What is defined as a treatment in gemstones?

The definition of treatment in gemstones encompasses any human-controlled process aimed at enhancing a gemstone's appearance, durability, or value. This broad definition highlights that treatments can involve various techniques, such as enhancing color or clarity, or making the gem more durable, thereby increasing its market value.

Treatments can range from simple enhancements, like applying oils or resins to fill in surface-reaching fissures, to more complex processes like laser drilling or heat treatment. Understanding this definition is crucial for gemologists and buyers alike, as it emphasizes the importance of transparency regarding any alterations made to natural stones, which can significantly affect desirability and valuation in the market.

The context of other options illustrates that simply increasing the size of a gem or cleaning and polishing does not encapsulate the broader scope of what constitutes a treatment. Additionally, defining a treatment as a natural phenomenon during the gemstone's formation does not align with the idea of human involvement, which is critical to the definition of treatment in this context.