S
Y
M
B
O
L |
DEFINITION |
A |
Indicates
either a gemstone that is not currently known to be enhanced
or one that is so rarely enhanced that to give it an "E"
symbol would mislead the public.
Example: Amethyst is rarely known to be treated. |
E |
Indicates
that this gemstone is routinely enhanced. |
N |
Indicates
this particular gemstone has received no enhancement and the
seller will guarantee this. |
B |
Indicates that Bleaching of the gemstone has been done. Bleaching
is the use of chemicals or other agents to lighten or remove
a gemstone's color.
Example: 'Blonde
Tigereye" is enhanced in this manner. |
C |
Indicates
that a Coating has been used as a surface treatments such
as waxing, lacquering, enameling, inking, foiling, or sputtering
of films to improve appearance, provide color or add special
effects. |
D |
Indicates
that Dyeing has occured. Dyeing is the introduction of coloring
matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present
color or improve color uniformity.
Example: Agate is sometimes enhanced in this
manner. |
F |
Indicates
the gemstone has had Filling or Infilling or Stabilizing
of some form. This is the filling of surface-breaking cavities
or porous gem material with colored or colorless glass,
plastic or other hardened material to improve appearance,
durability, and/or weight.
Example: Turquoise is commonly enhanced in this manner. |
G |
Indicates
the gemstone has undergone some form of Gamma or Electron
Irradiation. This is the use of gamma and/or electron bombardment
to alter a gemstone's color. May be followed by a heating
process ("H").
Example: Blue Topaz is commonly
enhanced in this manner. |
H |
Indicates
the stone has been heated to effect desired alteration of
color, clarity, and/or phenomena.
Example: Sapphire is commonly enhanced in this manner.
Example: Citrine is commonly enhanced in this manner. |
L |
Indicates
the gemstone has undergone the use of a laser and chemicals
to reach and alter inclusion.
Example: Diamond is sometimes enhanced in this manner. |
O |
Indicates
the introduction of a colorless oil, wax, natural resin, or
unhardened man-made materials into fissured or porous gemstones
was made to improve appearance.
Example: Commercial grade Emerald is commonly enhanced in this manner. |
R |
Indicates
the gemstone has undergone Irradiation. This is the use of
neutron or a combination of neutron with any other bombardment
to alter a gemstone's color. May be followed by a heating
process ("H").
Example: Blue
Topaz is commonly enhanced in this manner. |
U |
Indicates
the gemstone has undergone Diffusion which is the use of chemicals
in conjunction with high temperatures to produce a relatively
shallow subsurface layer of color and/or asterism-producing
inclusions.
Example: Difusion treated Sapphire is enhanced in this manner. |
