Color              . Hue          . Saturation         . Tone	Clarity
	Cut
	Distinctive Phenomena
	Treatments / Enhancements
	Chatham Created Gemtones

It is noted here that distinctness of phenomena, if present, can be a major price factor in a colored gemstone. Stars (star rubies and star sapphires are the best known star gems), Cat's-eyes, alexandrite's change of color, opal's fire, are among many.



A treatment (or enhancement) is defined as any process other than cutting and polishing, such as heating, oiling, irradiation, waxing, or dying which alters and improves the appearance (color/clarity/phenomena), durability, value or availability of a gemstone.

When you spend a few hundred dollars on a gem, the treatment is normally not a major issue. In fact, you can just assume that in today's gem market many gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, aquamarines, and tanzanites have been heat treated, and the emeralds have been treated with oil and fracture filled. Treatment processes may range from simple heating (such as for tanzanite) to high-tech irradiation (such as for blue topaz). The American Gem Trade Association or AGTA offers guidelines that are the most stringent in the industry.

Some gemstone enhancements are less stable than others, meaning that the appearance of a gem may change over time. At Jewelplus.com only gemstones whose enhancements (if any) have good to excellent stability are offered. A gemstone enhancement is considered stable as long as the gem does not change in appearance (color, clarity) under normal wear, cutting, cleaning, repair or display conditions.

Our advise is to enjoy wearing these gems and appreciate the fact that treatments allow you to buy more attractive stones at lower prices.