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Emeralds are a highly coveted gemstone in the jewellery trade, but it is widely known that most emeralds on the market today are oiled and treated in order to enhance their beauty. This article focuses specifically on Colombian emeralds and provides a detailed explanation of the general oiling process and treatments.
The application of treatments and processes to enhance gemstones’ beauty is almost as old as the discovery and appreciation of gems themselves, dating back to ancient Greece. Oiling is a commonly used process that involves filling air-filled fractures in gemstones with transparent oil or other suitable material to make the fractures less visible. This changes only the clarity characteristics of the gemstone, but the color is naturally intensified due to the fewer apparent flaws blocking the passage of light.
Although the oiling process is common knowledge in the gem trade, the exact process itself is not widely accepted. This article aims to clarify some of the details of the oiling process as per our team’s knowledge and visit to different emerald “treaters” downstream. Some of the emerald treatment facilities not only provide emerald treatment but also cutting, cabbing, gemological quality reports, gem photography, and an attractive gem and mineral display.
Emerald treatment is not a secretive process, and it is freely disclosed allover the gem trade society. The treatment process usually begins after the emeralds have been cut and involve a five-step program of preliminary cleaning, acid treatment, acid removal, oiling, and final cleaning.
Each step of the treatment process is regularly performed differently by different individuals, but the success of the treatment depends in part on the experience of the treaters. The process itself appears to be relatively permanent, and different methods of detecting oiling are also presented, along with observations on the use of colored oils, which is a very controversial practice in the industry.
In conclusion, while oiling may be a controversial process, it is widely used in the gem trade to enhance the beauty of emeralds. Understanding the details of the process itself can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing emeralds. By following a standardized treatment process and being transparent about the risks involved, gemologists and dealers can ensure that the emeralds they sell are beautiful, high-quality stones that will stand the test of time.
The emerald business is one of the most lucrative in the world, but behind its beauty lies a complex treatment process that requires skill and knowledge. The oil treatment process is one of the most common ways that emeralds are treated to bring out their truest, most vibrant form.
The treatment process starts with cleaning the freshly cut stones. This is done by boiling the stones in either methyl or ethyl alcohol before letting them cool slowly. Sometimes this step isn’t necessary, but occasionally the emerald rough is oiled to facilitate its sale. If this is the case, the stones are left in the alcohol overnight to get rid of any oil residue.
Once the stones are clean, they move on to the acid treatment stage. This is where the true magic happens, and the emeralds begin to show their full potential. The emeralds are then placed in acid, where they react and dissolve any unwanted minerals, leaving the emerald with an incredible clarity.
Acid treatment is the next step to remove impurities that have built up during cutting and polishing. To do this, a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids is used. Some treaters use rolled-up newspaper moistened with water as a stopper, which relieves the pressure very slowly but is just as effective. It is recommended to leave the stones in the acid overnight, while some treaters leave them in a vacuum test tube apparatus. This step is crucial in removing tin oxide and chromic oxide that have built up in the fracture openings during cutting and polishing. This is necessary to allow for the penetration of the oil into the fractures. The stones are then treated with a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids. The treater then uses a test tube with a screw-on cap. The cap maintains pressure buildup within the test tube, which is beneficial to the penetration and cleaning action.
The pressure buildup in the test tube can be excessive, particularly if the acid is boiled. Some treaters use an ultrasonic cleaning tub to help the acids penetrate the fractures, although this is unnecessary. During these early steps, great care is taken with the solvents, which are flammable, and with the acids, which are extremely corrosive and dangerous.
The process continues with the cleaning of the acid from the stones. Generally, this is accomplished by boiling the emeralds or heating them slightly in alcohol, ethyl alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner. However, water is the best substance for removing the acids. It is also safer because acid-wet stones should not come into contact with solvents unless they are first rinsed and dried.
The next step, oiling, is the one that varies the most from person to person. One of the most widely used oil, for example in Bogota emerald Distrct, is the Merck brand cedarwood oil. Although the refractive index of these oil is below that of emerald, it is so close that the oil appears invisible to the naked eye, making it ideal for use in the treatment process. One always seeks to use an oil with a similar refractive index of the stone in order to obtain better results.
The final step in the process involves heating the stones to allow the oil to penetrate the fractures. The stones are placed in a vacuum test tube apparatus and left overnight. The temperature is regulated to ensure that the stones are not overheated or damaged in the process.
When it comes to emerald treatment, the only time it is mentioned among wholesalers is if a particular parcel of emeralds has not been treated. On the low- and medium-quality commercial stones, it is commonly understood that the stones have probably been treated. Many fine-quality Colombian emeralds are not treated because of their higher clarity. The treatment primarily reduces the visibility of fractures that penetrate the stone from the surface, and several dealers explained that the treatment only slightly enhances the natural beauty of these stones.
The use of oil or balsam, the amount of heat, and other factors vary from parcel to parcel, and the permanence of the treatment varies with the material and the experience of the treater. The percentage of stones that do dry out is impossible to calculate, and the only means of determining the extent to which oiling has affected the appearance of the stone is to let the emerald sit overnight in warmed acetone.
Expert emerald buyers advise, when doubt is in place, to leave the stones on the windowsill or in a dry, airy place for about two weeks before deciding on the parcel. This is similar to the “fade test” used in the trade for testing the stability of irradiation-induced colors in gemstones, by which stones are placed in sunlight for a number of days to check for color change. The dealers maintain that the treatment is considered a common and acceptable practice since the majority of emeralds have such fine fractures that the oil seldom dries out or, at the very least, the natural oils of the wearer replace the oil in the stone.
Since the maximum drying occurs in the first month after oiling, one might simply determine how long the emerald has been in the jeweler’s or dealer’s inventory. When confronted with the fact that a small percentage of emeralds do dry out and have had their value misrepresented by the oiling, the dealers replied that the oiling should have been detected by the buyer, either from close inspection with a trained eye, or from the suspiciously low price of the merchandise. As is the case with treated stones from other parts of the world, it is important to deal with reputable wholesalers who take pride in their inventory and do not deal in misrepresented stones.
Gemological literature suggests that some oils may emit a dull yellow fluorescence when exposed to long-wave fluorescent light. However, emeralds treated with Merck cedarwood oil, on the other hand, do not fluoresce at all.
Fractures in gemstones can affect the passage of light and consequently impact transparency, even when the stone has been oiled. Side-lighting with a pinpoint illuminator may reveal dull indications of oil-filled fractures. It is important to note that emeralds are known for their numerous subtle liquid-filled inclusions, which may resemble oil-filled fractures. Therefore, the investigation around the stone’s valuation should be limited to fractures that reach the surface of the stone.
If the oil used has a refractive index that differs significantly from that of the stone, manipulating the lighting while viewing the stone under magnification may reveal an iridescent effect. Gaps may also be visible if the oil has not penetrated completely. To further test for oiling, the heat from a thermal reaction tester may cause a drop of oil to bead up on the surface from the fracture.
A leading emerald buyer recommends holding the stone papers up to the light and looking for oil spots and signs of oil that may have seeped from the stones. In rough stones, dealers pay close attention to transparency and smell for the characteristic cedar scent of the oil. Any shale matrix on an oiled stone may appear glossy black from the oil, unlike its normal dull black appearance.
To summarize, detecting oiling in gemstones requires careful examination and attention to detail. Fluorescence under long-wave fluorescent light, indication of oil-filled fractures, and the presence of gaps and iridescence are all telltale signs of oiling. Oiled stones may also emit a distinct cedar scent, and any shale matrix may appear glossy black from the oil. With these methods in mind, gemologists can effectively detect oiling in gemstones.
The use of dyed oil in gemstones is a contentious issue among dealers. While some claim that it is a rare practice, the reflective nature of fractures in many stones can give the illusion of a deeper color, leading to assumptions of dye usage. Gemologist K.C. Liddicoat noted this phenomenon in a 1964 issue of Gems & Gemology, stating that air-filled openings act as mirrors and can create an illusion of color in fractures.
To determine the presence of dye concentrations in fractures, experts often use a method involving placing the stone on translucent white plastic over an intense light source. This diffused light can reveal any color concentrations, which can then be investigated further under 10X magnification with transmitted light. It is important to turn the stone in every direction to determine if the color concentration is due to reflection or dye. A change in color from dark green to colorless when the fractures are turned and light passes at a straight angle indicates that the color concentration is due to reflection.
Fractures that are perpendicular to the table of the stone and close to the crown can be difficult to investigate due to the refraction of light as it enters the crown. In such cases, conclusions can be reached by surveying fractures in other areas of the gemstone. If dyed oil is present, fractures will appear slightly opaque and will remain green regardless of the angle.
An important note must be made regarding Colombian emeralds, hence the most commonly used polishing compound is chromic oxide, which can enter fractures or hollow tubular inclusions and is difficult to remove. It may appear under magnification as dark gray-green forms going in from the surface, but should not be considered an attempt to color the stone. These buildups of polishing compound are typically dark, localized, and confined to larger openings on the surface.
While the debate on the use of dyed oil continues, it is important for dealers and gemstone experts to remain vigilant and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the integrity and authenticity of gemstones. By adhering to these principles and following procedures to detect the presence of dye concentrations, the gemstone industry can uphold its standards and reputation.
Clarity enhancement treatments can be applied to emeralds, much like other precious gemstones. These treatments are designed to improve the clarity of the stone and make it more attractive. This is done by adding a foreign substance to the surface of the stone, such as cedar oil. The oil helps reduce visible inclusions, giving the emerald a clearer, brighter look. In some cases, dealers may use synthetic resins or natural resins to achieve similar results. It’s important for buyers to be aware that these treatments may have been applied and inquire about it with their dealer – this disclosure is required by standard industry practice. Although these treatments can improve an emerald’s appearance and color, they don’t increase its value or durability – only quality emeralds will provide those benefits.
Natural resin and synthetic resins are often used in the treatment of emeralds to improve their clarity and color. Natural resins are derived from organic materials found in nature, such as cedar tree oil. These products can reduce visible inclusions, giving the emerald a clearer, brighter look. Synthetic resins are man-made substances that have similar effects on emeralds. They can be used to achieve the same results as natural resins, but they are not as readily available and may require more care when applying them to a gemstone.
Although these treatments can improve the appearance of an emerald, it is important to note that they do not increase its value or durability – only quality emeralds will provide those benefits. When purchasing an emerald, buyers should always inquire about any treatments that may have been applied to ensure they are getting the best possible stone for their money. Furthermore, disclosure of treatment is required by standard industry practice and should always be provided by dealers.
When shopping for emerald jewelry, it is important to know whether the gemstones have received any treatment. Treatments are commonly used to improve clarity, brightness, color and overall appearance of a stone. While treatments can enhance an emerald’s beauty, they do not increase its value or make it more durable. Therefore, transparency and disclosure are essential when dealing with gems.
Most dealers will provide full disclosure of any treatment that has been conducted on an emerald before selling it – either in writing or verbally. In fact, disclosure of treatment is required by standard industry practice and should always be requested from a dealer prior to purchase. When in doubt, buyers can also research the origin of the stone or take it to a gemologist for evaluation.
Ultimately, understanding the level of treatment an emerald has received can help ensure that buyers are getting exactly what they pay for. Knowing this information will also allow them to make educated decisions about their purchase and ensure that the investment is worth it in the long run.
The standard industry practice when dealing with emeralds is to always seek full disclosure regarding any treatments the gemstone has received. All reputable dealers should be able to provide written or verbal information on whether an emerald has been treated in any way. This is essential for buyers to make sure they are getting exactly what they pay for, and also helps them assess the value of their purchase. Knowing whether an emerald has been treated or not can help buyers maximize the potential of their purchase and ensure that their investment will last. Treatments may enhance an emerald’s beauty but do not increase its value or durability, so it’s important to be fully aware of what you’re buying before making a decision. Ultimately, transparency and disclosure are key when it comes to dealing with precious gemstones like emeralds.
In conclusion, the emerald oiling process is a controversial topic in the gemstone industry. Many gemstones are treated with oil to enhance their appearance, but this process can also hide imperfections that devalue the stone. To ensure that you purchase a genuine, high-quality emerald, it is essential to know your seller and avoid being cheated by oil tricks.
When buying an emerald, it is crucial to ask questions about the stone’s origin, history, and treatment. A knowledgeable seller will provide you with all the necessary information and help you make an informed buying decision. Additionally, it is advisable to get an expert opinion on the emerald’s quality and authenticity.
Oil treatment is a common practice in the emerald industry, but it is essential to know the extent of the treatment. Some emeralds are entirely untreated, while others are heavily oiled, making them look more vibrant than they actually are. An experienced gemologist can help you identify the treatment level of the emerald and its impact on value.
If you are purchasing an emerald as an investment, it is even more critical to know your seller and avoid being cheated by oil tricks. A genuine, high-quality emerald is a valuable asset that can appreciate over time. However, if you buy a treated emerald, its value may decrease over time.
In conclusion, knowing your seller and avoiding being cheated by oil enhancements or treatments is essential when purchasing an emerald. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can own a high-quality, authentic, and valuable emerald that will appreciate in value over time. So, take your time, do your research, and choose your seller wisely to make a wise investment decision.
Emeralds are a precious stone that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. While some emeralds are naturally beautiful and vibrant, others may require special treatments to enhance their beauty. Many gemstones such as emeralds can receive enhancements to increase their clarity or color. Clarity enhancements involve removing small internal inclusions that diminish the quality of the gemstone. These treatments can be done with either synthetic resins or natural oils such as cedar oil. Color enhancement is another popular treatment that involves adding additional green pigmentation to the emerald to give it a deeper and more vibrant hue. This type of treatment is usually done by an experienced gemologist who knows how to best apply the pigmentation without compromising the integrity of the stone. No matter which type of enhancement is used, it’s important for buyers to know what kind of treatment has been applied so they can make an informed decision when purchasing gems like emeralds.
Bleaching is a process by which gemstones, such as emeralds, are treated to lighten or remove color. This process is usually done using mild chemicals that are safe for the gemstone but can be damaging if used improperly. Bleaching can be used to improve the clarity of an emerald by removing inclusions or it can be used to lighten or change the overall color of the stone. It’s important to note that bleaching will not make an emerald whiter, but rather it will just reduce its green hue. Bleaching should only be performed by a professional gemologist who has experience with this treatment and knows how to use the necessary chemicals safely. The results of bleaching may vary depending on the quality of the emerald and it’s best to disclose any treatments that have been applied when selling or buying a stone.
Surface coating is a treatment for gemstones, such as emeralds, that is used to improve the appearance of the stone. It involves applying a thin layer of material over the surface of the gemstone which can either be natural or synthetic. This coating can help to enhance the color and clarity of an emerald by making it appear brighter, more vivid and less cloudy. The type of coating used will depend on the desired outcome and should be disclosed when selling or buying an emerald. Surface coatings should only be applied by a professional gemologist who knows how to use these materials safely and correctly. It’s important to note that once applied, surface coatings are permanent and cannot be removed without damaging the stone.
Fracture or cavity filling is a treatment for gemstones such as emeralds that is used to improve the appearance of the stone. This treatment involves filling any cracks, fractures or cavities in a gemstone with a material like resin or oil, which can be either natural or synthetic. By doing this, the clarity and color of an emerald can be improved and it can even look larger than its actual size. This treatment should only be carried out by an experienced gemologist who knows how to use these materials safely and correctly, and it’s important to disclose the type of material used when selling or buying an emerald. Fracture or cavity filling is not permanent and may need to be redone over time. It’s also important to note that if not done correctly, this type of treatment can damage the stone beyond repair.
Heat treatment is a type of treatment that involves the application of heat to improve the color, clarity, and durability of precious gemstones such as emeralds. Heat treatment is typically used to enhance the green hue and remove inclusions from emeralds. This process can also be used to create synthetic emeralds, but it’s important for buyers to be aware if an emerald has undergone this treatment as it affects its value. Heat treatment should only be carried out by a certified gemologist who knows how to properly treat the stone without damaging it. It’s also important for buyers to know that not all dealers disclose the level of heat treatment their stones have undergone so it’s important to ask before purchasing an emerald.
High pressure, high temperature (HPHT) treatment is a method used to change the color of gemstones such as emeralds. During this process, the gemstone is placed in an environment with extremely high temperatures and pressures, causing chemical changes within the rock. This can be used to improve the green hue of an emerald or to make synthetically grown stones look more natural. HPHT treatment can also be used to remove some of the inclusions that are commonly found in emeralds. Buyers should be aware that not all dealers disclose whether or not their emeralds have undergone this type of treatment so it’s important to ask before purchasing one. Additionally, HPHT treatments should only be done by a professional gemologist who knows how to properly treat the stone without damaging it.
Impregnation is a treatment that is used to improve the durability of emeralds. It involves soaking the gemstone in a solution that penetrates the internal structure of the stone and enhances its strength. This process can also be used to fill in cracks and fissures, which helps prevent further damage from occurring. The type of impregnation solution used will depend on the quality of the emerald and its intended use. For instance, higher quality stones may require more sophisticated solutions than lower quality stones. As with any treatment, it is important for buyers to ask about impregnation before purchasing an emerald as not all dealers disclose this information. Professional gemologists should always be consulted when having any type of treatment done on a precious gemstone such as an emerald to ensure it is done properly and does not cause any additional damage to the stone.
Irradiation is a common treatment used to enhance the color of emeralds. By bombarding the gemstone with radiation, it can be changed from a yellow-green hue to a brighter green. This process has been used by many jewelers in the past to improve the appearance of lower quality stones and increase their value. While irradiation is generally considered safe, there are potential risks involved if it is not done properly. For this reason, it is important that buyers be aware of any irradiation treatments that have been performed on an emerald before purchasing it. Additionally, any reputable jeweler should always provide full disclosure of any treatments that have been done on a gemstone so that buyers can make an informed decision when selecting their new piece of jewelry.
Laser drilling is an enhancement treatment used to improve the clarity and color of emeralds. This process involves using a laser beam to drill tiny holes in the stone and remove any visible inclusions that may be present. It is often used in combination with other treatments such as heat or oil treatments to further improve the appearance of the gemstone. While laser drilling can be an effective way to enhance the beauty of emeralds, it should always be disclosed by a reputable jeweler who is experienced in this type of treatment. Additionally, buyers should always look for stones that are certified by GIA or another professional organization, as these organizations provide assurance that the stone has been correctly treated and graded according to industry standards.
Lattice diffusion is an emerald treatment used to improve the color of the stone. In this process, a foreign element, typically beryllium, is inserted into the structure of the emerald crystal lattice. This causes a change in the arrangement of electrons and allows for light waves to interact with the stone differently, resulting in an improved emerald hue. Lattice diffusion should always be disclosed by a reputable jeweler who is experienced in this type of enhancement treatment. Additionally, buyers should look for stones that are certified by GIA or another professional organization as these organizations provide assurance that the stone has been correctly treated and graded according to industry standards. While lattice diffusion can be an effective way to improve the beauty of emeralds, it’s important to note that it can reduce their value compared to untreated gems.
Whether or not to oil an emerald is a personal decision that should be made with care. Oiling can help to bring out the natural beauty of an emerald and make it more brilliant, however, it is important to remember that this process does not make any permanent changes to the stone itself. While some may prefer having their emeralds oiled, others may wish to keep their precious gemstones in an untreated state. It is also critical for buyers to understand the disclosure of treatment before making their purchase so they are aware of what they are buying. Ultimately, deciding whether or not to oil an emerald comes down to preference and understanding the potential risks associated with treatment.
Oil treatment is a process whose purpose is to enhance the appearance of an emerald gemstone. The purpose of oiling an emerald is to bring out its natural beauty and improve its color, clarity, and brilliance. Oiling can help to reduce the visibility of fractures, fissures, and other inclusions within the stone that would otherwise detract from the emerald’s value. It also helps to disguise any areas of discoloration or irregularities in shape or size. When done correctly, oiling can help increase an emerald’s aesthetic appeal without changing its structure or composition. However, it is important to note that oiling does not make any permanent changes; the effects may fade over time and require periodic re-oiling for optimal results.
Oiled emeralds are in many cases as valuable as untreated stones. Oiled emeralds have been treated to enhance their aesthetic appeal, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are less valuable. In fact, the oil used in treatment is often a natural resin or synthetic resin that may improve the color and clarity of an emerald without changing its structure or composition. Many jewelers consider oiled emeralds to be just as valuable as untreated stones, provided that the quality of the stone is good and it has been properly disclosed by the dealer.
It is important for consumers to understand that all gemstones—whether treated or untreated—have some degree of enhancement and can vary in terms of color and clarity. This means that two seemingly identical stones can be valued differently depending on their level of treatment and whether they were enhanced with resins or chemicals. As such, it’s important for buyers to ask questions about the origin and treatment history of any emerald before making a purchase.
Yes, coconut oil can help in preserving the quality and shine of emeralds. It is recommended to use organic, unrefined coconut oil for this purpose. The oil serves as a protective layer that prevents dust, dirt, and other particles from settling on the gemstone surface. By regularly cleaning your emerald jewelry with a cloth moistened with coconut oil, you can keep it looking its best for longer. Additionally, it may help remove any discoloration or dullness that may have developed over time due to external exposure or contact with skin oils. While coconut oil is generally considered safe for use on emeralds, it’s always advisable to take extra care when handling precious stones. Be sure to test the product on an inconspicuous part of the stone before applying it broadly.
Oil treatment is a process of treating gemstones with oil or synthetic resins to improve the clarity and color of the stone. This treatment helps enhance the stone’s natural beauty and make it more valuable. The most common oil used for this purpose is cedar oil, as it is believed to be able to bring out the natural green hue of emeralds. Additionally, some dealers may choose to use synthetic resins to mask inclusions or flaws in the stone. Both cedar oil and synthetic resin treatments are considered standard industry practices when dealing with precious gemstones such as emeralds. Although this type of treatment may improve the quality and value of a gemstone, it should always be disclosed by dealers before purchase as per standard industry practice. With proper care and maintenance, treated emeralds can remain beautiful and valuable for many years to come.
Unfortunately, over time, emeralds can lose their luster and shine due to everyday wear and tear. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to bring back the sparkle of your favorite emerald jewelry. First, use a soft cloth to gently clean off dirt and dust particles from the surface of the stone. Next, if necessary, use a mild soap and warm water to give it an additional cleaning. Finally, you can apply cedar oil or other synthetic resin treatments to enhance the color and clarity of the stone. While some treatments may be permanent, many others require periodic reapplication in order to maintain its beauty. With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble restoring your precious emeralds to their former glory!
When it comes to determining the quality of an emerald, oil treatment can be a critical factor. An oil-treated emerald will typically have a much higher clarity rating and far more intense color than those that are untreated. While some treatments may be permanent, most require periodic reapplication in order to maintain its beauty.
The best way to tell if an emerald has been oiled is to look for signs of treatment disclosure on the gemstone’s certification or appraisal report. If this information is not available, there are a few other methods you can use to determine the level of treatment. A trained gemologist should be able to identify if an emerald has been treated with oil or resin by examining the stone under a microscope and looking for indicators such as surface fractures, fractures filled with foreign material, or unnatural coloring.
In addition, experienced jewelers and dealers may also be able to recognize common enhancement treatments based on their years of experience examining gems. When buying an emerald, make sure you ask about any treatments that may have been applied so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.