Jewelry Blog

The American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) have discovered a surface treatment for tanzanites to improve their color. It was discovered after a light repolishing of the stones resulted in a noticeable loss of color.

The treatment is not permanent and is not immediately obvious when examined. Testing pointed to cobalt in the coating which is easily detected using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy Lore Keifert, director of AGTA-GTC said. Additional evidence showed in abrasions, or scratches, and the facet junctions and culet where the coating had been worn off.

While heat treating for color has been around for years for tanzanite, this newly discovered treatment seemed to focus on smaller, calibrated, gems that are not normally tested due to their size and relative value.

David Goldstein, investigative reporter from CBS2.com, has been writing about DSN and presenting allegations of improprieties.

A former host stated, “I was instructed to lie.”, “I was instructed to fake phone calls.” Even fake auction bids. DSN has claimed that these reports are from a disgruntled former employee, but Mr. Goldstein claims otherwise.

Add these reports to the recent firings at JTV, and reports coming from independent gemologists that some Labrodite being sold as natural was actually treated, and we could be seeing a long series of investigations and charges being leveled at an industry that may not bear up against much scrutiny.

http://cbs2.com/goldstein/Direct.Shopping.Network.2.725487.html

http://cbs2.com/goldstein/Direct.Shopping.Network.2.730018.html

Jewelry Television, the on-air jewelry retailer, is cutting more than 200 jobs across its operation.

In their headquarters they will be losing 150 jobs, and 65 jobs from their sister network Shop at Home which ceased broadcasting in March.

The staff reduction is blamed on current economic trends.