Jewelry Reflections
Donʼt Be Fooled
When they come of out 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 arenʼt a bad thing as long as you know
about them.
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 can
then be 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 expense
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.
Porous gems and gemstones such as turquoise,
emerald and coral are routinely oiled or waxed to
improve their color,luster and clarity.
Another way of changing a gemstoneʼs 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.
Without treatment, only the best natural gems and
gemstones would be mined and sold. These natural
stones would be rare and very expensive.
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.
Keep from being fooled. Buy jewelry from sources
you trust and donʼt be afraid to ask if the gemstones
have been enhanced. If the price seems too good to be
true, it probably is.
– Lynn Schmitt
[email protected]
Marnie & Gail
@ B. Alan Hair Studio
171 S. HWY 69, #B Dewey, AZ
Have teamed together to offer you
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Call or Stop in to purchase a Gift certificate for that
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Available for purchase thru Sat May 13 th
Marnie Stapp #928-301-0898
Gail Owsley #623-332-6410
pccnews April 2017
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