Learn About Jewelry - Education

Why Buy Gems?

Today's women want choices. They are not tied to tradition and they know what works well for them. Vivid, clear gemstones can complement any complexion, complete any wardrobe. They make a gift she will treasure for years.

Cut and Quality

When shopping for colored gemstones, be aware of several factors that may affect the stone’s beauty and value:

Carat weight: As with diamonds, gemstones are measured in carats. Since large, high-quality gemstones are rare, large stones will cost more per carat.

Clarity & color: Choose a gem with a vivid, even color and few or no undesirable inclusions. Different colors are prized in different gemstones, however most jewelry lovers will pick a hue that appeals most to their personal taste and style.

To enhance clarity and color, gemstones commonly undergo a variety of accepted treatments. Heating processes are frequently used to deepen the blue color of a naturally green aquamarine and remove purple tones from rubies. Heating reveals the beautiful blue color in tanzanite, which is naturally found in shades of brown. Oiling subdues the appearance of natural inclusions, and has become a common enhancement for emeralds. Irradiation is used to create colored diamonds, which are extremely rare and expensive in their natural state. In gemstones, blue topaz and red tourmaline are often irradiated.

In addition to treatments that enhance a stone’s natural beauty, lab-created stones are now available. Diviniti offers ‘created’ stones in sapphire, ruby, emerald and pink sapphire. Created stones are as beautiful as their natural counterparts and contain the same mineral properties, however since they are not as rare as natural stones, they are available at a lower price point. Rest assured that each Diviniti created stone is clearly marked ‘Created’ in the product title.

Caring for gems

With proper care, your jewelry should last a lifetime. Take the following simple steps to ensure that your favorite pieces stay as brilliant as the day you bought them.

Gemstone jewelry:
- Keep your jewelry clean by soaking it in warm, slightly soapy water. For pieces that tend to trap dirt, such as rings, a gentle scrubbing with a soft, clean eyebrow brush may help. When using commercial jewelry cleaners, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. When in doubt, stick with a simple water solution. Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for most gemstones.
  
  When wearing and storing your jewelry, keep in mind that different stones have different degrees of hardness. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires are among the hardest stones – in fact, their sturdiness makes them a popular choice for engagement rings. While these stones can withstand everyday wear, even they can chip if hit with a sharp blow. Peridots are an example of a softer gemstone, which should not be worn while playing sports or performing physical work.
Pearls:
- Pearls are porous and require extra care to maintain their luminous good looks. Clean them with a soft damp cloth, and refrain from using soaps and detergents. Avoid applying perfume, hairspray or lotions directly on or near your pearls. Instead, wait until these have dried to put on your pearl jewelry. When storing, place cultured pearl jewelry in a cloth bag or in cotton to keep it separate from other jewelry that may cause scratches.
Opals:
- Opals are a relatively soft stone, at only 6.5 on the Moh’s scale, and should be worn with care. Remove your opal jewelry, especially rings, before engaging in housework, sports, or similar activities. Because opals naturally contain water, it is wise to protect them from temperature extremes which could cause cracking or drying. Avoid scratching the surface of your opals by storing them in a cloth bag or a separate section of your jewelry box. For best results, clean your opal jewelry gently with a soft damp cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh detergents.