Jewelry 101   

FAST FACTS

1. Although diamonds are the hardest known substance, a blow of sufficient force can crack, chip or even break a diamond. Avoid sharp blows and don't wear fine jewelry when doing housework, gardening, playing sports, etc.

2. It is not recommended to immerse emeralds in cleaning solutions (never wear your emeralds in the bath, shower or when doing dishes) and ultrasonic cleaners should never be used. Since treatment is not permanent, it is recommended to have emeralds professionally re-oiled every 1 to 2 years.

3. Wipe pearls gently with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wearing. Although they are best maintained by professional cleaning, mild soap and water may be used. Dry on a soft, absorbent surface, and never hang to dry. Store separately from other jewelry. Do not wear while applying makeup, hair spray and perfumes.

4. Apply a thin film of light oil with a swab or cloth to the surface of opals at 6-month intervals to provide an extra measure of protection against dryness and cracking. Never soak them! 

5. Gold is very soft in its pure form. For example, 24k (pure gold) is softer and less scratch-resistant than 14k and 10k gold. As with all metals, do not wear gold jewelry in swimming pools because the chlorine may cause damage over a period of time.

6. Some of the most famous rubies ever recorded include a 98- and 74-carat pair, a 400-carat rough that was later cut to produce a 70-carat finished jewel, a 45-carat gem said to have sold in Mandalay and a 20-carat jewel sold in Calcutta. 

7. It is very difficult to scratch a sapphire, which is harder than any other gem ( 9 on the Mohs scale) except a diamond. Synthetic sapphire is used for scratch-resistant instruments, optical scanners, watch crystals, etc, because of its durability.

8. Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. 

9. The Hope Diamond is the most famous diamond in the world, but not anywhere near the largest. It's not even the largest blue diamond. Nor is it flawless. The stone was graded by GIA in 1988 as being VS1 in clarity. The largest blue diamond is a 51.84-carat blue round brilliant once handled by Harry Winston Inc. and whose current whereabouts are unknown. The largest faceted diamond in the world, period, is the 545-carat Golden Jubilee.

10. Know why the engagement ring and wedding band worn on the fourth finger of the left hand? Because the Ancient Greeks believed that the fourth finger of the left hand contains a certain vein, the vena amoris, which leads directly to one’s heart.

11. Did you know that...

    • In their pure state, diamonds are colorless.
    • Blue and pink are the rarest colored diamonds.
    • Yellow and brown are the most common colored diamonds.

Courtesy the Gemological Institute of America