Gem Education

Month       Birthstone

January:       Garnet

February:    Amethyst

March:        Aquamarine, Bloodstone

April:        Diamond

May:                Emerald

June:        Pearl, Alexandrite

July:                Ruby

August:        Peridot, Spinel

September: Sapphire

October:        Opal, Tourmaline

November: Topaz, Citrine

December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

The 4CS is the method of grading cut diamond which was introduced by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Every diamond has a unique features, and that means some are more valuable than others. 

The 4Cs are the four most important factors in comparing diamond quality and value in the market. That grade is made up of four factors: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. Each "C" has its own grading scale for evaluating quality.

The 4Cs helps diamond sellers to set prices and compare diamonds. Here’s what you need to know about each of the 4Cs:

• Carat
• Clarity
• Color
• Cut

Metallic minerals

Colored Gemstones 

Diamonds 

Industrial minerals

Building materials 

Energy minerals

What type of Clasp is best for you?

We often neglect to think about jewelry clasps, but they are an important part of any jewelry. The type of clasp can add to the beauty of jewelry. It also has a big impact on the durability and strength of the jewelry. The types of jewelry that require clasps are mainly necklaces, bracelets and anklets. The clasp can vary depending on the weight and look of jewelry. 

There are many clasp types, but here we have chosen four types of clasps which are common. 

Spring Ring Clasp: 

This clasp is a metal ring with a spring mechanism and can be found in different kinds of jewelry. To open, push the small lever and the spring will compress, leaving an opening in the ring. 

Lobster Clasp: 

This is spring loaded, self-closing clasp that comes in a variety of sizes and styles. This clasp is secure and easy to use. To open a lobster clasp, simply push on the lever to allow the claw to swing inward. 

Adjustable Chain 

This clasp allows you to fasten the necklace to whatever length you need, depending on your top or other necklaces. 

Bolo Clasp: 

This clasp is very popular in bracelets and lariat necklaces because it allows you to easily adjust the length. You can do this by simply moving the clasp up or down the chain.

Ear Piercing

What is Piercing

Ear Piercing is a practice of making holes in the lobes or edges of the ears to allow the wearing of earrings.

What age is appropriate for ear piercing?

In general, the right age for ear piercing varies. It’s up to you and your child to know when the time is right. Just be sure you are both aware of the responsibility to care for ear piercings. Some cultures pierce ears almost immediately when children are babies. If you want to have your baby’s ears pierced, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician first.

Is it safe to pierce infants and children?

Yes, ear piercing is safe for children and infants

Does ear piercing hurt?

Ear piercing is fast and very gentle. Most people feel little to no discomfort during the piercing.

What earrings are best for the first ear piercing?

There will likely be many safe earring options to choose from wherever you get your child’s ears pierced in the jewelry store. It is recommended to pick a metal that has no nickel for babies. 

Earrings with screw-on backs and short posts are recommended for babies because friction backs can loosen and become a choking hazard. These are secure and more comfortable to sleep on.

After the piercing heals, avoid drop earrings and hoops for babies and small children. They can catch on clothing or other objects, and they’re easier for babies to pull.

When will I be able to leave the earrings out without the hole closing?

You should only switch into new earrings after the healing period, which is around 5 to 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing. Wearing earrings continuously is required for the first 6 months after the piercing to prevent the piercing from closing.

How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal?

Piercing earrings should be left in for at least 5 to 6 weeks after an earlobe piercing.

How do I care for and clean newly pierced ears?

Earrings must stay in for at least six weeks to prevent the holes from closing.

Clean the piercings twice a day with clean cotton swabs and a sterile saline solution made for wound care. This is crucial for preventing infection. Most piercing facilities will be provided to you with a cleaning solution and instructions from jewelry stores.

Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Most the pieces of fine jewelry are very expensive. Caring for your diamond, colored stones or pearl jewelry will not only keep them looking great but will ensure that they will last for generations to come. All fine jewelry needs proper care. While certain pieces may need more select care, let us see the following basics:

Using Ultrasonic Cleaners

While ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning metals, diamonds and certain gems, they should not be used in the following circumstances:

· Not for gems like pearls, coral or ivory.

· Any gem that has been fracture‐filled with oil, resin or glass. For example, most of emeralds are fracture‐filled and should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

· Gems that have been coated.

· Certain gems that have been done heat treatments like tanzanite.

· Any gem that is susceptible to heat or temperature changes, like tanzanite, iolite or opal is not recommended be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Treated Gems

Many gems today have been treated, so in this case special care must be taken for treated gems. Anyone who wants to buy fine jewelry should ask the jewelry seller if there is any treatment done to the gem. Also, jeweler should be disclosed any treatment done at the time of purchase. Treated gems may be negatively affected by heat, steam or ultrasonic cleaners. It is recommended to follow instructions from your jeweler to keep your treated gem jewelry looking sparkling.

Following the safe and easy methods to Clean fine jewelry 

Diamonds and colored stones can easily be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Clean your jewelry in a bowl of warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Dry your piece with a lint‐free cloth.

Some softer gems like pearls can be scratched easily. Clean your pearls in warm, slightly soapy water, with a very soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and lay your pearls to dry on a towel. Since silk thread will stretch, it's recommended to let the pearls sit until the strand is completely dry.

Be aware of Chemicals ‐ 

Exposure to common everyday household chemicals like ammonia or bleach can damage both metals and gems. Some chemicals that are worn on the body like hairspray, perfumes or lotions can affect metals and dull gems. To keep your jewelry looking new, it is recommended to put on any perfumes, lotions or hairspray before wearing jewelry. And it's always wise to remove fine jewelry before using any type of household cleaners.

Be aware of Sunlight

Take note here too much sunlight can fade or damage some of gems. To reduce any doubt, store jewelry in a dark pouch or jewelry case.

Jewelry can be divided into 3 categories

Most of jewelry consumers buy jewelry every year.

In the jewelry market, jewelry is divided into three categories:

• Fine jewelry

• Bridge jewelry

• Fashion or costume jewelry

Fine jewelry

Fine jewelry is made of 14K or finer gold, sterling silver, or platinum. If it contains gems, they are high quality, expensive and usually of substantial size. 

Bridge Jewelry

Bridge jewelry is the category in between. It is made of gold that’s less than 14K or lightweight 14K, gold-filled metal or sterling silver, and with or without lower quality gems. 

Fashion Or Costume Jewelry

Fashion or costume jewelry might be made of base metals, plastic, wood, or other common materials, with or without sterling silver or gold plate. If it is set with gems, they might be lab created or imitations.

They are inexpensive to make and own and provide consumers with extensive and attractive choices. No matter where customers shop and what categories of jewelry they want to buy, they have certain common motivations. 

Jewelry salespeople who understand those motivations, genuinely like people, and know their products can do a better job of serving their customers and enjoy great success in jewelry sales.

A

Agate

Alexandrite

Amazonite

Amber

Amethyst

Ametrine

Ammolite

Apatite

Aquamarine

B

Barite

Benitoite

Bixbite

Bloodstone

Bowenite

C

Calcite

Californite

Carnelian

Chalcedony

Chalybite

Charoite

Chrysoberyl

Chrysocolla

Chrysoprase

Citrine

Clinohumite

Copal

Coral

Cordierite

Cyprine

D

Danburite

Datolite

Demantoid Garnet

Diamond

Diaspore

Diopside

Dioptase

E

Ekanite

Emerald

Enstatite

F

Feldspar

Fluorite

G

Garnet

Goldstone

Goshenite

Greenovite

H

Hackmanite

Hauyne

Heliodor

Hiddenite

Hydrogrossular Garnet

I

Idocrase

Iolite

J

Jade

Jadeite

Jasper

K

Kornerupine

Kunzite

Kyanite

L

Labradorite

Lapiz Lazuli

Larimar

M

Malachite

Moonstone

Morganite

N

Nephrite

O

Onyx

Opal

P

Pearl

Pectolite

Peridot

Phenakite

Poudretteite

Prasolite (chlorine group)

Pyrope Garnet

Q

Quahog

Quartz

R

Rhodochrosite

Rose Quartz

Ruby

S

Sapphire

Sard

Sardonyx

Scapolite

Siderite

Sodalite

South Sea Pearl

Smoky Quartz

Spectrolite

Spessartite Garnet

Sphalerite

Sphene

Spinel

Spodumene

Sunstone

T

Tanzanite

Tashmarine Diopside

Tigereye

Titanite

Thulite

Topaz

Tourmaline

Tsavorite Garnet

Turquoise

U

Uvarovite

V

Vesuvianite

W

Willemite

Z

Zincite

Zircon

Zoisite

Zultanite