Birthstones
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How can I judge the value and quality of
a gemstone?
Simply put, the
type of gemstone and colour you select
should be the one you like the most, the
one that will give you the most pleasure
to wear. However, coloured
gemstones are judged by their beauty and
rarity.
The same "four Cs" that establish
quality in diamond are used for coloured
gemstones: cut, carat weight, clarity
and most importantly, colour.
Colour: The more pure and
vivid the colour, the more valuable the
gemstone.
Cut: All gemstones must be
cut well to attain their maximum
potential for beauty. Quality
cutting is what produces the brilliance
and scintillation that captures the eye
of the beholder.
Clarity: Gemstones contain
characteristic inclusions that provide
proof of their natural origin.
Those inclusions should not be so
visible that they detract from the
beauty of the gemstone.
Carat Weight: Obviously,
larger gemstones are more rare. However,
some gemstones, such as Amethyst and
Tourmaline, routinely occur in very
large sizes while others, such as Ruby
and Sapphire, rarely occur in sizes
above 2 to 3 carats. |
How do I clean and care for my coloured
gemstone jewelry?
The first rule for
caring for gemstone jewelry is to treat
it as you would any of your valuable
possessions.
Avoid wearing your gemstone jewelry when
involved in activities that could cause
it damage such as yard work, active
sports and the like. You wouldn't
wear your finest silk dress while
gardening, likewise, there are
inappropriate times to wear your fine
jewelry.
As for cleaning, keep it simple.
The best way to clean your coloured
gemstone jewelry is to use a mild
solution of soap and water.
After letting your jewelry soak, gently
brush your jewelry with a soft brush.
Rinse the jewelry thoroughly, and lay it
on a soft cloth to dry. It is best
to avoid cleaning jewelry in ultrasonic
cleaners, harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Pearls, especially, should be protected
from contact with perfumes, cosmetics
and hairsprays. Store your jewelry
in separate sections of your jewelry box
or in a fabric pouch.
For the best protection, bring your
coloured gemstone jewelry to your
jeweller for regular inspection and
thorough cleaning. |
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