|
|
#1
09-01-2009, 16:06
|
||||
|
||||
Heavy Metal Diffusion Part I
To receive the whole story from our Tucson Seminar please use these links: http://www.schoolofgemology.com/Diffusion1/SectionOne.pdf  9 January 2009 The Diffusion of Heavy Metals into Gemstones! Part I of III that will lead up to the ISG at Tucson 2009 Seminar! Who would have guessed that a bunch of frustrated consumers would be the catalyst to uncovering one of the biggest secrets in the history of this industry? Well, that has happened, and this edition is the beginning of our report on the Diffusion of Heavy Metals into Gemstones. Over the past year we have overcome a great deal of gemstone industry push back. Can I call it simply push back? Yes, I think we will leave it at that. Push back sounds much better than anything else we can come up with right now. But there are many in the industry, particularly wholesale gemstone dealers, who would have liked it better if this secret had remained a secret. What is most astounding about this entire situation is that no one really knows how long it has existed. Well, somebody knows but they are obviously not saying, but a long time. Years. Maybe decades. We have found US Patent applications dating back to the late 1990s for diffusion of cobalt, copper, and other metals into gemstones including but not limited to diamond, tourmaline, topaz, garnet, and a variety of other gemstones. Here are a few for review in case anyone doubts the concept of heavy metal diffusion of gemstones.  US Patent and/or Applications: 7,033,640, 5,888,918, 6,527,854, 20020128145 To review these documents use this link: US Patent Search  When the andesine situation landed at our door we anticipated a quick end to the situation. That was not to be. Instead we have collected over 100 specimens of andesine and related feldspars for study, and proved that these are in fact diffusion treated with copper and iron. While that matter appeared to be over we recently heard rumors that DSN may be attempting to keep the issue open in regards to the class action law suit filed against them. More on that as the situation develops.Here is the status of the remainder of our investigations including the gemstones and the status of the study.  Tourmaline Specimens: Over 2,000 including rough, crystals and faceted gemstones. We have purchased study specimens from over 100 dealers in several countries including Nigeria, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, United States, and others. Tests: All basic gemological tests. X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, Raman, Spectrometer, SIMS, LA-ICP-MS, SEM, with additional testing underway at this writing. Status: We have verified the diffusion of heavy metals. We have not only identified the processes, we have confirmed methods of identification of diffused pink tourmaline that can be performed by local home town jewelers. We will cover this topic in Part II of this report. The above image only shows a small percentage of the study group. And this study should prove to the Lab Manual Harmonization Committee that they need to re-think their approval the use of the name "Paraiba".  Imperial TopazSpecimens: Over 175 crystals, rough and faceted gemstones. Tests: All basic gemological tests, Raman, Spectrometer. Status: Based on information gathered from the feldspar and tourmaline studies, we have verified the diffusion of heavy metals. Advanced testing using SEM, LA-ICP-MS, XRF to follow to further confirm our initial findings. The above image only shows a small percentage of the study group.  Tsavorite GarnetSpecimens: Over 275 crystals, rough and faceted gemstones. Tests: All basic gemological tests, Raman, Spectrometer. Status: Initial confirmation of diffusion of Merelani type grossular with chromium. We have also found a good amount of Nigerian demantoid being sold as tsavorite garnet by many dealers. We will have more on this as our studies and confirmation testing continues. The above image only shows a small percentage of the study group.  All in all we have made well over 300 individual gemstone and gemstone parcel purchases from over 135 dealers world wide. In addition we have obtained control specimens direct from the mine operators in Paraiba and Minas Gerias Brazil, Pakistan, and Nigeria. This investigation has now cost over $38,500.00 with additional testing needing to be done.  The ISG will continue in this effort to get consumers the correct answers to their questions, and to assist the home town independent jewelers in being able to compete on a level playing field with the television shopping channels and internet sellers. All of us at the ISG want the industry to be aware of our position on this issue: We believe that the diffusion of heavy metals into gemstones is an important and viable scientific advancement in the colored gemstone industry. Certainly for the future of our industry, we will need greater and greater supplies of colored gemstones of all varieties in order to maintain the market demand. But we must temper our zeal of science with proper disclosure in order to maintain consumer confidence in our industry. The diffusion of heavy metals into gemstones is no longer a secret. So those of you out there worried about the secret being revealed…..that part is over. Now comes the part of learning how the industry is going to deal with it. We say disclose it, and sell it. I have seen absolutely beautiful gemstones being produced from dogged out looking rough that would not otherwise be salable. So let’s embrace this treatment, learn how to identify it, and create an even greater market with it. Part II coming next week. Robert James FGA, GG President, International School of Gemology BANNER: Mozambique Pink "Paraiba" Tourmaline, Imperial Topaz, Andesine, Tsavorite Garnet, Mozambique "Paraiba" Tourmaline. All from the ISG study group. Send us your thoughts, suggestions, and responses to: ©2008 International School of Gemology . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED All images are taken using the ISG Student Reference Collection of gemstones in the ISG office. We do urge and support sharing of this information in its entirety, with copyright notices intact, to others who are interested in the study of gemology. Jeweler’s Associations are welcome to distribute to your members. </SPAN>     Visit the ISG Website Take a 10 minute video tour of the Last edited by YourGemologist; 20-03-2009 at 17:44.. 
|
|
#2
12-01-2009, 02:36
|
||||
|
||||
2009 It List predictions . . .
“Higher Values For Natural Colored Gemstones. The gap between easily affordable gemstones and increasingly rare natural-color gemstones will widen as enhancements like gamma irradiation and diffusion treatments become even more commonplace, spurred by the need for more gem materials to fill the accessories desires of the fashionable. What this means for jewelers: Gemstone inventory may be more difficult and expensive to replace. Restock when you have the opportunity.
Gem Labs Under Pressure. With treatment laboratories outside the United States heating or irradiating every known gem material, watch for growing frustration among gem suppliers and retailers over the lack of important disclosure information. Gem grading and identification laboratories will find themselves even more understaffed and ill equipped to handle the unknown. The time and effort—and thousands of dollars invested—to identify treatments on relatively inexpensive gem materials may seem like a poor use of resources. What this means for jewelers: Disclose as much as possible, but do not guarantee a lab’s or supplier’s opinion.” (JCK, Jan 2009, p.73)
|
|
#3
12-01-2009, 16:53
|
||||
|
||||
|
They need more Old Geezers.
After about $12,000.00 worth of advanced testing, we are learning how to ID these treatments using basic tests. I will present this at the Tucson show, and in a book we are preparing for the industry. And that guy in the cowboy boots and Dallas Cowboy t-shirt you will see hitch hiking down IH10 toward Tucson, stop and give him a ride. That will be me. After paying for all of these tests we are just about to the point of having to walk to Tucson.  Robert
|
|
#4
13-01-2009, 15:10
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Quote:
Tucson  
|
|
#5
13-01-2009, 17:22
|
||||
|
||||
|
If you remember that "smoking gun" image we got on andesine....
wait until you see the "smoking Gatlin gun" we have on this tourmaline. We now have so much material that the touch part is trying to organize it. And........I am the last person we need organizing things.  Robert
|
|
#6
14-01-2009, 09:27
|
||||
|
||||
When will the tourmaline info come out???? I have some gorgeous pink tourmaline I'd like to put up for sale, but not without full disclosure. It was sold to me as unheated and untreated, and not as "paraiba". I trust my source, but he could have been misled. I'm waiting on pins and needles!! (And that's not comfortable!
 )
__________________
www.houseofellisjewelry.com
|
 |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
|
|
Linear Mode
