Gemstone treatment
Surface Diffusion
Color is concentrated in a very shallow surface layer, strongest along facet junctions, girdle chips, or abrasions. Recut areas may show pale or colorless zones.
01
What to look for
Color is concentrated in a very shallow surface layer, strongest along facet junctions, girdle chips, or abrasions. Recut areas may show pale or colorless zones.
02
What it means
Surface diffusion adds coloring elements near the surface. It is less durable than body color because repolishing or recutting can remove the treated layer.
03
Expert move
Inspect facet edges and chips in immersion. A strong blue rim with a pale interior is suspicious.