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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “Cleaner”
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Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)
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Gem in the Spotlight: Blue Zircon
…that scientists currently estimate that the earth formed around 4.56 billion years ago, that makes Zircon one of the earliest known gems. The Care and Cleaning of Zircon Zircon care and cleaning is simple: avoid steamers or ultrasonic cleaners. This is particularly important with stones that may have been color enhanced (like most Blue Zircon). Also, avoid the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or agents, especially bleach and acid. Clean the gem using a soft cloth or brush …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Opal
… and extreme temperature fluctuations can also harm opals, so gentle care is essential. To keep opal at its luminous best, wiping it clean with a soft cloth is recommended. Avoid the use of home ultrasonic machines or abrasive jewelry cleaners that could potentially damage the stone’s surface. For more valuable stones, setting them in a pendant or earrings instead of a ring will help them last as long as possible. With proper care opals can last for generations. Opals have…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Alexandrite
… downs, and so alexandrite is also connected with bringing a sense of balance and well-being. Care and Cleaning of Alexandrite Alexandrite should always be treated with care because of its value and rarity. While ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for alexandrite, warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush are always the safest. With its innate durability and proper care a high-quality stone will last for generations. Why Alexandrite? Alexandrite is simply one …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Topaz
…protect your topaz from hard knocks. It can be split with a single sharp blow, a trait it shares with diamond. Clean with mild dish soap; use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on topaz. Sudden changes in temperature can fracture the stone, so care should be taken to avoid rapid cooling or heating. Topaz is the birthstone for November and blue topaz is one of the birthstones for December. We have a great …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tsavorite Garnet
… believed to help the immune system, breathing, and metabolism. Care and Cleaning Tsavorite is rated as “good” for everyday wear. You should avoid sudden temperature changes and never steam clean your Tsavorite Garnets. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe unless the gem has a preexisting crack or fracture. To clean Tsavorite, gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Why Tsavorite Tsavorite has all of the qualities you want in…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald
… them to household chemicals such as bleach and cleaning agents. Emeralds can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. As we discussed above, most emeralds are fracture filled. So, you should never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners because they can permanently damage the filler material. Despite being a relatively hard stone (with a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8), emeralds can be easier to chip than similar gems due to their plentiful inclusions. This doesn’t mean that …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Jade
… Columbia, and Siberia. Myanmar (Burma) and Guatemala are the primary sources of jadeite. Care and Cleaning of Jade Both nephrite and jadeite can be damaged by the heat of a jeweler’s torch. Jade is generally safe in ultrasonic cleaners, but the treatments we just discussed can be damaged. Warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush are the safest ways to care for your heirloom jade. Almost all jade is treated with wax to help improve its appearance. The wax fills pores in …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst
… amethyst jewelry. If you have an amethyst ring or other piece of jewelry with diamonds or other gemstones, you should be careful when cleaning it. You should use a soft brush to gently scrub the amethyst and avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. Why Buy Amethyst There are many reasons why someone might want to buy amethyst. One of the main reasons is its beautiful violet color, which can complement a wide range of skin tones and wardrobe …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Spinel
…magnetic form, magnetite, is said to help bring balance and alignment to one’s internal energies calming mood swings and improving mental clarity. Care and Cleaning of Spinel Spinel is usually safe to be used in ultrasonic and steam cleaners, but certain inclusions can sometimes pose threats. The safest bet is to use warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Or, you can always have your spinel jewelry professionally clean by a local jeweler like us. Spinel can be stored …
