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Know More
 Gemstone
Enhancements
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Almost all gemstones have been enhanced. They
are rare and very expensive if they have not been enhanced. Before
purchasing a gemstone that has not been enhanced, make sure it has a
grading report from a well-known gemstone-grading lab like the
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). The grading report should
state that the gem shows no indication of enhancement.
All
the enhancement techniques mentioned here are standard, accepted
practices in the jewelry industry. They are an expected part of the
polishing and finishing process. For hundreds of years, for example,
it has been common practice to heat some gemstones to bring out
their best color. This just extends what nature began, since it is
the heat and pressure within the earth that gives gems their
color.
There are various enhancement techniques, depending on
the type of stone. Emeralds and rubies are often oiled and waxed to
protect them and to fill surface fissures that occur naturally in
the stones. This process is not permanent. High heat from a
jeweler's torch, an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, or even hot
dishwater, may cause the filler to leak out of a treated gem. If
this happens, bring it to your jeweler to have the layer reapplied.
Almost all rubies and sapphires are heated in a kiln or furnace to
enhance their color. Heat treatment is considered permanent. Some
lightly colored sapphires have their blue color enhanced using
diffusion. This is a chemical process of heating a stone in the
presence of coloring elements, such as titanium or iron, which
causes a thin layer of color to be diffused into the stone's
surface. Repolishing diffusion-treated sapphires could damage this
thin color layer. Certain stones are treated with radiation to mimic
the processes of nature.
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