Filler Identification
What is in the fissures — the question behind every clarity enhanced gem's grade, answered before it becomes a pricing problem.
Two gemstones can carry the same grade on paper and behave very differently in the hand. What separates them is usually the filler — what substance occupies the fissures, how much of it there is, and how it will age. Filler identification answers that question before it becomes a pricing problem.
Clarity-enhanced gemstones are not all equal. We determine whether a stone carries traditional oils, a modern artificial resin, a hybrid of the two, or residue left behind by an earlier cleaning. This information is essential for accurate valuation, proper care, and confident acquisition. That distinction governs value, reversibility, and how a third party lab is likely to word the report.
What's included
Microscopic examination
Stereo microscopy across every surface-reaching fissure, with photographic documentation of fill patterns, flash effects, and any drying or shrinkage in older treatments.
Spectroscopic analysis
FTIR spectroscopy to separate natural oils from artificial resins, with Raman or UV fluorescence where the signature is ambiguous.
Filler type assessment
An independent read of what filler is present — ranging from traditional oils that are not resin based, modern artificial resin, a mix of both or residue
Verbal result
A plain-language verbal result naming the filler
The process
Four stages, 12 to 24 hours
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01
Submission
The stone arrives by insured courier, or is examined in person at our Central office. We photograph it on arrival and confirm receipt the same day.
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02
Examination
Microscopy first, spectroscopy second. Where the two disagree — which happens with layered or partially removed treatments — we widen the testing rather than round the answer.
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03
Verbal result
A verbal result naming the type of filler is present.
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04
Next steps
If removal or re-enhancement is requested, we quote it before any work begins. Identification never obliges you to proceed.
Frequently asked
Can't the lab report already tell me this?
A report usually states the degree of clarity enhancement, insignificant, minor or moderate etc. What they rarely describe is the type of that filler — what has been used to enhance the stone.
Is the stone at any risk during identification?
No. Identification is non-destructive throughout. Microscopy and spectroscopy read the stone without altering it; nothing is cleaned, removed or applied unless you separately instruct us to.
Do you identify fillers in stones other than emerald?
Yes. The same protocol applies to any fracture-filled coloured stone, including lead-glass composite rubies — where identification is the difference between a fine stone and a manufactured product.