Gemstone are naturally occurring minerals that can be cut and polished in order to prepare them for use in various forms of personal adornments. The most important three factors with a direct impact on the value of gemstones are Beauty, durability and Rarity.More beautiful and rarer the gems are, the greater are their values.

The colour of the gemstones play a very significant role too, Columbian emeralds are preferred because of the tones and brilliance present in them which make them unique and expensive. Untreated gemstones are those that are not altered or enhanced in anyway. Any gemstone with bright natural colours are preferred over the dark or dull coloured ones. However, there are various artificial treatments like oiling, dying, heat treating and filling are available on the market and are used routinely on gems to improve their colour.The greenish blue aquamarine stones in trade are mostly treated, where the colour is enhanced to make it saleable.

Gemstones for the likes of rubies are often oiled to fill cracks and give them a clearer appearance. In most of the gemstones a foil is also inserted beneath the stone to increase its sparkle and in order to make it appear more glittery. Most of the gemstones in the market are either enhanced or treated in one form or another. Undoubtedly, natural stones are quite expensive but when appearance is only concern then one can also buy natural treated gemstones. Even pearls are often dyed to improve the appearance by enhancing colour.

However, many people are unaware of the fact that heat treatment makes the stone surface brittle and thus it affects the durability of the gemstones. It is always recommended to get gemological test done before investing in any gem. A gemological laboratory test discloses complete properties of gemstones along with if they are treated or not.

BY NIKITA SONI