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A
gemstone is a mineral, rock (such in the case of lapis lazuli), or
petrified material that when cut or faceted and polished is collectible
or can be used in jewelry. Others are organic (such as amber, which is
fossilised tree resin, and jet, a form of coal). Some gemstones which
may be generally considered precious or beautiful are too soft or too
fragile to be used in jewelry (for example, single-crystal
rhodochrosite) but are exhibited in museums and are sought by
collectors.
The proper care of gemstones is very important.
Because of the composition of gemstones each one is very different in
hardness, toughness, reaction to heat, light, acids, cleaners, etc.
Gemstones can absorb chemicals which can change their color, a hard
brush used for cleaning can scratch the surface, and some gemstones are
even prone to lose their brilliant color when exposed to direct
sunlight for long periods of time (Kunzite - lavendar color). Taking
care of your gemstone is a very important task and home maintanence is
fairly easy once you know your stone. Purchasing a commercial jewelry
cleaner is for the most part safe. A few stones to be careful with are:
Pearl, Emerald, and Amber. The ammonia and or chemicals in the
commercial cleaners can damage sensitive gems.
Gemstones are
durable substances, still, they do need some care. Follow a few general
rules and they'll last for generations still looking brand new.
Keep your jewelry
clean! Rings in particular
tend to collect dirt behind the stone, especially if you wear them on a
regular basis. You can clean transparent gemstones by simply soaking
them in water with a touch of soap. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the
stone.
Even the hardest
gemstone variety can be
vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal
structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer
gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous activity.
Even the hardest
gemstones like Diamonds,
Rubies and Sapphires can shatter with a single well-placed blow
especially if they have inclusions, which weaken the crystal structure.
Think twice before
putting gems in an
ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires will be fine but
many other gems may not be: when in doubt, leave it out. Diamonds,
rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with
a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra sparkle.
Never use an
ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia
for cleaning such opaque gemstones like lapis, turquoise, malachite or
onyx. They should be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These
gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, which may
build up inside the stone and discolor it.
The reason why
these materials need more care
than transparent gemstones is that these materials are essentially
rocks, not crystals of a single mineral. Think about it: when you put a
rock in water, it absorbs the water and is moist all the way through. A
single crystal gem like sapphire will not absorb water: all the
molecules are lined up so tightly in the crystal that there is no room
for water to enter.
Opals also require
special care. Never use an
ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light which
can dry out the water in opals.
Organic gems like
pearls, coral, and amber
should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Due to their organic
nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals
in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls
in particular.
Store each piece of
gemstone jewelry
separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost
every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can
scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your
jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.
Visit Amore Jewellery
on Oztion for fine quality
genuine gold and sliver jewellery.
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