Colour should be the origin of the graving for a gemstone. Be sure of good choices by knowing your colours or the colours of the person to receive a gift of a precious gemstone. Most birthstone charts or anniversary stones are of an arbitrary and commercially driven nature, therefore seldom suit the recipient. Myths of bad luck opals or pearls bringing tears are only personal experiences and not fact. Follow your eye, heart, and budget when buying a stone.

The Creation and Care of Gemstone Jewellery

The ornamentation of the human body has excited the creative interest of Jewellery makers and designers since the first stirrings of Civilization . Feathers, tusks, antlers, and shells which were cut, carved and pierces are the oldest evidence of such ornaments. Our present day precious gemstones evolved from glassy pebbles which were cleaned and polished to reflect the sun's splendour! Gemstones are merely mineral fragments. Diamonds (carbon), Ruby & Sapphire (aluminum oxide) Emerald (beryllium aluminum silicate) Topaz (aluminosilicate) Tourmaline (borosilicate). All other gems are a compound of earth's elements brought together under heat and pressure for thousands and millions of years. Natural gemstones are graded in the same manner as diamonds. Colour, clarity, cut and carat weight is what determines their cost. There are many different grading systems. The most recognized value guide is from the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.). Other gem associations around the world usually refer to G.I.A. quotes and standards. Gems are also graded by the "Moh's Scale of Hardness". The following chart represent the toughness of various well-known gems. SCALE 1 - 10 (with 10 being diamond and 1 being talc) 10 - Can only be scratched by a diamond: Diamond 9- Scratches glass: (Ruby & Sapphire) 8 - Scratches glass: (Topaz & Alexandrite, Cubic Zirconia) 7 - Scratches glass: (Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Emerald, Tourmaline, Aquamarine & Quartz 6- Can be scratched by a steel file: (moonstone, Peridot, Tanzanite, Sircon, Jade & Onyx) 5 - Can be scratched by a knife: Turquoise, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Hematite 4 - Can be easily scratched by a knife: Malachite, Jet, Flourite, Rhodochrosite 3 - Can be scratched by a coin: Pearl, Coral 2 - Can be scratched by a fingernail: Amber, Ivory, Alabaster 1- Can be easily scratched by a fingernail: Soapstone, Sulphur Please be careful when cleaning your gems. All may be cleaned with soap and water, but do not use toothpaste as it is an abrasive. Soak overnight in a mild solution of dish detergent and baking soda and clean with a soft toothbrush, rise well then dry. Do not use this method on pearls, amber, coral, turquoise, opals or lapis lazuli; they may be wiped with a damp cloth and dried with a clean cloth. Proper care and annual inspection by a reliable and knowledgeable jeweler will ensure your gemstones and jewellery will last for generations to come. Enjoy your jewellery and wear it in good health.