[Jewelry making - Article 00119] - Re: [Orchid] Gemstone Treatments

[Gerry]

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    Mr. Cleveland & All, A true story.  Three years ago I got quite
    heavily involved in concave cutting sapphires.  All the stones we
    were cutting came from three areas Madagascar, Africa, and Sri Lanka.
     I was cutting for one of the major sapphire players in the USA and
    for a large jeweler. We have concaved about 500 -750 sapphires in the
    size range of .75 - 5 carats.  All the stones we were working on were
    recuts because it is almost impossible to obtain quality rough in
    corundum. 

    In the cutting I get to look into the heart of the stone.  Most of
    these stones showed marked heat treating.  Partially dissolved
    rutiles and fractures around included crystals, but some showed no
    indications.  All the stones were purchased in parcels from different
    dealers that would not guarantee the treatments or the providence of
    the stones.  After the cutting was accomplished every stone was
    carefully graded by the gem dealer and jeweler.  Stones that looked
    like they would certify as natural and were of such size, color, and
    clarity that it was worth while were sent in for certs.  One stone in
    particular stands out.  It was a Madagascar stone of very nice color,
    about three carats. and clean except for a small area of silvery
    rutiles that showed no indication of heat treating.  The gemstone
    dealer immediately jumped on the chance to send the stone into a gem
    lab to have it certified non- treated and the providence determined. 
    It took three tries at the labs, but he finally got a Kashmir
    non-treated certification. Each time the stone came back without the
    correct (in his mind) cert he would have me repolish and rearrange a
    few facets to change the stone enough to send it in again. 

    This is only one instance in many that have occurred in my 20 +
    years working as a cutter for gemstone dealers and jewelers. I am
    very happy to see people getting educated about gemstones and getting
    their GG's.  Only with knowledge at the buyers level will the trade
    feel pressure to correct the many half-truths. 

    All is not dark.  Education of the buyers is changing the market
    place and will continue.  With each educated buyer I meet at a show I
    help them and learn more for myself.  With each uneducated buyer I
    meet I help them as much as I can and encourage them to seek further
    education before they make purchases. I am in the process of making
    handouts to give out a each show that will have copies of the Federal
    Trade Commission Disclosure  Guidelines and will have copies of each
    gemstone species that is normally treated and imitated as determined
    by guidelines of entities like the GIA and AGTA. There is much light
    in education. 


    Gerry Galarneau Off to the Flagstaff, Arizona Gem & Mineral Show 4-6
    July and a break from the 110F degree heat in the desert.
    ggwcr AT cox.net 



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