Specific Gemstone Information

Generally, the price of any gemstone is determined by: size, cut, quality (colour/clarity/treatments), and type. Here are some questions to ask about quality:

	Has it been treated? (See treatments listed below)
	Is the stone natural or synthetic?
	Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or inclusions?
	Is the colour even throughout the stone?
	How good is the colour? (Is it vivid?)
	If you are buying the stones for earrings or cufflinks, are the stones well matched?

There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for:

	Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond as well as other stones. This treatment brings out colour and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the stones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment.
	Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance colour.
	Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing.
	Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out colour and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.
	Fake stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. I avoid Laboratory made products are known as synthetics.

Tips on buying beads:

	Good sized holes (so can use a stronger thread)
	Evenly shaped beads (as appropriate)
	If the beads are being sold in a 16" strand -- I make sure it is 16" -- not 14" or 15" if possible.
	Look for the best quality stone (if buying real stones)
	Make sure beads are not cracked or chipped by the holes as this tears the thread
	Good colour (so can create harmonious necklaces and matching earrings)

	Store jewellery separately so it doesn't scratch other jewellery.
	When doing household tasks such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.
	Put your jewellery on after washing and applying any makeup/hair spray.
	Never wear jewellery while swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).
	Avoid storing your jewellery next to a heating vent, window sill or on a car dashboard.
	Store jewellery away from sunlight as the sun may fade the gemstones.
	Always store bead necklaces (such as lapis, pearls, etc) flat as silk stretches over time.

Common stones that are damaged in sunlight (there may be more):

Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. If you store silver in plastic bags with an interlocking seal, it will be less prone to tarnish. (Do NOT store pearls in plastic bags!)