Caring for and Cleaning your Gemstone Jewelry

Most gemstones become dull after wearing as residues from your hands, cosmetics and soap build up on them and take away the fire, brilliance and color. If you wear your gemstone jewelry daily then you will need to clean it more often, most gemstones can be cleaned at home with every day cleaning solutions, however some will require an ultra sonic cleaner. If you do not have a small home ultrasonic cleaner you can take your gemstones jewelry to a jeweller who will be able to clean your gemstones for you.

One other important point to remember is if you wear your gemstone jewelry daily you should have your gemstone mounting checked and re-tighten if necessary as gemstones can come loose and fallout.


The following is a list of gemstones, their wear characteristics and how to clean them


Alexandrite
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Alexandrite is rated “excellent” for everyday wear. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Emerald
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Emerald is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Peridot
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Peridot is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.


Amethyst
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Amethyst is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Garnet
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Garnet is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Quartz, Smoky
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Smoky Quartz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Ametrine
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Ametrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of
mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Iolite
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Iolite is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Ruby
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Rubies are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Jade - Nephrite
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Jade is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Sapphire
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Sapphires are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Bloodstone
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Bloodstone is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Lapis
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Lapis is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Tanzanite
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Tanzanite is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Cameo
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Cameos are quite fragile and are not for everyday wear and special care should be taken wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Tiger's Eye
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Tiger’s Eye is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Carnelian
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Carnelian is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Moonstone
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Moonstone is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Topaz, Precious
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Precious Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Chalcedony - Blue and Lavender
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Chalcedony is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Onyx
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Onyx is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Topaz, Blue and White
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Blue and White Topaz is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Chrysoprase
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Chrysoprase is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Opal
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Take care when wearing Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Topaz, Diffused (coated)
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Diffused Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid contact with chemicals. Re-cutting is not
recommended. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Citrine
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Citrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Opal, Mexican Fire
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Take care when wearing Fire Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Tourmaline
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Tourmaline is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.


Coral
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Coral is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Pearl
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Pearls are not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Avoid contact with chemicals, especially perfumes, perspiration and hair sprays. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Turquoise
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Turquoise is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Zircon, Blue
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Blue Zircon is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.


Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in the Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

What is Phenomena in Gemstones and how does it impact value.

Phenomena and Value

Have you ever wondered why some gemstones show different and sometimes dazzling effects (phenomena)?

These gemstones, and there are many of them, show phenomena as light interacts with their structure, Opal, Moonstone, Alexandrite, Star Sapphire and Ruby are just a few. These spectacular gemstones phenomena colors seem to dance both on the outside and inside of the gemstone basic color. It is fair to say that the stronger the phenomena the more valuable the gemstone is.

Lets take a look at five of the more common gemstones with Phenomena

Opal

This gemstone is known for its play-of-color, so what is play of color, it can be described as a shifting flash of rainbow colors. Most gemstones are crystals but Opal is made up of spheres of Silica, the size of the spheres, their alignment and the way light interacts with them provides the shifting color the eyes see.

The value of an Opal is dependant on the color and the strength of play-of-color, today the most prized and valuable Opals have a black body color, with large and distinct patches of many bright and intense colors that are called Harlequin. The more common Opal sold today in jewelry stores is the White Opal, it's cost is lower and you still see this play-of-color although it lacks the intensity of the black opal with a Harlequin patchwork of bright colors.

Moonstone

This gemstone will show a Phenomena called Adularescence, and can best be described as billowing color that is different from the body color and seems to float across the moonstone. It is a very striking effect. Moonstone is the only natural gemstone to display adularescence and relatively inexpensive, the next time you are looking for an interesting gemstone take a look at this phenomena in this gemstone

Value is based on the body color, which should be light blue with a bright blue adularescence, this is followed in value by a white body color with a blue adularescence, and finally by Moonstone with either a grey or white body color.

Alexandrite

This gemstone is know for its dramatic color change, which depending on the change in light, can change the color of the gemstone from green to brown, blue to red, and many other combinations. While there are other natural gemstones that have color change such as Garnet, Sapphire, Ruby, Spinel, this gemstone has come to be known for its dramatic changes and you will sometimes hear the term “alexandrite effect”

The more valuable color change Alexandrite will change colors from green to a purplish red with a medium saturation in both hues. If you want a color change gemstone and don’t want to pay the prices that Alexandrite command look at a color change garnet, its relatively inexpensive and provides a distinct color change for you to see and admire.

Star Ruby, Star Sapphire

Some gemstones have a phenomena call asterism, which produces a star on the face of the gemstone when the light hits the surface. There are quite a few gemstones with Asterism but you will probably hear more about Star Sapphires and Rubies. Most Gemstones with asterism will either show a 4 or 6 ray star this is due to the crystal structure of the gemstone.

Value is determined by the quality of the star rays as they should be straight and reach all the way across the gemstone. Most Gemstones with Asterism are cut as cabochons with high domes to distinctly show the star. Star Ruby, Sapphire and Garnets are the most expensive, but if you are looking at something less costly look at the Black Star Sapphires.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Buying Jewelry for that Special Person in your Life

Buying Jewelry for that Special Person in your Life.


You don’t know what to buy and where to start, but you do know it has to be something special for that someone special in your life. Most times the confusion comes from not knowing some of the basics about the person you are buying for.

1. To give a gift of jewelry that they will always remember you need to know what they like and more importantly what they don’t like. If the gift is for a special occasion then see what is traditionally given at that time, and ask yourself if your special person would really like that. If her birthday is in July but she does not like red then don’t buy her the birthstone for July, which is Ruby. Maybe a jewelry setting with another color of gemstone or even a diamond would be a wiser decision

2. Will she want to wear it every day, if yes then make it practical, buying an expensive Gemstone or Diamond Ring with a delicate or high mounting is not a good idea, as it can get caught or knocked and damaged.

3. Knowing what colours she likes to wear can help you in deciding what color of gemstone would match her wardrobe, especially if its earrings or a necklace. Know her skin tone or dominant make up color as different colors of gold look better on different skin tones or make-up colours.

4. You will need to know the size of her finger if you are purchasing it as a surprise present. If you can “borrow” one of the rings she wears, you can take it to a jeweller who will be able to tell you the size. This way when you purchase your ring you can make sure it will fit correctly and she can wear it immediately.

5. If your special person has thin fingers then buy her a wider setting or smaller gemstone, as larger gemstones on thin settings will have tendency to twist and turn. If you are set on a larger stone then have the jeweller modify the ring with the addition of 2 small spheres of gold soldered at 8 and 4 o’clock on the inside of ring shank. This will allow the ring to slip over the knuckle but provide a tighter fit around the finger keeping the gemstone on top for everyone to see.

6. Earrings are an excellent choice, but it is important to know if she has pierced ears or prefers clip-on mountings. Does she like long dangly earrings or does she prefer studs.

The following information will help you with special occasions and what is tradionally purchased, but the most important thing to remember is her tastes in jewellery and color. Buying her a Sapphire Ring instead of a Ruby Ring on her birthday in December because she does not like red, is the right thing to do…………….tradition has its role but should not be the ultimate decision.

Month__________________Birthstones

January_________________Garnet
February________________ Amethyst
March__________________ Bloodstone, Aquamarine
April___________________ Diamond
May___________________ Emerald
June___________________ Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
July____________________Ruby
August__________________Peridot, Sardonyx
September_______________Sapphire
October_________________Opal, Pink Tourmaline
November_______________ Topaz, Citrine
December________________Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite


Anniversary Year_________GemStone

1st_____________________Peridot
2nd____________________Red Garnet
3rd____________________Jade, Pearl
4th____________________Blue Zircon, Topaz, Amethyst
5th____________________Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire
6th____________________Turquoise, Amethyst
7th____________________Yellow Sapphire
8th____________________Tanzanite, Tourmaline
9th____________________Amethyst, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye
10th___________________Blue Sapphire
11th___________________Citrine, Turquoise
12th___________________Opal, Jade
13th___________________Moonstone, Citrine
14th___________________Agate, Opal
15th___________________Rhodolite Garnet, Ruby
16th___________________Red Spinel, Peridot, Aquamarine
17th___________________Carnelian
18th___________________Aquamarine, Opal
19th___________________Garnet, Topaz, Aquamarine
20th___________________Yellow Diamond, Emerald
25th___________________Tsavorite Garnet
30th___________________Pearl
35th___________________Emerald, Coral
40th___________________Ruby
45th___________________Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, Sapphire
50th___________________Imperial Topaz
55th___________________Alexandrite, Emerald
60th___________________Star Ruby
65th___________________Blue Spinel
70th___________________Smoky Quartz
75th___________________Diamond


Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Real Estate and the Jewelry Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Buying Gemstones or Jewelry On-Line, Great Deals or Buyer Beware

Today as more customers are looking at making purchases on-line and as this trend continues to grow we are seeing many customers who are pleased with their decision and some that are not. One of the larger on-line growth segments has been in the jewelry and gemstone market, with excellent opportunities to purchase items at heavy discounts when compared to regular retail stores.

I believe there is room for both and we are now seeing more traditional stores open their own web presence to promote the items in their stores, or from their on-line catalogues. This has resulted in a significant reduction in prices of items like diamonds where consumers have traditionally paid a full retail price.

The challenge for most consumers today is to make sure they are truly receiving what they paid for, as most consumers do not have the knowledge or equipment to be able test stones and gold, to make sure what is advertised is what is received.

Some of the on-line jewelry & gemstone websites have trained staff that are Graduate Gemologists and have reputations to protect, which in turn offers the consumer stronger protection. Suppliers also have a role to play in making sure that the sales channel is receiving their goods as advertised, sometimes reputable resellers purchase gemstones lots, and either do not have the time or take the time to check out what they are receiving is what they advertise. They in turn can inadvertently sell consumers Quartz for Topaz, or synthetic for natural gemstones etc.

So how do you as a consumer protect yourself when purchasing gemstones or jewelry on-line? Here are my Top 10 Tips

1. If you are looking for jewelry or gemstone items of high value then try to make sure that they come with a Grading and Appraisal Certificate
2. Check that the seller has knowledgeable staff on-site that are Graduate Gemologists
3. Check to see if there are customer testimonials or Customer Feedback, something companies like eBay do very well
4. Make sure they have a money back guarantee policy for returning items
5. If you are purchasing Diamonds and want to know how to, then go to http://www.howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/menu.htm. Gemological institute of American is a non-profit organization that is recognised worldwide in diamond appraisal and grading, but also developed most of the grading systems used today. If you are purchasing Gemstones and want to know how to then go to http://www.howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/menu.htm. Gemological Institute of American is a non-profit organization that is recognised worldwide in gemstone appraisal and grading.
6. Make sure that they offer a secure payment system either on their site or preferably at sites like PayPal, etc. and use your credit card if possible, as you can always work with the credit card companies on getting their help for a refund if you cannot get satisfaction from the seller
7. Make sure that the item description and grading is clearly marked on the sales receipt.
8. Ask about any treatments that the gemstone has had; also make sure you are purchasing solid gold and not gold plating.
9. Word of mouth, Listen to your friends who had excellent experiences with an on-line jewelry or gemstone store.
10. If you purchase jewelry or gemstones on line and do not think that you have received what you paid for, take it to an independent appraiser, many can be found in the Yellow-Pages or on-line. Do not take it to a local jeweller unless they have a resident Graduate Gemologist, as sellers will generally not take items back that have been appraised by a jeweller who is not a Gemologist.

The old saying of “if it’s too good to be true it usually isn’t” still holds credence for Web purchases.

Purchasing on-line is safe if you take a small amount of time to educate yourself on what you are buying, so that you know the questions to ask, and know who you are buying from. Reputable sellers will take time to answer your questions and e-mails and will not push you into a sale, plus they will offer you a full refund money back guarantee.


Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Real Estate and the Jewelry Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.