TOM TIVOL JEWELS > JEWELRY > COLORED GEMSTONES > COLORED GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT

COLORED GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT

When colored gemstones are altered in a laboratory, we say that they have been enhanced. Most but not all colored gemstones have been enhanced. Stones may be treated while still in their rough crystal form or after they have been cut into polished gemstones. Most colored stones are enhanced for four reasons:

To intensify, deepen and/or make the color more uniform
To remove a modifying color, leaving the rarer hue more visible
To mask or eliminate unsightly inclusions
To stabilize the structure of the gemstone

FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES ALL TREATMENTS TO COLORED GEMSTONES BE DISCLOSED SO CONSUMERS MAY MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT THE VALUE OF THEIR GEMSTONE BEFORE THEY PURCHASE.

American federal law does not apply to the purchase of colored gemstones outside the United States. All enhancements affect the cost of colored stones, some by a little, others by a lot. Because most colored gemstones are enhanced, those that are not command premium prices.

There are many types and degrees of enhancements. Some alter color just a bit, while others are so extensive they create almost the full color of the polished gem. Some mask only a few unsightly inclusions, while others “burn out” an entire field of internal markings, leaving the stone nearly flawless — something that is fairly rare in nature. Many enhancements can be detected by experienced gemologists with standard laboratory tools. Other enhancements require advanced laboratory identification. Some enhancements are permanent; others are temporary, allowing a strong color to fade under certain circumstances. Your jeweler can provide an independent laboratory document identifying the presence of enhancement, the type of treatment used and the strength of the enhancement. This is especially important for the purchase of a ruby, emerald and sapphire. Customers should understand how the enhancement affects a stone’s quality, current cost and potential future value, especially if the treatment may not be permanent.