Many gemstones are treated or enhanced to improve their appearance. The majority of these are the more popular gemstones. While some of the treatments are centuries old and mimic what occurs in nature, others are relatively new. Within the jewelry industry these treatments are considered commonplace, however the public knowledge of gem treatments is still fairly limited. The following is a list of common gemstone treatments along with the types of gemstones on which these treatments are commonly used.
At Silvermoon StoneWear we make every effort to use untreated stones, however, stones that are included in this list have very possibly been treated as described. If you are curious about the stones in a specific piece, please feel free to inquire.
COATING - Surface enhancements to improve appearance, provide color or other special effects. Vacuum deposition is included in this category. The following stones are known to be treated in this manner... Aqua Aura Quartz, Imperial Gold Quartz, Opal Aura Quartz, Tanzan Aura Quartz, Titanium Quartz & Mystic Topaz.
DYEING OR BLEACHING - The introduction of coloring or bleaching matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present color or improve color uniformity. Depending in the dying process, dyed stones may be subject to fading. The following stones are commonly treated in this manner... Aquamarine, Black Onyx, Blue or Black Tiger Eye, Blue Topaz, Coral, Garnet, Pearl, & Rose Quartz.
HEATING - The use of heat to alter color, clarity, or appearance. Being the most common enhancement for ruby and sapphire, it is recommended that jewelers inform their customers that they are "probably heat treated." This process is so similar to heating which can occur in nature, that it is sometimes impossible to deterimine if it occurred before or after mining. The following stones are commonly treated in this manner... Ametrine, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Carnelian, Citrine, Red Tiger Eye, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, & Tourmaline.
OILING/RESIN - The intentional filling of surface-breaking cavities with colorless oil. The oil is applied to the stone and seeps into the fissures, which reach the stone's surface. Aside from improving clarity, this process may prevent brittleness. Oiling is generally not permanent and may need to be reapplied every few years. Special care is required for cleaning; repairing or mounting oiled stones. It is not recommended to wear jewelry made with these stones when bathing, washing dishes, etc. This treatment may not be permanent but it because of it's practicality it is generally accepted. This treatment is commonly accepted and used on Emeralds.
PRESSING - The high pressure bonding of many pieces of natural material, such as Amber, to form one larger piece of the same material. This is an accepted treatment for Amber.
IRRADIATION - The use of neutrons, requiring an environmental safety release from the NRC, with the combination of any other bombardment and/or heat treatment to alter a gem's color. This too exactly duplicates what happens in nature. This is a known treatment method for Blue Topaz and Tourmaline.
BONDING (STABILIZATION)- The use of a colorless bonding agent (commonly plastic) with a porous gemstone to give it durability and improve appearance. This treatment is commonly used on Turquoise.
WAXING - The impregnation of a colorless wax or paraffin in porous opaque gemstones to improve their appearance. This treatment is commonly used on Jade.
