Most colored gemstones are enhanced to improve their beauty or durability. These enhancements may intensify the color of a stone, mask flaws, or improve clarity.
Heating gemstones to improve clarity and color has been a common and accepted practice for many generations. In fact, most sapphires, rubies, and aquamarines have been enhanced through heating.
Enhancements are usually permanent, but not always. Some types of enhancements, such as filling gems with oils to mask flaws or dyeing stones, may be reversible if a stone is subjected to certain conditions.
At Leber Jeweler Inc, we have analyzed emeralds purchased in the Caribbean or overseas that were dyed significantly. In these cases, unscrupulous businesses dyed virtually colorless beryls (emeralds) a deep green and sold them as premium Colombian emeralds.
Consumers should be aware of the potential pitfalls of enhanced gems. The best recourse is to consult a trained gemologist before purchasing any colored stone.
|
