Making Gemstones Beautiful

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 as long as you know about them.

​Without treatment, only the best natural gems and gemstones would be mined and sold. These natural stones would be rare and very expensive.

Magenta-dyed African Opal Pendant

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 which is then sold as citrine. Heating aquamarine removes the green undertones producing a bluer more deeply colored stone.

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

Turquoise-dyed magnesite & lapis necklace (available at Mountain Artists Gallery, Prescott, AZ)

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 gems and gemstones are sold.

Porous gems and gemstones such as turquoise, emerald and coral are routinely oiled or waxed to improve their color, luster and clarity.

Red-dyed coral ring

As a jewelry maker, I only purchase gemstones and gemstone beads from reputable dealers who disclose any treatment they may have received. I pass that information to my customers.

​Buy jewelry from sources you trust and don't be afraid to ask if the gemstones have been treated. If the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.