Gemstone Treatments
Why gemstones are treated
There are many reasons why gemstones and pearls are treated, and most colored gemstones on the market have been treated in some way. Treatments are used to enhance color or clarity, and gemstones that would otherwise be too soft for use in jewelry are enhanced for durability.
If not for these now standard recognized treatments, many of our favorite gemstones — colored gemstones in particular — would be unavailable or so expensive as to be completely unaffordable.
The most common gemstone treatments are heating, dyeing, and stabilization (for durability).
- Heat is used to alter a stone's color or to increase its clarity.
- Dyeing is used to alter or enhance color.
- Stabilization is a process that results in a harder stone.
Stabilization, for example, is important for turquoise, which is otherwise too soft to be used in jewelry.
One additional common treatment for some topaz, tourmaline and smoky quartz is irradiation to enhance color.*
Why is knowing about gemstone treatments important?
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires disclosure of gemstone treatments that materially impact value — so that you, the customer, will better understand what you are purchasing.
While most gemstones and pearls are routinely treated, the nature of the treatments not only impacts their value (and consequently, price), but also affects how to safely clean and care for your jewelry. Certain treatments render gemstones more fragile, and therefore special care and cleaning may be required.
Additionally, untreated gemstones and heat treated-only gemstones may be significantly more rare than their dyed counterparts. And since some of our most beloved gemstones (turquoise comes to mind) need stabilization, stabilized gemstones are exactly what you should be hoping for.
My preference — natural, untreated gemstones
Because I primarily work with natural, untreated gemstones — typically more rare and valuable than their treated counterparts — understanding the treatments if any that pertain to the gemstones used in Modern Whimsy Jewelry is important.
To the best of my knowledge, this list represents the gemstone treatments that pertain to Modern Whimsy Jewelry earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants.
Note: The gemstones and their treatments below are standard in the colored gemstone marketplace.
In addition, most cultured freshwater pearls on the market are bleached as are those used by Modern Whimsy Jewelry.
Aquamarine — heat treated**
African Turquoise (Jasper) — stabilized
Carnelian — heated/dyed
Champagne Quartz — heated
Citrine — heat treated**
Hubei Turquoise — stabilized
Smoky Quartz — heated/irradiated*
Tanzanite — heated
Notes:
* The irradiation process used for smoky quartz results in stones that do not become radioactive and are considered safe for jewelry. (NRC.gov)
** I have been fortunate in sourcing some untreated aquamarine as well as untreated citrine gemstones, so noted on any products designed with them.
*** This list will be updated when new or changing gemstone treatment information is required.
last update: 11/5/25