Gemstone Treatments
All about gemstone treatments including heating, bleaching, surface coating and more.
Center-fused Color Treated Gemstones
Earlier this year a new gem treatment was introduced, called center-fused color treatment, it may sound confusing at first, but it is actually simple.
Corundum Treatments
Many techniques have been developed to enhance the appearance of Corundum gems. Some of the treatments are very subtle, invisible even with a loupe.
Difficult Gemstone Separations
Two of the trickiest gemstone separations to make are scapolite from citrine and apatite from tourmaline. Learn some tips for distinguishing these gems.
Disclosing Enhancements: A Gemologist's Guide
Disclosing enhancements to gems is a key duty for gemologists. Learn what are the hardest treatments to detect and how to report your findings clearly.
How to Test for Diffusion Treated Gems
Learn how to spot diffusion treated gems with a simple immersion test. This common treatment for sapphire gems significantly reduces their value.
Identifying Inclusions Found in Enhanced Gems
When Identifying Inclusions found in Enhanced Gems, you have to be very careful when inspecting your stones. A clue is to find bubbles in the glue layer.
A Beginner's Guide To Common Gemstone Heat Treatments
Gemstone heat treatments can increase the beauty and value of many rough pieces. Learn how to conduct the most common procedures safely.
Aquamarine Color and Heat Treatment
There's more to aquamarine color than blue. Most natural stones start blue-green and are heated to blue. Learn the pros and cons of this treatment.
A Consumer's Guide to Emerald Treatments
Emerald treatments, such as oiling, are very common. Learn what these techniques do, how emeralds are graded, and what green gems make great alternatives.
How Can Gem Buyers Protect Themselves from Fraud?
How can gem buyers avoid undisclosed gem treatments and substitutions? Learn why it's best to deal with expert gem cutters rather than commercial dealers.
