The trade makes a distinction between enhancing a gemstone and treating a gemstone. Enhancements replicate what can naturally happen to an unearthed gemstone. For example, heat can naturally change the color of a gemstone and is permanent.

Treatments are man-made methods for enhancing a gemstone. Oiling a gemstone’s inclusions to improve the clarity is one example. This is not permanent. Before purchasing a gemstone, consumers should confirm if and what treatments were used on a gemstone. This could affect how a customer can wear their jewelry. For example, oiled Emeralds should not be frequently worn while washing the dishes since the oil and waxes could be washed off.