[Jewelry making - Article 01660] - [Orchid] AGTA release on Irradiated stones

[Daniel R. Spirer]

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    I just received this press release from the AGTA. Perhaps it will
    help some of you who have had questions about this situation: 

    American Gem Trade Association White Paper on Irradiated Blue Topaz 

    Background 

    The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently stepped up
    enforcement of irradiated gemstones. As a result, several major
    jewelry chains and department stores are considering, or have
    already stopped selling blue topaz. 

    Prior to 1990, the NRC introduced regulations specifying that any
    neutron-irradiated gemstone must be imported by a licensed firm that
    can properly test for radiation. Unfortunately, there are no jewelry
    industry laboratories currently with equipment or a license to test
    to NRC requirements, nor are there licensed importers of blue topaz. 

    Current rules affect mostly blue topaz in the darker colors. Some
    light blue topaz is LINAC (linear accelerator) treated, and thus
    exempt from the rules. However, in the next few months, new rules
    will regulate LINAC treated gems. These will include requiring an
    NRC license for the importation of all blue topaz, red tourmalines,
    many beryls (treated blue, yellow and pink colors, but not emerald),
    kunzite and irradiated diamonds. Cobalt-60 (gamma ray) irradiated
    gems such as various quartz colors, yellow sapphire and pearls are
    not affected by the upcoming regulations. 

    It is estimated that blue topaz generates over a billion dollars per
    year in sales. The upcoming expanded regulations encompassing other
    gems will greatly increase the amount of business at risk. 

    Risk Assessment 

    To the best of our knowledge, there has not been a single confirmed
    report of cancer or radiation poisoning as a result of an irradiated
    gem over the past few decades. We have no reason to believe that any
    significant quantity of dangerous gemstones is in the market today.
    However, since there have been a handful of sightings over that
    period of gemstones with potentially harmful radiation, we are
    taking the prudent step of reminding all AGTA Members that if they
    handle deep blue topaz, they should do their own radiation checks. 

    NRC rules are more conservative than in any other country; the
    rationale being that, since gems are luxuries used strictly for
    adornment, they require tighter regulation than items regarded as
    necessities. For example, rules for glow-in-the-dark wristwatches
    permit higher radiation levels, since they are considered
    necessities, rather than luxuries (i.e., a watch provides the time
    of day). 

    A Geiger counter check of blue topaz is inconclusive. Some topaz
    within NRC regulations may show some above-background radiation with
    a Geiger counter. Some topaz without any indications of
    radioactivity above-background will be in excess of NRC regulations. 

    A Geiger result indicating significant above-background radiation is
    suspicious, and should not be released or sold until an accurate
    analysis of the radioactivity is made. Please note that the NRC
    rules only apply to treated gems, some natural gems may have
    detectable radiation and are legal. 

    NRC rules do require documentation of all irradiated gems. A paper
    trail of sources must be maintained, similar to the Kimberly
    Process. All members are strongly encouraged to identify their
    inventories by vendor and date of importation. Typically, older
    stocks will already have had radioactive decay, and may be easier to
    sell or document as safe. Intermingling inventories may complicate
    the ability to sell existing stocks. All new imports (legal or not)
    must be clearly identified by vendor and date, as should sales to
    manufacturers and retailers. 

    The Future 

    Rick Krementz, President of the AGTA, will be meeting with the NRC
    in Rockville, Maryland on Thursday July 26. 2007. The AGTA's mission
    is and has always been to advance and protect the interests of
    colored gemstones and AGTA Members in today's jewelry industry.
    Towards that end, the AGTA is working with the NRC and other gem
    industry associations to better clarify the current status of blue
    topaz and other irradiated gems. 

    The AGTA goals are: 

    To facilitate the measurement of radioactivity in present
    inventories so current irradiated gems may be sold to consumers
    safely. 

    To encourage compliance with NRC rules and protect the industry's
    reputation 

    To assist AGTA members in regulatory issues related to irradiated
    gems. 

    To facilitate the future legal importation of irradiated gems via
    NRC licensing, laboratory support, education, and other means. 

    To influence the NRC rules to be appropriate to our industry, so
    they permit the cost-effective importation and sale of gems safely
    to the consumer 

    While we cannot make decisions for individual firms, we reiterate
    that some large chains have halted the sale of pieces containing
    neutron-irradiated blue topaz. It seems only prudent that Members
    would likewise temporarily suspend importation in such stones until
    their status and safety can be clarified. 

    The NRC has stated that they do not intend to take enforcement
    actions against retailers. Therefore, there is no reason for blue
    topaz products to be returned to vendors. 

    Starting in late 2007 or early 2008, additional regulations on
    irradiated gems will go into effect. AGTA will continue to keep
    members apprised of these and other rules impacting the trade in
    such gemstones. 

    Nothing in this document should be considered legal advice. The
    information presented is informational only, and while believed to
    be accurate, carries no guarantee of reliability. 

Daniel R. Spirer, G.G.
Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, LLC
1780 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
www.spirerjewelers.com
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