Gemstones

GEMSTONE TREATMENTS
Most gemstones being sold today have been treated in some way. The most common treatments are heating, irradiating, diffusion and dyeing. Many of the treatments are considered acceptable in the jewelry trade while others are not. The important thing is that you know what you are buying.
The purpose of a treatment is simply to make a gem more beautiful than it would be without the treatment. Generally, if the treatment is permanent, improves the qualities of the gem, is disclosed and is not meant to mislead the buyer, it is acceptable.
A few gems including peridot and garnet are not usually treated, but most others usually are. For example, most all sapphires are heat treated to improve their color and clarity. Heated sapphires display brighter, more even color that would be extremely rare in a natural stone. Therefore most commercially available sapphires have been heated. That means you can a afford a more beautiful stone than you could if sapphires were not heated. Some sapphires receive diffusion treatment to alter their color. Through heat and pressure, a particular chemical element is diffused into the cut stone, thereby changing the color. However diffusion only effects a thin outer layer of the stone, so if the stone is chipped or scratched a little the original color will show. This is an example of an "unacceptable" treatment.
Some people like the idea of having an untreated stone.They prefer untreated stones even if it is more expensive or they have to sacrifice color or clarity a little. Treatment is so commonplace that untreated gemstones are becoming rare and may have more value.
Most treatments are not illegal or even unethical as long as they are disclosed. Ultimately, it is a personal decision whether you buy a treated, untreated or synthetic gemstone. The important thing is that you know what you are buying.

To read this entire article click the "Gemstone Treatments" link in the Link List below!