Gemstone Disclosure

 

Disclosure of treatments of Gemstones

We, at Ajanta Afrika Gems CC, supplies natural gemstones exclusively to the jewellery trade.  The following information outlines known gemstone treatments, potential colour changes and recommended precautions when handling, manufacturing and setting gemstones.

Natural gemstones may contain inclusions and characteristics inherent to their formation.  Treatments are disclosed where known and applicable.  Treatment status may vary between individual gemstones.

It is acknowledged that the treatment of heat, is not required to be disclosed, as any process that imitates or duplicates a process that occurs naturally, does not specifically have to be disclosed.

We do not sell any stones that have a coating or that are synthetic.

Ruby & Sapphires - All Colours

Natural rubies and sapphires may be heat-treated to enhance their colour and/or clarity.  Certain sapphires, including white, pink, yellow and other fancy colours, may exhibit colour changes or fading due to light exposure or other environmental conditions.  Long-term colour stability cannot be guaranteed.

Emerald

It is generally known in the industry and an acceptable “treatment” that oil (in our case Johnsons baby oil) is used during the sorting of rough and cutting of emeralds (into faceted or polished stones or beads), and therefor traces will be found in our Emeralds. It is also further known that most Emeralds in the world markets do contain traces of oil. It is also advised by some in the trade, that the use of oil (Johnsons baby oil) to maintain your Emerald, since Emeralds due to their natural included nature, do dry out, and like other stones (for example Opals) will be better preserved and kept in such a way.  These stones can be affected by heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.

Our Emeralds are in no way color enhanced or stablized.

Topaz – Sky / London / Swiss

Blue Topaz is generally irradiated and subsequently heat-treated to achieve its colour.

Morganite

Morganite may be heat-treated or irradiated to modify or enhance its colour.  Treatment varies according to individual gemstones.

Green Onyx & Blue Chalcedoney

These stones may be dyed to achieve or enhance their colour.

Kunzite

Kunzite may fade or change colour following prolonged exposure to sunlight or strong artificial light.

Opal

Ethopian Opal should not be worn regularly in warm water, for example shower, and care should be taken with chemicals on hands, as the color can fade. Ethiopian opal’s natural formation (hydrophane opal) means that the opals have a propensity to absorb water and change from opaque to translucent or transparent in humid or aqueous environments.

It is also suggested that other opals, as they do have a tendency to “dry out” in storage, be cleaned with a damp cloth. As opals are also porous they should never be immersed in water to clean.

Manufacturing, Setting & Gemstone Care

All gemstones supplied by Ajanta Afrika are inspected before dispatch for visible damage, weight and measurements.  It is further noted that the client accepts that when any stone leaves our premises, it has been checked for any damage (scratches, chips, or marks) and also for being the correct weight and measurements, and the client accepts the stone as such. If by using a gemstone from Ajanta Afrika Gems CC, pressure, heat, ultra sonic cleaner, chemicals or any other method in the manufacturing process alters the state of the gemstone, it is the risk and responsibility of the client who purchase the stone, and that there is no guarantee on any gemstone against damage, blemish, breakage or anything altering the state it was in when it left our office.

It should also be pointed out that since we deal with the trade, it is accepted that the Jeweller is a trained (in the Jewellery Trade and Manufacture) person / company, and has the proper education as to how gemstones need to be treated in manufacture, and that it is the responsibility of the buyer (manufacturer) to familiarize themselves with the required process acceptable for safe manufacturing.

In the interest of our clients (and this in no way constitute an overall instruction for all gemstones or any acceptance of risk by Ajanta Afrika Gems CC), we suggest the following regarding some of the gemstones we sell, as a precaution.

Gemstone that should not be placed in an Ultra Sonic

  • Tanzanite
  • Emerald
  • Black Diamond
  • Diamonds that have inclusion or a porous of nature
  • Opal
  • Coral
  • Pearls
  • Lapis Lazuli
  • Turquoise
  • Heavily included gemstones

Gemstones that specifically to our knowledge should not have any heat applied

  • Black Diamonds
  • Diamonds that have inclusion or porous of nature
  • Emerald

Particular care should be taken when exposing gemstones to heat during manufacturing, repairs or setting.  Gemstones with clarity enhancements or other potentially heat-sensitive treatments should not be subjecte to direct heat.

We do also suggest that if you might be unsure about the risk to a gemstone before manufacture and setting, you should do the due diligence and research. You are welcome to contact us for advice, or we can refer you to the nearest Gem Testing Lab.

Important notice

Gemstone treatments and stability characteristics can vary between individual stones.  Where treatment status or suitability for a particular manufacturing process is uncertain, independent gemmological testing or professional advice is recommended.  

Ajanta Afrika Gems CC provides gemstone information in good faith, based on available supplier disclosures and industry knowledge.