What does gemstone quality mean? Questions to ask before buying
A guide to seller quality labels, colour, cutting and the questions to ask before buying.
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Notes on gemstones, silver and the pieces we live with.
More to read
Choosing gemstone colour in the light you actually use
Choosing gemstone colour in the light you actually use.
A cautious cleaning plan for mixed-gemstone jewellery
Build a conservative piece-specific cleaning plan and recognize when to pause for professional assessment.
Gemstone treatments: a clearer way to ask what changed
Ask specific, evidence-based treatment questions and connect the answer with care and purchase decisions.
A short jewellery inspection before wear
Use a gentle pre-wear check to notice changes in settings, clasps, links and pearl thread, and know when to stop and arrange inspection.
How to clean silver jewellery with gemstones
Choose care for silver jewellery by its gemstones, treatments, metal finish and construction, with clear limits for washing and polishing.
How to store jewellery separately
Plan separate jewellery storage that limits rubbing and movement while respecting pearl, metal, finish and construction requirements.
Silver tarnish and wear explained
Understand silver tarnish, intentional dark finishes and signs needing assessment before choosing a material-specific cleaning method.
Why ultrasonic jewellery cleaning needs a condition check
Understand the material, treatment and setting checks needed before ultrasonic cleaning, and why a previous successful clean is not approval.
How do bright, satin and textured finishes look?
Recognise bright, satin and textured metal surfaces, and ask for a finish sample rather than relying on a label alone.
Why does jewellery finishing need to protect the gemstones?
Understand why metal finishing can affect gemstones and why a professional should assess the complete piece first.
How does polishing differ from cleaning jewellery?
Separate changing a metal surface from removing dirt, and know when a jewellery finish needs professional assessment.
