Selling Treated Gemstones: Promoting Full Disclosure Through Factual Storytelling
Sherrie Anne Taylor
Gemstone treatments should be disclosed at every point of transaction from wholesale to retail. The reality is treatments aren’t always communicated to the buyer and not always from an intent to mislead but perhaps the challenge of how to communicate it. Gemstone treatments are very scientific, and, on the sales end, we tend to shy away from getting too technical in our presentations for fear overwhelming our clients and complicating things. Gemstone treatments don’t have to be complicated and they offer customers options. There are four common gemstone treatments that I often detect and explain to clients during appraisal examination. Let’s break down these common gemstone treatments in a way that is interesting, simple, factual, and brief. As jewelry professionals we can passionately share the unique stories of each gemstone including any treatments it has undergone. With full transparency we want our customers to make informed decisions.
Gemstone beauty is not only natural but also enhanced through responsible treatments.
Irradiation
Common irradiated gemstones – Blue topaz, Tourmaline
Thanks to the power of science through a controlled amount of radiation natural gemstones like topaz become vibrant and colourful. Scientists use a safe and controlled amount of radiation to gently change the colour, making it an intense and beautiful shade of blue. Just like the suns rays the gem undergoes somewhat of a sunbath for a beautiful colour boost. It is then often combined with an additional heating process to stabilize the beautiful colour.
Fracture Filling
Common fracture filled gemstones – Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Peridot
Gemstones like natural ruby and emerald are created in the earth through intense heat and pressure that commonly results in clarity characteristics and fine fissures. To enhance the beauty, gemstone experts sometimes use a special reflective substance designed to fill those areas minimizing their appearance providing a smoother look. This process has been used for centuries and has improved with time. The solutions and oils used are delicate and special to be able to work nicely with the natural gemstone. The gemstone should be cleaned and cared for appropriately to avoid disrupting the filler.
Lattice Diffusion Treatment
Common gemstones treated by lattice diffusion – Ruby, Sapphire
Scientists have discovered how natural gemstones with a pale or colourless hue can be enhanced to a desirable vibrant colour. In a laboratory the gems are placed into a chamber and heated to very high temperatures. The heat opens up the gemstone’s crystal lattice structure creating tiny pathways. Special chemical elements are introduced and as they make their way through the lattice pathways and interact with the atoms transforming the colour, improving the appearance and beauty of the gemstone.
Surface Modification (coating)
Common gemstones treated by surface coating – Beryl, Quartz, Topaz
emstone coating is a technique that uses iridescent solutions, metal oxides even sometimes gold. The coating of tiny particles reflects the light creating an enchanting play of colours and brilliance. This process can create mystical colours and an effect that is rarely seen for natural gemstones. Coated gemstones are meant for occasional wear and should be treated with added care to protect the shimmering surface from any scratching.
Transparency in the gemstone industry is essential for ensuring that buyers are aware of any enhancements or alterations made to the gemstones they are purchasing. When explaining treatments to my clients during appraisal, many are interested to learn about the possibilities and science behind gemstone treatments that they weren’t otherwise aware of. Ideally, we want them to be aware of the treatment before visiting for an independent appraisal. Of course, there will always be situations where pieces are inherited and so the new heir is learning about the piece for the first time. It is important to remember treatments can be a positive for some buyers offering affordability and options. I hope this article inspires your communication style around treatments in a way that feels good, doesn’t cause eyes to glaze over in confusion or send clients down an internet rabbit hole. Commitment to disclosing gemstone treatments through factual storytelling will earn more trust and loyalty from consumers and benefit our industry as a whole.
