Gemstones are often treated to enhance the color, clarity, and stability of the stone. Heat can improve its color or clarity. The heating process has been well known to gem miners and cutters for centuries, and in many stone types heating and dyeing is a common practice.
Agate and gemstones have played an integral part of many cultures and civilizations throughout time. They are believed to hold within them spiritual, metaphysical and healing properties. The historical value is what adds to the overall value of agate and gemstones. Whether or not these properties associated with the respective agate and gemstones, which have been attested to since time memorial, are true or have some truth mixed with fantasy, there is no doubt that these products of nature are an amazing site to behold and with that feeling of awe and respect for nature they affect us in personal ways touching our mind and spirit.
Turquoise, Pearl and Coral Care
Turquoise is inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents; perfume and other cosmetics may alter the color of turquoise gems, skin oils, and most commercial jewelry cleaning fluids. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may also discolor or dehydrate turquoise. Care should therefore be taken when wearing such jewels. Cosmetics, including sunscreen and hair spray, should be applied before putting on turquoise jewelry. After use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a buildup of residue, and should be stored in its own container to avoid scratching by harder gems.
Agate Care (Onyx, Botswana agate, Bamboo agate)
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may discolor. Care should therefore be taken when wearing such jewels. After use, agate should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a buildup of residue, and should be stored in its own container to avoid scratching by harder gems.
Carnelian and Red Agate
When this gem stone is placed in the sun, its color will change for example; brown tints often change to red. Thus, we recommend storing your carnelian away from sunlight, occasionally polishing gently with a soft cloth.
Fashion Accessories
These are items that have not been made with precious metals. The metals used in these items are usually copper which is silver-plated, gold-plated, or solid copper. Fashion accessories tarnishes quicker than sterling silver.
Store away from heavy sharp objects that will scratch and mar the metal.
Avoid getting them wet.
Use a soft cotton jewelry polishing cloth for sterling silver to remove tarnish and it will shine like new. I use Selvty® brand.
Store in anti-tarnish baggies or use anti-tarnish strips in sealed places like draws. One alternative to baggies and anti-tarnish strips is to use silica packages which come in shoe boxes or vitamin bottles.
Czech Glass Pearls
Traditionally made Czech glass pearls have multiple layers of synthetic pearl-like coating. Each coat has been fused onto the glass beads. These high quality handmade Czech glass pearls are resistant to peeling and scratching. However, they should be treated like real pearls because of their very realistic coating.