Consumer Alert: Andesine

[YourGemologist]

Press Release


Contact: Robert James FGA, GG

Phone: (210) 877.5816
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 A.M. CDT, June 4, 2008

ISG Issues Consumer Alert: Andesine-labradorite
San Antonio , TX , June 4, 2008: The International School of Gemology has issued a consumer alert regarding the so called “andesine labradorite” being sold by many jewelry shopping channels and internet websites. In a collaborative effort with several important industry experts, the ISG has found both the red and green variety of this material to exhibit diagnostic evidence of artificial color enhancement. At issue is the proper disclosure of gemstone treatments as required by the United Stated Federal Trade Commission under CFR Title 16, Section 23.22.

We urge consumers to be aware that these “andesine-labradorite” gemstones have exhibited diagnostic evidence of artificial color enhancement as presented in our weekly newsletters. Without proper disclosure, this treatment could have a significantly negative impact on the actual values of the stones as compared to the values being claimed by the sellers. The origin of the gemstones in question includes, but is not limited to, Mongolia, Tibet, Mexico, and the Congo.

In their offering of this “andesine labradorite”, one major television shopping channel made claims that their gemstones had been verified by up to nine major laboratories and universities as being totally natural and untreated. However, in a written statement to the ISG, the co-founder of this shopping channel admitted knowledge of “bulk treatments” of the “yellow rough” being done to the material, and admitted that he does not know the actual type of treatment being done.

This consumer alert does not extend to the natural Oregon Labradorite Sunstone from the various mines in Oregon. The ISG has tested both rough and faceted gemstones from the various Oregon mines.

The research on this consumer alert has been a collaborative effort by the ISG, StoneGroup Labs(Raman Spectroscopy), Enwave Optronics(Raman Spectroscopy), JewelCutter.com, GemArtGallery.com, and Gemn’I.com, along with collaborating materials provided through JewelCutter.com by the Japan Germany Gemological Lab and the German Gemological Association and scores of concerned consumers including a consumer group known as the JTV Junkies.


For further information please contact that International School of Gemology at www.SchoolofGemology.com.



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