The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) issued a joint statement earlier this week.
The statement highlighted growing reports of colour gemstones sourced from Sri Lanka, which are believed to be treated using undisclosed radiation sources.
These treatments produce appealing but short-lived colours in gemstones. When the gemstones begin to fade – sometimes diminishing to close to white – consumers are unhappy, and the blame is often attributed to jewellery retailers.
“More recently, AGTA highlighted the issue in an ‘Important Notice,’ raising the concerns in the United States, where it is reported that many dealers have been forced to stop purchasing from Sri Lankan merchants yellow, peach and padparadscha sapphires, as well as rubies, because of concerns about their colour stability,” the statement reads.
“A significant number of these gemstones are reportedly unstable, with the colours fading to almost white or light pink tones, or, in the case of irradiated rubies, turning dark red over time. AGTA also reported that vendors may be using radiation from various sources to create the temporary, undisclosed treatments.”
The statement noted a positive initial response from the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), indicating efforts would be made to address this trend within the local trade.
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