Disclosure
To the best of my knowledge, I have disclosed the correct treatment/enhancement of my gemstones – however, I am not a gemologist. I have made a conscious effort to purchase from reputable dealers.
Some of the gemstones offered I found, or were given, in raw form. These have been only polished using a rock tumbler – no other treatments have been applied and are recognized as natural by the AGTA and FTC.
For more detailed information, download the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Gemstone Information Manual (PDF-647kb).
You may also review the Federal Trade Commission guidelines for businesses advertising precious and semi-precious stones. Another source of gemstone information is the Gemological Institute of America.
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are altered or treated to improve their appearance and/or durability. Some common treatments include:
- Heating (H): Can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity.
- Irradiation (R): Can add more color to colored diamonds, some other gemstones and pearls.
- Impregnating (I): Uses colorless oils, wax or resins; makes imperfections less visible; can improve a gemstones' clarity and appearance.
- Fracture filling (F): Injecting colorless plastic or glass in the gems to hide cracks or fractures and improve the gemstones' appearance and durability.
- Diffusion treatment (U): Adds color to the surface of colorless gems while the center of the stone remains colorless.
- Dyeing (D): Adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
- Bleaching (B): Lightens and whitens some gems, including jade and pearls.
- Laser-drilling (L): Removes dark inclusions from diamonds, improving the clarity of the stone.
All work guaranteed
If your piece breaks, please return it(with as many pieces as possible), and I will repair or replace it free of charge.
Note: I make a conscious effort to use recycled materials as often as possible as well as made in the U.S.A. The booth I use at festivals is 80% recycled, salvaged or second-hand material. I make a conscious effort to use recycled materials as often as possible as well as made in the U.S.A. The booth I use at festivals is 80% recycled, salvaged or second-hand material. Beads and materials are purchased locally, where available, in support of our area businesses
Metals used: Lead-free pewter, sterling silver, lead-free/nickel-free silver plate and silver-fill wire, pure copper.