Gemstone Treatments
Heated
Some gems, most notably sapphire, ruby and tanzanite, are commonly heated. This treatment is designed to complete the natural chemical processes that form the stone, producing brighter colors. The effect is permanent, and has only a small effect on the value of the stone.
Unheated tanzanite is a trichroic stone, exhibiting blue, violet and yellowish green colors when viewed along different axes. When heated, tanzanite becomes a blue and violet dichroic gem that displays much brighter colors. Unheated tanzanites with good color are extremely rare, and very expensive.
Irradiated
This is a common treatment for colored diamonds and a few other colored stones. Bombarding the stone with high energy particle radiation can deepen, enhance, or completely change the color of the gem. Frequently, a tragically discolored white diamond can be turned into a very nice blue or green diamond with radiation. Other diamond colors can be enhanced this way, making them more attractive than their original color. Radiation is an accepted treatment, similar to heating, that simply "finishes" the processes that would have taken place in nature if the gem had been left undisturbed for a few thousand more years. Irradiated gems are somewhat less costly than untreated stones.
Oiled
Some gems, especially emeralds, commonly have tiny cracks in their surface that dull the gems. Colorless transparent oil is often applied to these gems to enhance their appearance. This treatment is by no means permanent, and should be reapplied periodically to maintain the appearance of the gem. Oiled gems are of considerably less value than untreated gems of similar appearance.
Oiled gems should be cleaned only with a soft cloth. Detergents and ultrasonic cleaners will remove the oil, giving the gem a dull appearance. If this happens, a jeweler can apply fresh oil to restore your gem's luster.
Photographed Wet
Rough gems are rarely polished, and can look dull when dry. Wetting the stones with water brings out the colors of the stone, simulating the stone's appearance when polished. This treatment is only used for displaying rough gemstones, and has no effect on the value of the stone.
Stabilized
Certain stones may be porous or weak in their natural state. These stones can be rendered more durable by applying a hardening agent such as epoxy resin. The resin soaks into the stone and fills any weak spots, making the stone more durable. This treatment does not affect the appearance of the gem, and in some cases can actually enhance its value because the stone can be used in more ways without fear of damage.
Some gems, most notably sapphire, ruby and tanzanite, are commonly heated. This treatment is designed to complete the natural chemical processes that form the stone, producing brighter colors. The effect is permanent, and has only a small effect on the value of the stone.
Unheated tanzanite is a trichroic stone, exhibiting blue, violet and yellowish green colors when viewed along different axes. When heated, tanzanite becomes a blue and violet dichroic gem that displays much brighter colors. Unheated tanzanites with good color are extremely rare, and very expensive.
Irradiated
This is a common treatment for colored diamonds and a few other colored stones. Bombarding the stone with high energy particle radiation can deepen, enhance, or completely change the color of the gem. Frequently, a tragically discolored white diamond can be turned into a very nice blue or green diamond with radiation. Other diamond colors can be enhanced this way, making them more attractive than their original color. Radiation is an accepted treatment, similar to heating, that simply "finishes" the processes that would have taken place in nature if the gem had been left undisturbed for a few thousand more years. Irradiated gems are somewhat less costly than untreated stones.
Oiled
Some gems, especially emeralds, commonly have tiny cracks in their surface that dull the gems. Colorless transparent oil is often applied to these gems to enhance their appearance. This treatment is by no means permanent, and should be reapplied periodically to maintain the appearance of the gem. Oiled gems are of considerably less value than untreated gems of similar appearance.
Oiled gems should be cleaned only with a soft cloth. Detergents and ultrasonic cleaners will remove the oil, giving the gem a dull appearance. If this happens, a jeweler can apply fresh oil to restore your gem's luster.
Photographed Wet
Rough gems are rarely polished, and can look dull when dry. Wetting the stones with water brings out the colors of the stone, simulating the stone's appearance when polished. This treatment is only used for displaying rough gemstones, and has no effect on the value of the stone.
Stabilized
Certain stones may be porous or weak in their natural state. These stones can be rendered more durable by applying a hardening agent such as epoxy resin. The resin soaks into the stone and fills any weak spots, making the stone more durable. This treatment does not affect the appearance of the gem, and in some cases can actually enhance its value because the stone can be used in more ways without fear of damage.
