Overview
Emeralds are one of the most coveted gemstones known. Since the earliest of times, emeralds have been known to display eye visible fissures. To mask these features, ancient gem purveyors discovered that they could mask the fissures by immersing emeralds in oil - like the effect one would get if they wetted a pebble.
Emerald enhancement was achieved by oiling emeralds in ancient times and the practice of enhancing emeralds is still a widespread practice today. In the early 1900's rape seed oil was used, only to be replaced with linseed oil. Not until 1962 did a new enhancement appear - cedarwood oil.[1]
Emerald enhancement recently involved a series of new enhancements. Each new enhancement was superior. Some enhancements, such as Palma oi[2] (not from palm trees but a synthetic substance that became popular in the 1980's), cedarwood oil and Opticon[3] worked well but discolored or dried out. None of the enhancements could withstand normal cleaning such as steam cleaning or ultrasonic baths.
Emerald enhancements that were unstable could not withstand cleaning and jewelers learned that cleaning emeralds was risky business. Soon jewelers were telling their customers that emeralds were fragile. It is not the emeralds that are fragile but their unstable clarity enhancements.
The ExCel Process[4] is a more recent technological innovation for the clarity enhancement of emerald. ExCel is the only colorless and stable material that was created specifically for the clarity enhancement of emerald and the only one guaranteed not to fade, discolor, deteriorate or dry out. It is also guaranteed to withstand normal wear and tear and can be cleaned with both steam or in ultrasonic baths for life!
Footnotes:
[1]
Cedarwood oil is not entirely natural but laced with synthetic chemicals. It turns a light brown color when exposed to light. It will also dry to a brownish color in time. Cleaning in an ultrasonic bath or with a steam cleaner will remove and destroy it.
[2]
Palma oil is a synthetic resin (also called Resin 828, Araldite 6010 or Epon 828) that turns a white color, thus becoming quite visible in an emerald enhanced with it. It cannot stand cleaning.
[3]
Opticon is also called Resin 224. It is a resin developed by Shell Oil to repair marble floors. It cannot withstand cleaning. There is a hardener available but it expands, placing pressure inside the emerald that may result in breakage. Opticon also comes in colors, including a green. This serves to dye the emerald to a deeper green.
[4]
Emerald enhancement that is colorless, does not dry, change colors or break down when cleaned. It is in its 4th level of development and 5th level of equipment. ExCel is considered by knowledgeable emerald experts to be the best enhancement available.
