Don't Be Fooled

Practical jokes abound on April 1st. Being surprised by a plastic spider is one thing. However, being surprised by an ersatz gem is another.

When they come out of the ground gemstones very seldom look like they do in a finished piece of jewelry. At the very least they are cut and polished. The majority, however, are enhanced in some way to bring out their beauty, deepen their color, or make them look like another, usually more expensive or in-demand stone. These enhancements aren't a bad thing if you know about them.

Turquoise-colored Magnesite

Irradiated Smoky Quartz

Heat treatment has been around for centuries; since someone discovered applying high heat to a bland gem turned it into a fantastic gem. For example, heat changes the color of pale amethyst to yellow and the stone can then be sold as citrine. Heating aquamarine removes the green undertones, producing a bluer more deeply colored stone.

Another way of changing a gemstone's color is by treating it with radiation (irradiation). Most blue topaz has been irradiated. Smoky quartz is irradiated to create its color. There are government standards in place to ensure there is little residual radiation before the stones are sold.

Many gemstones, such as lapis, serpentine, coral and pearls are dyed either to improve their color or create unique colors not found in nature. Stones may also be dyed so they look like other more expensive gemstones. A good example is dying magnesite blue/green, which gives the look of turquoise at a much lower price. There is nothing wrong with dying gemstones if you are aware of it.

​One of the oldest treatments is oiling or waxing a gem. Porous stones such as emeralds and turquoise are routinely oiled or waxed to improve their color, luster and clarity.

Dyed Lapis & Turquoise-colored Magnesite

Without treatment, only the best natural gems and gemstones would be mined and sold. These natural stones would not only be rare but also very expensive.

​Keep from being fooled. Buy jewelry from sources you trust and don't be afraid to ask if the stones have been enhanced. If the price seems too good to be true; it probably is.