WORKSHOP WARNINGS

Here are some tips when working with coloured gemstones:

• Never put Emeralds or Tanzanite in the ultrasonic. This can remove the oil in Emeralds and the gems may fracture.
• Don’t put Peridot in acid as it can etch the surface.
• Beware of thermal shock which can shatter, fracture and damage gems.
  • Do not rinse in cold water after cleaning in a hot ultrasonic.
  • After heating gem set jewellery with a jewellers torch do not quench in water or acid.
• Organic gems eg Pearl, Amber, Coral and Jet will burn or melt if heated and may be damaged in acid.
• Be careful when using emery or filing near gems as they can be damaged by both.
• Avoid repairing gem set jewellery with heat where possible. Ensure jewellery is very clean before heating as once dirt is burnt onto a gem or diamond it is impossible to remove and will ruin the beauty of the stone.
  • Tiny inclusions in the gem may expand and cause damage.
  • The gem surface may be damaged.
  • Certain gems including Amethyst , Citrine and Zircon may lose their colour or change colour.
  • Check coloured gems and diamonds are not glass fracture filled prior to heating.
• For hand crafted jewellery always purchase the gem before making the setting as sometimes imagination may not match availability.
• Exact calibrated sizes are not always available in coloured gems, be flexible and you will have a greater choice.