Caring for Your Gems
Our guidelines will help to protect your gems from discoloration and chipping.
Gems have different Hardnesss on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sapphire’s hardness is 9 and Quartz (Amethysts, Citrines, Agates) is 7. If gems of different hardness are placed together, the harder gems will scrape or chip the the gems with a lower hardness. It is important to keep them separate.
Some gems have a property termed “Cleavage”.If the gem is subject to pressure like a fall or rubbing against each other or another gem, they can chip easily despite their hardness, for example, Diamonds and Topazes. They ” Fracture” in certain directions.
To enhance the color, gemstones are subjected to irradiation (White topaz changed to blue). It is best not to expose these gems to direct heat as they often undergo an unpleasant color change.
Pearls and corals are not categorized as gems but are considered” Fine” Gem Material. They are organic and have a very low hardness. To preserve them, occasionally wash with lukewarm soapy water, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. They must not be exposed to direct light.
To further protect them, keep them in soft cotton bags and not plastic ones.
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