Gems enhancements
Enhancement definitions and glossary for natural gemstones
Ica (international colored gemstones association)
Enhancement: Any traditional process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance (color/ clarity/ phenomena), durability, or availability of a gemstone. A gemstone enhancement is considered permanent as long as it does not change in appearance (color and/or clarity) under normal wear, cutting, cleaning, repair or display conditions. If a gemstone enhancement is not permanent, consumers must be advised in writing on invoices or memorandums.
Listed description of the various enhancements a/o treatments
(N) – Not Enhanced/Treated
Guaranteed to have no enhancements or treatments.
(B) – Bleaching
The use of heat, light and/or other agents to lighten or remove a gemstone`s color.
(C) – Coating
The use of such surface enhancements as lacquering, enameling, inking, foiling or sputtering of films to improve appearance, provide color or add other special effects.
(D) – Dyeing
: The introduction of coloring matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present color or improve color uniformity.
(F) – Filling
The filling of surface-breaking cavities or fissures with colorless glass, plastic, solidified borax or similar substances. This process may improve durability, appearance and/or add weight.
(H) – Heating
The use of heat to effect desired alteration of color, clarity and/or phenomena. If residue of foreign substances in open fissures is visible under properly illuminated 10x magnification, H F should be used.
(HP) – Heating and Pressure
The use of heat and pressure combined to effect desired alterations of color, clarity and/or phenomena.
(I) Impregnation
The impregnation of a porous gemstone with a colorless agent (usually plastic) to improve durability and appearance.
(L) – Lasering
The use of a laser and chemicals to reach and alter inclusions in gemstones, usually diamonds.
(O) – Oiling/Resin Infusion
: The filling of surface-breaking fissures with colorless oil, wax, resin or other colorless substances, except glass or plastic, to improve the gemstone`s appearance.
(R) – Irradiation
The use of neutrons, gamma rays or beta particles (high energy electrons) to alter a gemstone`s color. The irradiation may be followed by a heating process.
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(W) – Waxing/Oiling
The impregnation of a colorless wax, paraffin or oil in porous opaque or translucent gemstones to improve appearance.
(U) – Diffusion
The use of chemicals in conjunction with high temperatures to produce ARTIFICIAL color change and/or asterism-producing inclusions.
(SC) – Special Care
Designate those gemstones that require special care. If a gemstone enhancement is not permanent, appropriate disclosure is required.
