SSEF Policy about Gemstone Treatments

In 1998, the SSEF, supported by its board members, has decided to formulate a full gem treatment disclosure policy. SSEF Test Reports provide clients with a description of all types of gem treatments whenever such treatments are identifiable.

The most frequent treatments observed are the heat treatment of corundum and the filling of fissures in emeralds. The SSEF has experience since the 80-ties in their identification, and we have been noting such treatments on our worksheets during this time. In cases without treatment, we have been mentioning this situation in our "Comments" section of the Gemstone or Test Report since that time.

 

Treatment of Corundum (rubies & sapphires):

We distinguish the following cases:
  • Corundum which is just heated.
  • Corundum which is heated with flux additives to assist the healing of fissures.
    The amount of these residues is qualified as "minor", "moderate" or "significant".
  • Corundum where fissures are filled with glass (e.g. lead glass),
    a treatment often applied to low quality stones.
  • Corundum which has been diffusion treated.

For more information refer to our STANDARDS & APPLICATIONS catalogue.

 

Filling of fissures of emeralds:

Here, we disclose the presence of filler and even its identity unless the client does not require it. In the latter case we mention in the Report that a filler is present, but its identification was not requested. The SSEF Laboratory has identified fillers in emeralds using both infrared spectrometry (since 1991) and Raman spectrometry (since 1995). The degree of treatment is mentioned in the report according to its impact on clarity enhancement and is described as "minor", "moderate" or "significant". For more information refer to our STANDARDS & APPLICATIONS catalogue.