TREATED GEMS - A general term used to described gemstones that have been artificially modified to improve their color or clarity.
Treated Gemstones
A number of techniques are used to improve the color and appearance of natural and synthetic gemstones. Gemstone's beauty is enhanced, to increase the desirability and demand of the gemstone.
Also, heat-treated forms can often be distinguished from natural citrine by their red tint (a quality of all heat-treated gemstones).
The enhanced or treated gems are different from the synthetic, man made, artificially created gems in the laboratory.
Interestingly, collectors search for the paler, unheated yellows over the more intensely hued treated gemstones. These stones are an exception to the general rule that the better the color, the more valuable the stone.
It has been suggested that certain groups in the US are prejudiced against treated gems and that the AGTA/GIA labs are working on their behalf. Is this true?
The AGTA and GIA labs do not take any stand on such a question.
For thousands of years, jewelry artists have treated gemstones to enhance their beauty and value. Sometimes this was done in honesty simply to improve the gem, but other times it was done with intent to deceive the buyer.
Perfect natural, untreated gems are exceptionally rare and very expensive. Some colorless or pale stones are treated with chemicals (diffusion treated), which improves the surface color only.
Sapphire treated by diffusion is far less costly and much more available than rare fine untreated gems or those successfully heat-treated. Diffused sapphire is available in shades of orange, pinkish orange, yellow, and sometimes even blue.
The diamonds we set in our jewelry are natural, untreated gems.
They are expertly faceted (Cut) to take full advantage of the
natural fire, dispersion and brilliance of these gemstones.
Nondestructive Testing of Natural, Synthetic, or Treated Gems
HCA IdealScope
GIA - Gemological Institute of America
AGS - American Gem Society
International Gem Society - Tools of the Gemologist ...
While topaz is quite hard, its toughness and resistance to blows is considered poor because of its perfect directional cleavage. Treated gems may be even more vulnerable to cleaving. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamers should be avoided.
Synthetic Imitation And Treated Gemstones
Gemstones Of The World
The Jewellers Directory Of Gemstones ...
Naturally occurring citrine is generally a lighter shade of yellow, but heat treated gemstones may range from dark yellow to nearly reddish brown. Most citrine in today's market is treated.
Any stone that has been changed in appearance, particularly in color, by an artificial process. Also referred to as an Enhanced Gemstone or a Treated Gemstone.
Heat treatment has been a standard enhancement method and heat treated gemstones are considered acceptable by the gemstone market since this particular enhancement treatment can occur naturally while the gemstone resides underground.
Find out how diamonds and colored gemstones can be manipulated to make them more attractive, and decide if treated gemstones are a good option for your purchase. Explore precious metals, gemstone shapes and colors and popular setting methods.
It is estimated that about 90% of sapphires on the market today have been heated to maximize their color and clarity. This process is permanent and completely stable. Perfect natural, untreated gems are exceptionally rare and very expensive.
Most prevalent is the heat treatment, which enhances the appearance of a gem. That is why they are also called enhancements. Treatments nowadays are of a permanent nature and untreated gems are a parody of what we have come to know as gems. .
An early "consumer advocate", Camillus Leonardus, an Italian physician and scholar, in a work called "Mirror of Stones" published in 1502 gives tips on spotting treated gems, like using a file to test for hardness, ...
The pieces can be any combination of natural, synthetic or treated gems. They may be assembled with glue, pressure or even by fusing one piece to another with heat. Examples include opal doublets and triplets and garnet-and-glass doublets.
 See also: Natural, Treated, Jewel, Stone, Jewelry
  
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