Different Types of Gemstone Treatments

There are many treatments which are involved in making synthetic gemstones into the delicate pieces of jewelry they are. The process is far from simple and requires a lot of time and effort. Various treatments may be performed on natural gemstones as well. Various treatments for diamonds or rubies [Treated Rubies] can turn an unfit stone into a gemstone worthy of a piece of fine jewelry. There are specific steps in the process and each step must be performed with focused attention and care in order for the process to be successful. The following information lists and describes each form of treatment associated with gemstones.

Cavity Filling

The first, and perhaps most important, form of treatment is called cavity filling. Cavity filling is a term which is used to describe the filling of specific pits, holes, or cavities which may be present on the gemstone. The gem is often filled with glass or plastic although other substances are also used.

Fracture Filling

Fracture filling is similar to cavity filling in that they are both used to fill in certain flaws of a gemstone. Where a cavity filling is used to fill in holes or pits, a fracture filling is used to fill fractures, cleavages, or other splits in the stone. These are also filled with glass, plastic, or other similar substances.

Coating

Coating is a treatment used to cover the surface of a gem with a foreign substance. This is used to alter the appearance of the gem. Often colors such as pinks and greens are used in order to change the original color of them gem. When this treatment is performed a note will be added to identify to the manufacturers and consumers that the color of the gem was altered from its original state.

Luster Enhancement

Luster enhancement is the opposite of coating and is performed by applying a colorless substance such as lacquer, oil, paraffin, or wax to enhance the polish of the gem. This is performed in order to enhance the brightness and intensity of the gem.

Dying and Staining

Dying and staining is much like coating – a foreign substance is applied to the gemstone in order to alter its appearance. Dying and staining is specifically used to alter the color of the gem. This can be combined with other treatments in order to further enhance the appearance of the gemstone.

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is used for a number of purposes. Heat treatment refers to the application of high temperatures to a gem in order to alter its appearance. Heat can be used to improve the color or to remove color, depending on the circumstances.

These are just some of the gemstone jewelry treatments used to alter and enhance the appearance of gems. Now that you’re aware of the amount of work which is involved, you may begin to understand why they are so expensive.