|
Birthstones
|
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. |
|
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December