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It is a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruling that treatments to gems must be disclosed if treatment affects value. For instance, Aquamarine is the same price whether is has been heat treated or not. Pink Topaz is as cheap as $2 per carat (ct) on a 5 ct stone for the new diffusion or coated topaz. At the same time, natural pink Topaz can be as high as $800 per ct for 5 ct stone. If your jeweler doesn’t know a $10 stone from a $4000 stone, then you need to be educated or find a new jeweler. |
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Blue Topaz and Irradiated Gems |
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The Nuclear Regulatory Committee (NRC) realized that no company had a license to import irradiated gems. Blue Topaz owes its blue color to radiation and heat. Due to the radiation treatment, there was some rumor and reaction as if blue Topaz may be a health hazard, however that is not the case. Now, all blue Topaz is supposed to be imported only through licensed dealers, and each jewelers is supposed to ensure their suppliers are compliant.
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The Banning of Myanmar Gems |
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As of July 31st 2008, President Bush signed a ban of gems from Myanmar (Burma), which includes ruby and jadeite. The ban gives a grace period to September 30th. After September 30th, it will be illegal to import rubies mined in Myanmar, even if the stones are treated or cut in other countries. Prior to this ruling, it was okay to import through Thailand or Hong Kong. This will increase the price for medium to high quality rubies for at least one year.
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Grading and Conflict Diamonds |
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Diamonds have seen many changes over the last few years, through efforts to keep conflict diamonds out of circulation and the Kimberly process to control and monitor the path of diamonds from mine to cutter.
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