Gemstone Enhancements
Gemstone enhancements mainly change the color of the gemstone but can also enhance gemstone clarity
Diamond Tips

- Make sure that your gemstone, if over 0.5 carats, has certification from one of the repributal agencies which describes any gemstone enhancements.

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Gemstone Enhancements: Adding to Gemstone Beauty.

Enhancements are generally any treatments or processes other than polishing or cutting that improve the appearance (clarity or color), durability, or value of a gemstone. Most typical colored gemstones will have been enhanced.

Below is a list of the most common enhancements, but a full list of enhancements can be found at AGTA; generally the most comprehensive and stringent list in the industry.

Heat Treatment:  Heating is the most commonly practiced gemstone treatment which is part of the finishing and polishing process. Such treatments are accepted by the jewelry industry and the American Gem Trade Association. Heat treatment usually enhances the color of the gemstone.

Oiling/Resin Infusion: This is an old tradition of filling any broken surface or fissure with a colorless oil, resin, wax, or other colorless substance, with the exception of plastics or glass, to improve the appearance of the gemstone. This practice is commonly used with emeralds.

Coating: The use of surface enhancements such as enameling, foiling, lacquering, or inking improves color and appearance. This practice is commonly used with diamonds.

Bleaching: The use of surface enhancements such as enameling, foiling, lacquering, or inking improves color and appearance. This practice is commonly used with diamonds.

Dyeing: This process adds a coloring agent to a gemstone to intensify its color or to even give the gemstone a new color. An example would be dyeing green jade.

Irradiation: This process involves the use of radiation to alter a gemstone’s color, which is usually followed by a heating process. This practice is commonly used with Blue Topaz.

Lasering: This process involves the use of a laser to alter inclusions or flaws. This practice is most commonly used with diamonds.

These are the most common enhancements, but new techniques are being developed that make detecting enhancements difficult even by sophisticated labs. E.S. Designs constantly strives to meet and exceed industry standards in the gemstone selection process, and we disclose all enhancements made to our gemstones.

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