Perhaps symbolically, gemstones, revered for their enchanting colors, hardness and monetary value, are the perfect gift…the more natural, the better! Evidently, despite the numerous colours, shapes and sizes in which they come, there is one aspect that tends to be overlooked-that some of these exquisite gems are superficially enhanced through various processes to ad glamour and the illusion of greater value. In this article I will discuss some of the common treatments used to create that visual effect that has you parting with your money hand-over-fist before you know what hit you, so that the next time you walk into a jewellery store you’re armed with a little more background on what to expect. They say knowledge is power. So let’s take a closer look at what you need to know when buying gemstones.

High quality gemstones can be expensive, but nevertheless, it’s not unusual to find fine jewellery stores stocking top grade gemstones at affordable prices. A word of caution: You’ll want to look out for the term ‘natural’… because it isn’t always what it is claimed to be. Emeralds, for example – as part of the post lapidary process – are oiled using cedar oil and other synthetic oils and polymers to improve clarity. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission requires the disclosure of treatment used when treated emerald is sold. Traditionally, the use of oil is accepted by the gems trade but treatments that use green-tinted oil aren’t. Typically, to reflect the level of enhancement – not clarity, gems are graded in four steps: None, minor, moderate and highly enhanced. Thus, a gem graded ‘none’ may have inclusions. If a consumer is looking to purchase an expensive emerald, it would be advisable to insist on a treatment report. An enhanced gem graded ‘moderate’ should be cheaper than an identical stone graded ‘none’ by at least 40 to 50%.

To avoid being misled, it is necessary that you understand at least some of the treatments that apply to gemstones you’re looking to buy. Consider too, the method of filling visible cracks with natural or synthetic wax, AND the use of laser drilling to improve clarity. Which brings me to the issue of synthetic gemstones… what exactly are they?

In the case of emerald, a thin layer of emerald is grown on top of natural colorless beryl stones. The late 60s saw the production of completely synthetic emeralds by hydrothermal synthesis, the largest quantity of which currently comes out of Russia. Referred to as ‘created’, the chemical and gemmological composition in synthetic emeralds is the same as their natural counterparts. Similarly, like the emerald, there exist a plethora of gemstones such as the diamond, tourmaline, sapphire, and topaz, to list but a few, that go through similar processes of enhancement and synthetic production.

In Summary: Gemstones, for what they represent, may well be the perfect gift. Available in numerous shapes, sizes and colors, they’re not always what they appear to be. Treatments to enhance their appearance using cedar and synthetic oils, natural and synthetic wax are considerably commonplace. Hence, you’d be well advised to insist on a treatment report. Typically, to reflect the level of enhancement (not clarity), gems are graded in four steps: None, minor, moderate and highly enhanced. An enhanced gem graded ‘moderate’ should be cheaper than an identical stone graded ‘none’ by at least 40 to 50%. Without becoming a gemmologist, just understanding some of the treatments that apply to gemstones you’re looking to buy can help you avoid being misled.

Author Bio: Anthony J. Namata is the author of How to Become an International Gemstone Dealer, and offers a sales & marketing platform for businesses and private sellers to list products and services for sale online, in a secure escrow-supported environment where both the seller and buyer is protected. Grab a deal-of-the-day today, at: www.TripleClicksDeals.com

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: buying gemstones, gem graded, graded none enhanced gem graded, graded moderate, gemstones grading