Treatments
Our Commitment to Natural, Untreated Gemstones
At StarRuby.in, we are dedicated to offering only 100% natural, unheated, and untreated gemstones. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that the true beauty and value of a gemstone lie in its natural formation, untouched by artificial enhancements.
Strict No-Treatment Policy
We categorically avoid all forms of man-made enhancements, including but not limited to:
- Heat treatment
- Fracture filling
- Diffusion treatments
- Irradiation
- Bleaching
- Dyeing
- Chemical processes
- Glass filling
- Beryllium diffusion
- Surface coatings
- Laser drilling
- Polymer/resin impregnation
- Flux healing
This uncompromising approach ensures our customers receive gemstones in their most authentic and unaltered state.
The Emerald Exception
Emeralds are unique among gemstones due to their natural formation, which often includes surface-reaching fissures. Because of this, emeralds invariably come into contact with oil during their life—particularly during mining, cleaning, cutting, polishing, or storing—where oil is commonly used as a lubricant. Even when not intended as a treatment, oil can seep into the surface-reaching features of emeralds.
As a company policy, we do not intentionally oil emeralds or enhance them with any clarity treatments. However, since incidental contact with oil is nearly unavoidable in the emerald trade, we ensure that any indications of such clarity enhancement are fully disclosed. Every emerald listing on our website includes a clear disclosure of any clarity enhancements under the 'Treatments' section of the description. Additionally, most of our emeralds come with gemological certificates that specify the presence and degree of any oil-related clarity enhancement, if applicable.
Treatment Disclosure for Certain Gemstones
For specific gemstones like aquamarines and Paraiba tourmalines, determining whether heat treatment has been applied can be especially complex. These gems are frequently subjected to low-temperature heating to enhance their color, but similar effects can also occur naturally within the Earth during their formation.
Due to the subtle nature of these transformations and the limitations of even the most advanced testing methods, it is sometimes not possible to conclusively determine whether a gemstone’s color improvement is due to human intervention or natural geologic processes. In such cases—after thorough examination by our gemologists using sophisticated gemological tools—we classify the gemstone’s treatment status as:
Undeterminable – Application of heat currently undetermined (commonly enhanced by heat).
This classification reflects our commitment to transparency, ensuring our customers are clearly informed about all known and possible aspects of the gemstones they purchase.
In-House Gemological Expertise
Our in-house team of experienced gemologists employs advanced gemological tools to meticulously examine each gemstone. Utilizing instruments such as gemological microscopes, refractometers, dichroscopes, UV light sources, specific gravity testing weighing scales, and spectroscopes, we conduct thorough analyses to confirm the natural origin and absence of treatments in our gemstones. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that only gemstones meeting our exacting standards are offered to our customers.
Certification and Authenticity Assurance
Most gemstones we offer are accompanied by certification from esteemed gemological laboratories such as GIA, GRS, or IGI. These certificates provide detailed information about the gemstone's natural origin, authenticity, and any treatments it may have undergone. Our dedication to complete disclosure empowers you to make informed and confident purchasing decisions.
Advantages of Untreated Gemstones
- Stability: Untreated gemstones retain their original color, clarity, and appearance over time, without the risk of fading or degradation.
- Rarity: Natural, untreated gemstones are significantly rarer than their treated counterparts, enhancing their exclusivity and desirability.
- Resale Value: The authenticity and rarity of untreated gemstones often result in higher resale value and greater demand in the market.
- Investment Potential: Due to their enduring appeal and scarcity, untreated gemstones typically appreciate in value over time, making them a prudent investment choice.
- Authenticity and Natural Beauty: These gems are celebrated for their unaltered beauty, offering a genuine connection to the Earth's natural craftsmanship.
- Distinctive Characteristics: Natural inclusions act like a gem’s fingerprint, reinforcing its uniqueness and originality.
- Ethical and Responsible Choice: By avoiding artificial enhancements, untreated gemstones promote a more responsible and transparent gem trade.
At StarRuby.in, we take pride in curating gemstones that honor nature's artistry—free from synthetic interference. Explore our collection to experience the timeless charm and intrinsic value of truly natural gemstones.