Gemstones are beautiful stones that range in a variety of quality levels. Often times they can be expensive to buy. If you are someone who is planning to buy a piece of jewelry with a semi precious stone, or you might even have jewelry like this now, it is important to know how to take care of your piece. Proper care will keep your piece looking like new, and help prevent the stone from being scratched and losing color or it's luster.
One of the first things you need to know about your piece is the hardness of the stone. The hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale. Simply put, the harder the stone is the higher the Mohs scale number would be. If your gemstone rating is less than a 7, it is likely to scratch easily. The diamond is the hardest, coming in at a 10! My favorite of course!
An example of some of the stones that fall under the number 7 rating are, coral, lapis, lazuli, opal, pearl, and turquoise. Different metals are rated this way too. Fine jewelry which often has gold, silver, or platinum are considered to be in the low range also. Often they only hit the rating from 2 1/2 to a 4.
To avoid scratching the stones, store each piece seperately. Remove these pieces when you are about to take on a task that includes cleaning, gardening, or participating in a high impact sport. This will help prevent breaking or chipping your stone.
To protect the color of your stone, store it away from direct sunlight. It isn't a good idea to store it by direct heat or outside. Keep your pieces flat in whatever container you are storing them in. If they are strung with silk, this will give your piece longer life to keep the string from stretching. Storing pearls in plastic bags is not recommended.
This piece is just informational. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: 
614-530-0219
.
Happy Beading!
Amy
I make handmade beaded jewelry. I am moving my line into semi precious stones and sterling silver. I am also introducing a new line that will contain birthstone bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I am planning to add more specialty jewelry too that should be in interest to special niches. Keep in eye on my website and the new jewelry is added.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ressa
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Fantastic origins have been suggested over the years for gemstones...rock crystal was ice permanently frozen by intense cold... hyacinth thought to be the sapphire was produced by the earth's extreme aridity combined with the sun's powerful action. Amber was thought to be a product of lynxes' urine and birds' tears.
Most of what we think of gemstones are of mineral origin but a few are of organic origin such as pearl and amber. Gemstones are some mineral and some organic, some precious and some semi-precious. All are treasured for their beauty, rarity and durability.
The mystical powers and healing properties referred to are taken from many and varied sources...both ancient and modern. To facilitate the healing properties, various suggestions are made : the stone may be held, worn, carried or simply placed in one's environment.
