Q. What is the difference between a Gemologist and a Graduate Gemologist?

A. A Graduate Gemologist (GG) must study Gemstones and Diamonds along with extensive Gem ID training. A Gemologist has completed studies in one or two particular areas but has not completed all three.  There are also some very basic classes available to the public. There are some who claim to be a Gemologist when in actuality they have taken a basic, beginners' gemology class. When in doubt, ask to see proof.

Q. Why do I need an independent diamond grading report?

A. For the ultimate peace of mind, ask your jeweler to provide an independent diamond grading report with your diamond. The most widely used and respected reports are those issued by the independent GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, who provide reports on the world's most important diamonds. A professional jeweler can arrange to have your diamond graded and even have a personal message or unique GIA Diamond Grading Report number laser-inscribed onto the diamond's girdle (the diamond's outer edge.)

Q. What is gem "enhancement"?

A. Enhancement is any post recovery process which alters the appearance, especially the color or clarity of a natural diamond or other gem material. Coating, fracture filling, irradiation, heating (annealing), and lasering are all forms of enhancement. Enhancement can also be referred to as "treatment". Selling enhanced diamonds and gemstones is an accepted practice in the gem and jewelry industry provided that jewelers disclose the enhancement of a stone before it's sold.

Q. What is the difference between "treatment" and "enhancement"?

A. In 1996, the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) revised guides for the jewelry industry and declared that under many circumstances, use of "enhancement" led to deceptive and unfair trade practices. In a report that accompanied the guides, the FTC explained its ruling: "Enhancement is…used by the trade to describe the treatment of gemstones to improve their color or otherwise improve their appearance. However, the Commission has determined that a more accurate term is "treatment" and has added this term, in lieu of "enhancement" to the list of attributes that should not be misrepresented.

Q. Are treatments bad?

A. Some are very commonplace and only enhance what nature already intended, like gently heat-treating a sapphire or ruby. It's analogous to coloring your hair or a woman putting on make-up.  Other treatments, which are more comprehensive, such as laser drilling with or without a filling, will help bring a lesser stone's true beauty out. The more comprehensive the treatment, the lower the price should be for the stone. A clarity enhanced diamond should be sold at it's BEFORE treatment value (plus a small charge for treatment) not at it's improved clarity grade.  A treatment is bad when it is not disclosed properly. Intentionally misleading a customer by not divulging treatments is unlawful and unethical. Ignorance is not an excuse. If you are ever concerned, be sure your gemstone or diamond is accompanied by a GIA (or other independent lab) report. A gemstone report or other similar report from the jeweler and/or company themselves, is biased and not considered an independent source. All valuable, high-priced stones should be accompanied by an independent lab report.

Q. I've read some ruby and sapphire dealers are filling cavities on the bottom of the gemstone with a filler. Is this O.K.?

A. By adding a glass-like filler in these crevices or cavities, they increase the weight of the stone so you will be paying the full gemstone price based on the total weight, including the filler. The price should be adjusted accordingly. Be sure to have your gemstone looked over very carefully by a Graduate Gemologist who is trained to specifically look for and identify these kinds of treatments. If your gemstone is accompanied by a lab report, all treatments should be identified.

Q. I know very little about diamonds but I really want to take advantage of great buys overseas. How can I tell the difference between a Cubic Zirconia or a Synthetic Diamond?

A. I wish there was an easy answer for this one however; only a trained Graduate Gemologist will be able to determine the difference between these stones. Even then, the stones would most likely have to be loose so it can be viewed from all sides. I have had a few occasions in the Caribbean to shop the endless supply of jewels available. My personal experience; even in the big named stores, on several different trips, I was not being told 100% the truth. Whether it was intentional or just ignorance, I don't know but I'd like to believe the latter. Of course you can always ask if there is an independent lab report that accompanies the major stones(s) on the piece. Whenever you buy something, especially overseas, BUYER BEWARE. If it's too good to be true, it's probably not true.

Q. I saw a beautiful diamond I wanted to purchase for my fiancé but it was graded SI3. That is not one of the clarity grades on GIA's web site. What is it?

A. GIA does not recognize the clarity grade SI3. It has become very popular in the jewelry industry however at GIA, a stone with realistic SI3 grade would most likely be graded I1. Be sure you are buying from a reputable jeweler. I've seen some diamonds graded as D/VS2 that according to GIA's strict grading, should be graded J/I1, and many other misgraded stones. You are safer with a reputable jeweler that has taken the time to complete Graduate Gemology studies.  Your jewelry purchase, especially your engagement ring, is a romantic and special occasion, you should feel 100% confident in your jewelers integrity and honesty.

Were all your questions answered? If not, send me your question and I'll get right back to you with an informed answer.