The appeal of gemstones, in large part, is due to their rarity. Historically, these eye dazzling beauties were the result of several of nature’s elements coming together perfectly to produce their rare color.
Today, many of the stones we see in jewelry stores are not the result of nature, but rather the result of enhancing techniques that are used to produce color. While these processes produce some beautiful results, they take away a bit of the mystery and magic of these precious jewels.
Recent controversy over undisclosed treatments has had a negative impact on the the value of some colored stones. While there is nothing wrong with a treated or enhanced stone, the skepticism has risen out of this fact not being disclosed.
If someone wants a rare gem, it is fair to expect that they would want to know whether or not the stone has been treated. As in anything, people don’t want to pay for a rarity of nature when what they are getting is something produced in a lab.
Even if you are not solely in the market for a rare gem, you might like to have an untreated stone. For a selection of dazzling “naked” stones, visit Out of Our Mines, where you can find all of the colored gems pictured.
One thing to remember is that regardless of whether the jewels you wear are natural or enhanced, colored gemstones are a wonderful way to show your “dazzling” personal style
