CGA Gemstone Treatments & Enhancements 3

Question 1

Which instrument is most effective for detecting and identifying oil or resin fillers in emerald fractures in a gemological laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

Answer

Chelsea color filter

Answer

Refractometer

Answer

Polariscope

Question 2

Under the FTC Jewelry Guides, a jeweler is required to disclose a gemstone treatment when the treatment:

Accepted Answer

Affects the gem's value, durability, or requires special care

Answer

Was applied more than five years ago

Answer

Is permanent and undetectable

Answer

Was performed outside the United States

Question 3

An oil-filled emerald requires special care instructions for the buyer primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and solvents can remove or damage the filler

Answer

Heat treatment can reverse the color change

Answer

The oil causes the gem to become radioactive over time

Answer

The filling increases brittleness and risk of shattering

Question 4

A CGA appraiser who knowingly fails to disclose a significant gemstone treatment in a written appraisal report is most directly in violation of:

Accepted Answer

USPAP standards and professional ethics requirements

Answer

FTC advertising guidelines only

Answer

IRS reporting requirements

Answer

State gemological licensing laws only

Question 5

GIA's emerald clarity enhancement grading uses which terminology to describe the degree of fracture filling?

Accepted Answer

None, Minor, Moderate, Significant

Answer

Grade 1 through Grade 5

Answer

Untreated, Enhanced, Heavily Enhanced

Answer

Natural, Treated, Synthetic

Question 6

When appraising a ruby described as 'no heat' by the seller, a CGA appraiser should:

Accepted Answer

Recommend laboratory testing and use qualified language pending verification

Answer

Accept the seller's statement and note it as fact in the report

Answer

Ignore treatment status as it does not affect value for rubies

Answer

Refuse to appraise the stone without a lab certificate

Question 7

Which of the following statements about HPHT diamond treatment is accurate for appraisal purposes?

Accepted Answer

HPHT is a permanent treatment that significantly affects market value and must be disclosed

Answer

HPHT treatment is easily reversible and must be re-applied periodically

Answer

HPHT-treated diamonds are considered synthetic by the FTC

Answer

HPHT treatment improves a diamond's hardness, making it more valuable than untreated stones