"GEMSTONE JEWELRY"

Gemstone jewelry has maintained its popularity for thousands of years notably for its diversity, beauty, and rarity. The history of gemstone jewelry is as diverse as the color of each gemstone. Here you will find  helpful information on birthstones (as well as alternate birthstones), anniversary stones, how to spot a great value, how to care for and store gemstone jewelry properly, and a little gemstone history.

A Bit of Gemstone Jewelry History

It is believed that the first record of gemstone jewelry can be found in the Bible, in the Book of Exodus. Hebrew priests wore gemstones on their breastplates, each one representing 1 of the 12 tribes of Israel. For centuries it has been believed that gemstones have a variety of powers such as protection from drunkenness Amethyst , or would bring romance  (Ruby).

Alternate Birthstones

There are also a variety of alternate birthstones for each of the 12 months. For example, Jasper is the Old Testament gemstone for the month of January. Sardonyx is the Old Testament Birthstone for May and June. Bloodstone is the alternate birthstone (ancient Hebrew, Arabic, and Roman) for March. For more detailed information, I have a page for each modern, traditional and alternative birthstone.

Gemstone Jewelry for Wedding Anniversaries

Wedding anniversaries are also celebrated with gemstone jewelry. For example, to celebrate your 1^st wedding anniversary, gold jewelry or freshwater pearl is given. Diamond jewelry is what you might receive on your 10^th wedding anniversary, or black onyx, which is the alternative gemstone. Ruby is the gemstone jewelry for celebrating your 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.  You will also find a detailed article here on all anniversary stones.

Gemstone Jewelry shopping tips

Gemstone jewelry shopping is all about the 4 ‘Cs’. Meaning, you want to look for color, clarity, cut, and carat.

1. Always look for good color when buying gemstone jewelry. Don’t assume that the darker the color the better, you don’t want to buy gemstone jewelry that is too dark. You want to find color that is bright and vivid.

2. Gemstone jewelry should always have great clarity. When shopping for gemstone jewelry you want to make sure that there are no visible flaws. Look for clear and transparent gemstones.

3. Gemstone jewelry that has great sparkle has a great cut. If the cut is too shallow and wide, it will look lifeless. Compare a variety of gemstone jewelry and you will see the differences.

4. Gemstone jewelry is valued by weight. Thus, prices are determined by carat.

Gemstone jewelry, how to clean and store properly

Some gemstones are harder and have more durability than others. When cleaning gemstone jewelry it is important that you do so carefully and according to how durable the gemstone is.  Softer gemstones like pearl and opal require more delicate cleansing methods. Here are some additional care and storage tips.

1. When you are, for example, working out, playing sports, swimming, or working in the garden, take off your jewelry and store in a safe place, like a jewelry organizer, until you are done. This is the best protection for all of your jewelry.

2. Another helpful tip is to take your gemstone jewelry to your local jeweler once a year for a professional cleaning. This way you may also ask for an examination to see if there are any loose prongs for mountings.

3.  Gemstone rings tend to collect dust over time, especially behind the gem. Warm water, a drop of mild soap (dish soap), and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub is perhaps the best cleaning method to use at home.  For softer gemstones like coral, opal, amber, and pearl use a soft dry cloth only.

4. You will want to avoid exposing gemstones to harsh chemicals in moisturizers, perfumes, cosmetics, hairs prays, and nail polish remover. Avoid using ultrasonic, and ammonia when cleaning gemstones. Chlorine and extreme temperature changes can also damage your gemstone jewelry.

5. Keep gemstone jewelry separate from sterling silver, platinum, gold and all other metal jewelry. It is also a good idea to have a jewelry case (or travel case) with multiple compartments with a soft cloth lining rather than a jewelry box where jewelry is pretty much tossed on top of each other, which will damage your jewelry over time.  

6. Any time you use a jewelry cleanser follow the directions precisely. Not all cleansers are for all gemstones. Remember that some gemstones require a more delicate cleaning.

7. It is always a good idea to insure your investments. Jewelry is no exception. This is something you should check out with your insurer.

In conclusion, it only takes a little time and common sense to enhance and prolong the beauty of your gemstone jewelry, as with all of your jewelry.

Gemstone jewelry is fun, unique and beautiful.