Gemstone Treatment Information

(ASBL) (Assembled) the gemstone item is a fusion of multiple stones. This can include small stone chips that have been glued and pressed together to form a fused mass which resembles a solid stone, or intarsia and inlay work where purpose-cut stone pieces are glued to a backing to form an image or pattern.

(B) (Bleached) the product has been bleached to lighten its colour to a fairly uniform white, or to even out its colour shade. This is most commonly done with Pearls and Bone products to give them a more pleasing appearance. The bleaching results in a stable enhancement that penetrates deep into the material for an effect that will not fade with wear.

(C) (Coated) the gemstone item has been coated with a layer of paint or laquer. This can be done with either a clear coat, or an opaque colour. The clear coat enhances the polish and the natural colour of the stone, and sometimes the coat is tinted alter the apparent colour of the stone. The opaque colour treatment completely alters the appearance of the stone, masking most of it's natural surface character. Transparent gemstones, most often faceted stones, can be colour enhanced with thin film coatings. These thin film coatings are the highest quality of gemstone surface coating, and are reputed to last for decades with proper care. The popular Mystic branded enhancement is an example of thin film colour enhancement.

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(D) (Dyed) the gemstone item has been dyed to alter its colour. This involves soaking the stone in a solution of liquid dye for a period of time so that the colour can permeate into the crystal lattice. This treatment results in a colour alteration that is quite stable in that external wear will not affect the colouration. Most dyes are not completely stable, and may bleed out when the stone comes in contact with moisture or alcohol, or fade when exposed to the sun for long periods of time. There are some dye treatments which are very close to being totally stabile, and we indicate these when applicable.

(H) (Heated) the gemstone has undergone a heating process which alters its colour. This is done to enhance the value of stones which have a less valuable natural colour grade. Some examples of frequently heated gemstones are Quartz, which can take on a lemon colour; and Agate, which is commonly altered from grey to red. Heat treatment is generally a very stable alteration, and is said to outlast the many generations who may possess it. In the most durable cases, heating produces an alteration to the chemistry of select molecules within the crystal structure, producing an effect that is literally at one with the stone.

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(IMIT) (Imitation) the gemstone item is made of a product that resembles a natural gemstone. This can be done with a human made material, or with a cheaper variety of natural stone with an enhancement to alter its colour or other character to closely match that of the higher cost stone it is imitating.

(MM) (Man Made) the gemstone item is made from a material that has been created by Human orchestrated processes. This is often done by treating a material like glass with colour, pigment, and/or particulate. The (Man Made) designation is given to gemstone-like products which do not resemble any natural stone. Some examples of Human made gemstone-like materials are Goldstone and Murano Glass.

(N) (Natural) the gemstone has not been altered from its natural state. The stone's appearance is the result of only machining, surfacing, and polishing. There are no artificial enhancements.

(P) (Pressed) refers to a process in which small pieces of natural Amber have been pressed together to form a larger piece. This is done by subjecting the Amber to hydraulic pressure while heating it in the absence of oxygen. Pressed amber is characterized by its coin shaped dislocation planes that brilliantly reflect light.

(R) (Irradiated) the gemstone has been bombarded with neutrons to alter the stone's colour. This is mostly done to clear colourless stones like Quartz and Topaz. This process can change the colour of the stone to resemble that of more valuable grades, such as Smoky Quartz or Blue Topaz. The irradiated gemstones obtained by Northern Stones come from sources who's products must meet environmental safety requirements governed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(S) (Stabilised) the gemstone item has been saturated with a stabilising agent and cured. This usually involves soaking a stone in an epoxy resin or other glue, and allowing it to harden. This process fills any pores or fractures which may weaken the stone. Softer gemstones like Turquoise are usually Stabilised to enhance their strength for the purpose of longevity and wearability. This process usually results in enhanced natural colour and a better polish.

(SYN) (Synthetic) the gemstone item is a human made material which resembles a natural gemstone to the point of being nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. The chemical and crystal make up is nearly the same as its naturally occurring cousin. As far as imitation gemstone products go, this is the highest calibur.