Most colored gemstones derive their beauty from their color. In certain colored gemstones color occurs naturally - satisfying hues are part and parcel of some garnets, for example. In other colored gemstones the final color occurs with assistance. For nearly as long as people have worn rubies, we have known how to treat a rough ruby with heat to obtain a desirable red color. Not all rubies are heat treated, but many are.

Gem cutters work to achieve a pleasing and affordable mix of color, weight (measured in carats) and a safe shape for mounting. During creation, a gemstone's size is constrained by nature. The cut of a colored gemstone describes how it is shaped and whether it is formed well. Some gemstones, such as opal, are suited to a smooth, rounded surface. Others, such as sapphire, are more frequently shaped with a precise series of flat symmetrical planes, called facets, which make the most pleasing illumination of the gem's color.

The clarity of colored gemstones contributes to their beauty. Unless a gemstone is opaque and blocks all light, how light moves through the gemstone affects it beauty. Some gemstones have no internal inclusions to interrupt the passage of light, as is the case with most pieces of tanzanite. Others tend to have characteristic inclusions, such as emerald, with a "jardine" (garden) which makes each emerald truly unique.

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Durability

A gemstone's ability to be fashioned, mounted and worn is a function of how durable it is - a matter of both hardness and toughness. Some gemstones, such as sapphire, ruby and garnet, are well-suited to an active daily life and work well in rings, bracelets or cufflinks. Others, such as emeralds, pearls and opals call for earring or necklace mountings to keep them beautifully displayed but out of harm's way.

Buying Colored Gemstone Jewelry

When buying colored gemstone jewelry, select what you consider beautiful. Because of the subtle differences in the tone and hue of the colored gemstone you are considering, look at several to find the one you prefer. You have the right to know what you are buying, whether yours is a natural gemstone, an enhanced or treated gemstone, or a synthetic gemstone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for the jewelry industry stating that jewelers must disclose any treatment that is not permanent or which creates special care requirements. Likewise, that a material is synthetic must be disclosed. 99% of all natural color in gems have been treated to some fashion or another. Hanson Jewelers believe that a well informed buyer is a satisfied buyer.

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Caring For Your Colored Gemstone Jewelry

As is true of all precious items, care extends the life of the jewelry and your pleasure in wearing it. A few pointers follow.

1. Daily Handling - Put on jewelry, especially cultured pearls, after you apply makeup, perfume or cologne.

2. Daily Wear - Remove jewelry before heavy yard work, home cleaning chores, working on heavy equipment or relaxing in a pool or spa (especially if you are in chlorine regularly).

3. Night Routine - After removing jewelry, wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove residues of the day. Store items in a jewelry case or soft cloth so that they do not touch each other. This avoids the potential of harder gemstones scratching softer ones.

4. Insurance - Discuss your potential insurance needs with home insurance agent.

5. Specialized Cleaning - Discuss how to clean your jewelry with Hanson Jewelers. Avoid home cleaning solutions, including home ultrasonics, unless you are sure the item is suitable for home cleaning. Some jewelry is suited to home cleaning with a mild soap solution and a soft brush.

6. Six-Month Cleaning - Bring your jewelery to Hanson Jewelers every six months for a professional cleaning. (Avoid December, the busiest time of our year, to have quick service.)

7. Six-Month Security Check - At least twice a year, have Hanson Jewelers check the security of your jewelry: are the prongs holding your gemstone secure, is the clasp secure, do the pearls need to be restrung, does the ring still fit securely or does it need to be resized?

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