as irradiated Blue Topaz, are solely
a product of the technological advances of the modern age. Enhancements often have
an impact on the value of precious stones, with the highest prices paid for natural
gems of fine quality that have not been enhanced in any way beyond ordinary cutting
and polishing.
Four ‘rules of thumb' for Gem Collectors
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Gems TV only sells genuine gemstones, many of which have been enhanced.
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For most gems today, enhancements are a basic part of the finishing process.
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The market place sets the values of both natural and enhanced gems.
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Since certain enhancements are undetectable or difficult to detect, the Gems TV approach is to
assume that all items are enhanced unless there is specific gemmological evidence
that shows the item has not been enhanced or the item is of a type for which enhancements
are not typically used.
