Gem Treatment Process – Mandi Collection

Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements

Throughout history, gems have been admired for their beauty and grace. But have you ever wondered what transformation must have taken place before these miraculous gifts of nature are ready to purchase?

step 01 - heating

A specialist prepares the heating mechanism for the oven.

Heating helps to enrich the color and improve the clarity and brightness of gemstones, and is the most common treatment used when processing Rubies and Sapphires. Heat treatment is generally performed before selecting the rough for further processing. Some of the most extraordinary gemstone colors available can only be obtained through utilizing heat treatment.

Interestingly, in some precious and semi-precious colored gemstones there is no variation between the value of heated and unheated material. In fact, heating may even increase a gems value. For example, when greenish brown Zoisite is heated to 600 degrees Celsius, an incredible metamorphosis takes place. Vibrant violet blue Tanzanite is created, commanding a far higher market price.

When purchasing high quality Rubies and Sapphires, please be aware that unheated material is almost non-existent, as a result, always purchase from a reliable supplier who guarantees their gemstones or have the seller’s claim verified by a qualified expert.

Step 2 - Rough Selection

A selector carefully examines the Blue Sapphire rough.

Selecting the rough material before cutting is one of the most important stages in the processing of gemstones. It requires tremendous experience and expertise. Mistakes during selection are not tolerated as this step has a direct effect on the outcome of the finished product (i.e. carat weight, quality etc.).

The rough selector’s duty is to separate rough gemstones into two groups; those that require further cutting and those that can be preformed. The clarity of the rough is carefully inspected using a special light source to determine whether it is necessary to cut the rough into two, three or more pieces to obtain the best clarity.

Step 3 - Sliding

A slider examines the rough before applying to the sliding blade.

Sliding, also referred to as cutting, is one of the most crucial stages (if not the most crucial) in the processing of gemstones, as it will ultimately determine the size and color of the finished product.

Once the rough is selected, the gem slider will determine how to cut, where to cut, and how many pieces to cut, in order to produce the highest yield percentage. If the rough is cut incorrectly its color maybe diminished, relegating an exceptional gem to the ordinary.

Step 4 - Preforming

A preformer slowly shapes the rough into beautifully shaped stones.

Once the rough has been carefully cut, performing commences. This process requires tremendous experience and concentration. Preformers carry a great responsibility, as they must determine the most suitable shape for each gemstone.

Preformers always bear in mind the weight of the finished product, as they are also responsible for trying to maintain each gem’s weight during the process. In many cases, a qualified selector also assists in determining the shape of a gemstone during the preforming process.

Step 5 - Shaping

A shaper gently places the gemstone onto a wooden stick.

The next stage is called shaping. While not all of the preformed gems go through this process, many are shaped to obtain a more accurate presentation and size. The shaper uses a special type of wax to affix the preformed gemstone onto a wooden stick. The shaper then delicately applies the gemstone to the shaping wheel.

Due to the immense precision required by this process, the shaper is usually a very experienced preformer.

Step 6 - Polishing

A gemstone is placed on the polishing wheel to gently bring out its luster.

The final step in the processing of gemstones is known as polishing. Once gemstones have reached their ideal sizes and shapes, they are taken to the polishing factory where the polisher gives them the final touch, bringing forth their hidden luster.

Step 7 - Clarity & Quality Selection

Sapphires being thoroughly examined by a qualified gemologist to ensure that only the most beautiful gemstones are selected.

Before reaching the storefront, qualified gemologists carefully examine each gem, separating them according to their Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight.

With your satisfaction as our highest priority, Thaigem.com places tremendous effort in ensuring that only the highest quality gems reach our customers.