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Gemstone Guide

Hi! This is Isabella and I’m the chief designer behind Poème jewellery. I was enchanted by colourful sparkling gemstones ever since I was a child; in fact, I first dreamed of becoming a jewellery designer when I went shopping with my mother and laid eyes on a rose quartz pendant in the shape of Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage.

I dived into the world of gemstones, and created a list of the different types of gems that I have used in my designs, as well as how to clean and take care of them. Hope you will find this guide helpful:)

 

Aquamarine

•Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea.

•With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, this March birthstone is durable enough for everyday wear. Caring for the gem is easy. Use warm water, mild dish soap and a toothbrush to scrub behind the birthstone where dirt can collect. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning are usually safe options as long as there are no fractures or liquid inclusions in the gem.

 

Diopside

•Diopside is an important mineral in the Earth's mantle. Due to the deep green colour of the gem, it is sometimes referred to as Siberian emeralds.

•Diopside is a delicate gemstone. Avoid scratching by placing it in a jewellery pouch or box when it is not worn.

 

Garnet

The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” in reference to the similarity of the red colour. 

•It's one of the oldest known gemstones. Through the ages, garnets have represented love, inner fire, and life force.

•The different types of garnet range between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. If you let it rub against harder gems – e.g. diamonds, rubies and sapphires – it can be scratched. And in turn garnet can scratch softer gems, such as opals or pearls.

 

Peridot

•Along with diamonds, peridot is one of only two gems observed to be formed not in Earth's crust, but in the molten rock of the upper mantle. Peridot has been prized since the earliest civilizations for its claimed protective powers and the luck that it carries.

With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot can be damaged by some acids and even by long-term exposure to acidic perspiration.

•Cleaning peridot is a delicate process. Never use a steam or ultrasonic cleaner, as your peridot birthstone is vulnerable to thermal shock. It is safest to use a soft-bristle brush with a mild dish soap in warm water. Peridot should be stored with care to avoid scratching by gems with greater hardness.

 

Topaz

•Topaz is a beautiful gem that can be found in a variety of rich shades and colours, including blue, yellow, pink and green. It was long thought to have many benefits. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength; for centuries, people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.

•To clean this gemstone, do not use steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners. Warm, soapy water works best. 

 

Tananite

•Tanzanite was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. It was eventually named tanzanite in honour of its country of origin. 

•Tanzanite's colour ranges from a pure rich blue to violet.

•Warm, soapy water is the best way to clean it. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended for tanzanite.

 

Turquoise

•Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix (remnants of the rock in which it formed) running through it. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia, and thought to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000 years ago.

•Turquoise is generally stable to light, but high heat can cause discolouration and breakage. Your turquoise can be damaged by acids, and it can be discoloured by certain chemicals, cosmetics and even skin oils or perspirationIt’s safe to clean turquoise jewellery with warm, soapy water, but it should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Heat or solvents can damage the treated surfaces on some turquoise.

 

Pearls

•The origin of pearls fascinated our forebears. Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. They have long been associated with purity, prosperity and innocence.

•Pearls are 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, so they are a comparatively soft gem and require special care. Store them separately from other gemstones and metal jewellery to prevent scratching. Never store your pearl birthstones in a plastic bag — plastic can emit a chemical that will damage their surface. Always apply perfume, hair products and cosmetics before putting on your pearl jewellery. The best way to clean your June birthstone: Use a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each time the pearls are worn.

 

 

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