Does Zales.com use treated gemstones?
Yes, most gemstones in the industry have been treated. Emeralds are oiled or waxed to enhance their color and increase their durability. All gemstones are usually heated to bring out a brighter color. Blue topaz may be treated with irradiation, and blue sapphires may be treated with diffusion. However, all treatments are designed to enhance the gemstone’s natural beauty, and all are standard in the jewelry industry. Fine untreated stones are so rare, in fact, that they often come with a certificate stating that fact, and can cost more per carat than a fine diamond. For more information about gemstones, visit our Product Knowledge section on Colored Gemstones.
