GemClear finds non-compliant blue topaz in U.S.

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GemClear finds non-compliant blue topaz in U.S.

October 23, 2008

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Dallas—GemClear has found a batch of blue topaz that is not in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations regarding irradiated gems, the organization announced this week.

According to a release from the Dallas-based testing laboratory, the gems originated from a New York dealer, and GemClear discovered the irradiated stones exceeded the NRC's limit for residual radioactivity during testing in September.

GemClear President Rick Krementz said in a statement that the blue topaz was not dangerous and that its radioactivity would fade over time.

The stones, he said, will be ready for distribution by the end of November; no process or treatment can accelerate the decay rate, only time.

In the meantime, the blue topaz is being withheld from the market.

The scrutiny surrounding irradiated gemstones was stirred up in the summer of 2007, when the NRC informed the jewelry industry that only licensed companies can import and initially distribute irradiated stones in the United States.

At the time of the announcement, no U.S. companies were licensed to do so but, since then, a number of U.S. labs, including GemClear, have secured the proper licensing.

Krementz said many gems in addition to blue topaz can be irradiated, including red and pink tourmaline, kunzite, morganite and golden beryl.

He said since many retailers don't know the precise origins of their irradiated gems, it is important to have them tested to make sure they are NRC-compliant.

"The best way for a retailer to protect their brand and themselves from possible litigation is to make sure they either have their gems tested or have control of the supply chain from the treater to themselves," he said.

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