Aquamarine/Emerald heating/oiling

[Duncan Miller]

Hello again Ray
Garnets are common in the diamond gravels but those I have seen are very dark, small and not particularly attractive to facet. Having said that, they are unlikely to be mistaken for diamonds and waterworn zircons are a far more likely candidate for that misidentification.
My cottage is at Yzerfontein, but in the early 1980s I did geoarchaeological research at Verlorenvlei on the effects of sea level change, so I am very familiar with Elands Bay - and the firm conviction of the local farmers that I really was looking for diamondiferous gravel.
I think it is time we get together face-to-face to talk gemstones and stop communicating vicariously via GO. Please phone me to make an arrangement. (I think you have my telephone numbers - otherwise just ask and I will send them privately.)
Duncan

[raygem]

Hi Duncan
Please send phone nos. and e-mail and I will contact you.
Cheers
Ray

[raygem]

Hi Stephen
I realised it was a joke, but wanted to get that one in anyway.
A joke always deserves another joke.
No offence intended.
Cheers
Ray

[navneetagarwal]

I’ve read somewhere to compare oiling emeralds to heating sapphires. They mentioned that both practices are essentially the same. That’s not true. Heating sapphires produces basically permanent colors. Furthermore, heating also occurs in nature. Nevertheless, artificial heat treatments — done after mining — should still be disclosed. Have you ever heard of stones coming out of the ground already oiled?

To be clear, when shopping for gems, always assume both emeralds and sapphires receive treatments. However, don’t assume the treatments have the same impact on the gems’ value and durability.