| FTC Guidelines for Gemstones |
| Gemstone Enhancement Codes (N) None This gemstone has received no enhancements, and the seller will guarantee the stone. (D) Dyed The color of the gemstone has been changed by applying dye. (F) Filling, Infilling The gemstone has had filling, or infilling or stabilizing or Stabilizing if some form. This is the filling of surface-breaking cavities or porous gem material with colored or colorless glass, plastic or other hardening material to improve the appearance, durability, and/or weight. Turquoise is stabilized, because it is too soft. (I) Irradiation Gemstone's color can be changed by exposure to radiation. This can be caused by exposure to radioactive elements within te Earth's crust, or from artificial sources. Natural radiation takes millions of years to effect the gems, but artificial radiation, only takes a few hours of exposure to radiation. The gemstone has undergone some form of Gamma or Electron Irradiation. These rays bombard the stone to change the color. A heating may follow. (Topaz is one of the gemstones that often undergoes this process. There was a lot of concerns raise by Fine Jewelers, this year. They were afraid irradiated Topaz were being imported, (from countries that did not have proper safety precautions in place), to the US. These stones set off the Geiger counters, because they were emitting radiation. Depending on the type and amount these gems received, it would take hundreds of years before they would be safe to handle. (H) Heat Enhancement The gemstone has been heated to change the color, clarity, and/or phenomena. Many gems are heated to enhance the color. (Topaz) (O) Oiling/Resin Infusion A colorless oil, wax, natural resin or man made are enhanced in this manner. (Concerns were also raised about the Ruby being enhanced. These special treatments fill surface cracks or pits, and make the stone perfect.) (T) Treated Any Corundum, that shows any signs of treatment, must (berylium) have notification stating the treatment, so the buyer will be aware that the gem stone is not "natural". Heat Enhancement/Lattice Diffusion Any Corundum having this type of treatment must make the buyer aware. All of these codes were set up to prevent, the less than honest seller, from scamming the public. People purchase gemstones, because they like the color, and because good gemstones appreciate in value. They are assets. |