Why is gemstone testing necessary? These days, many objects produced by nature may be reproduced by man. Some of these simply look the same – a cubic zirconia, for instance, looks similar to a real diamond – but other objects display identical chemical compositions and physical properties to those of their natural counterparts, such as man-made CVD (chemical vapour deposition) diamonds. That is why it is so important to test for identity and authenticity.
Of equal importance is whether or not a stone has been changed from its natural state, for example by using chemical treatment to enhance its colour or other characteristics. Modern gemstone treatments are becoming more and more sophisticated and subtle, and thus increasingly difficult to detect. The average lay person will not be familiar with these treatments, so it is our responsibility to stay on top of these trends, keep our clients informed and test their gemstones accordingly so they may have confidence in their jewel.
