[Jewelry making - Article 00957] - Re: [Orchid] Gemstone, Enhancment and Lab-grown Gems

[Jenny]

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    I would like to share my opinions on the issues you mentioned: 

    Gemstones have value because of their beauty, durability, and
    rarity. Synthetic gems can be beautiful and durable, but are not
    rare. Legally and ethically you should draw a line between natural
    and synthetic because the value factors are wildly different. A
    synthetic gem is chemically the same and has all the same physical
    properties as a natural gem, just not the rarity that makes fine
    natural stones (even treated ones) so much more expensive. 

    Many gemstones are enhanced by treatments. When you are shopping for
    a gemstone, an ethical retailer will tell you about the treatments
    common in the type of gem you are looking at, as well as those than
    are detected in that particular stone. Groups like AGTA and the
    American Gem Society (among others) exist (in part) to ensure that
    buyers and sellers all along the line understand what treatments are
    present. These organizations require that their members have enough
    gem education to detect and communicate this information. Many
    people are concerned about gem treatments and how they affect value.
    In my opinion, as long as both parties understand treatment, it is
    ethical to sell treated gems. Of course, some treatments are less
    permanent, or less desirable than others, and the ethical seller
    might recommend against these. 

    Finally, the human rights issues... Colored stone mining is not like
    the vast majority of diamond mining (huge mines, huge machines, huge
    corporations). Most colored stones are mined in small operations (on
    the smallest scale, think a family panning for sapphires in in a
    river). Take the case of Burma in particular. Burma does not have
    the varied natural resources and robust economy and infrastructure
    the US has. So, is buying a gemstone from Burma supporting a corrupt
    and cruel government, or is it enabling a family support themselves
    in the long tradition of their country? Is it better for this
    (hypothtical) family to trade in illegal drugs, starve, or risk life
    and limb to smuggle their gems over the border to Thailand? As far
    as I know, Burma goods are no longer banned, but check out this
    article for more information on the former embargo:

    http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/burma_embargo.htm

    Like yourself, I am fascinated with and passionate about gems. I
    mean no disrespect in voicing my opinions :) 

Jenny Sweaney

Mardon Jewelers
3640 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
951-682-2325
www.mardonjewelers.com

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