ENHANCING GEMSTONES: BRAVERMAN JEWELRY’S POLICIES AND PROMISES 

As all of our valued customers would attest, quality is something which is very close to the heart of our friendly workshop, and great lengths are taken at every turn by all of our members to ensure this continues to be the case.

When we deal with coloured gemstones, we don’t only ensure that they meet the highest gemological standards, we also make sure that they leave our workshops looking as beautiful as they possibly can. 

Part of this means that almost all of our gemstones have been enhanced in some way, using a wide variety of techniques (some of which date back centuries) to make sure that the loftiest heights of beauty are achieved.

The enhancement of gemstones is nothing unusual or untoward - indeed, gemstones which haven’t undergone some enhancement methods are actually very rare, and extremely expensive. However, it isn’t always necessary: for example, we do not enhance our white diamonds, not do we alter the colour of our fancy-coloured diamonds.

On the other hand, our black diamond fashion jewelry is made from treated diamonds, which have undergone a process to achieve their distinctive look. If you’re interested in how black diamonds are treated, we’ve put together a handy guide for you to peruse, which we hope will answer all of your questions. 

HOW ARE COLOURED GEMSTONES ENHANCED? 

Over the centuries, jewelers have come up with countless ways to tease out higher levels of beauty from mother nature’s most stunning mineral forms. We’ve put together a brief guide for our customers below, should you be curious about how we achieve the colours and properties you know and love so well. 

ENHANCING COLOURED GEMSTONES: THE METHODS 

Perhaps the most common and standardised form of enhancement for gemstone jewelry today is heat enhancement. The use of intense heat has been commonly practised by jewelers for centuries, and is popular for its simplicity and directness, and the fact that the properties it imparts are permanent.

 Another highly common and ancient practice for the enhancement of gemstone colour is known as infusion, and this involves literally filling a gemstone with another coloured material - usually a resin of some sort, or wax, glass or coloured oil - to give them a brighter, clearer appearance.

Similar to infusion is the practice of coating, which as the name suggests, involves using a coloured substance on the exterior of the gemstone, although this only really works with those precious gemstones which have a porous surface. 

Jewelers are inventive and creative people, always open to using a wide range of substances to bring out the best in their materials. It is in this spirit that some gemstones are bleached in order lighten and brighten their colours, or dyed in order to intensify their colours. However, for a more permanent and dramatic solution, jewelers will occasionally irradiate their gemstones with the use of radiation and heat, in order to achieve the perfect results. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ENHANCED GEMSTONES? 

As gemological science continues to develop and make great leaps into the future, we can expect to see impressive and fascinating new ways to enhance the colours and properties of gemstones. Some of these new techniques may be highly difficult - even impossible - to detect, and yet we are committed to ensuring the highest standards will be maintained for our customers, no matter what may come down the line. 

TAKING CARE OF YOUR GEMSTONES 

As with all items of jewelry and other precious things, gemstones and the items of fine jewelry they are set in require care and attention, should you wish for them to last as long as they deserve to. Make no mistake; gemstones are durable, and difficult to ‘break’, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t subject to damage. See our brief guide below for details on how to get the most out of your gemstones and gemstone jewelry. 

WHAT TO AVOID 

Gemstones are susceptible to damage from powerful and corrosive chemical substances, and this includes household bleach and other strong cleaning products. When you’re using such products in your kitchen or bathroom, for example, make sure you remove or cover your gemstone jewelry, or simply keep it in its display case where it won’t be affected. 

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN STORING GEMSTONES 

When storing, try to keep your gemstone in a soft lined box, or fabric bag where it won’t be knocked against a hard surface. Gemstones can be incredibly hard - almost as hard as diamonds, even - but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to scratch or chip them.

Indeed, particularly hard gemstones can easily scratch against the surfaces of other items of jewelry, meaning it would be best not to keep them together in the same bag or box. Treat them with respect and reverence, as the beautiful and precious items they are, and they will last you a lifetime and fill it with joy. 

GENERAL WEAR AND TEAR 

While some gemstones - especially diamonds, sapphires and rubies -  are incredibly hard and are valued for this unique property, this doesn’t mean they cannot be damaged. All sorts of factors can cause slight or major damage to any item of jewelry, no matter how hard your gemstones might be.

Abrasive surfaces can affect the appearance or surface of your gemstone, harsh chemicals can also alter their appearance. Being knocked against a solid surface can cause chips or cracks in gemstone jewelry, too, so make sure you’re careful when it comes to putting on and removing your treasured items. 

HOW DO I CLEAN MY GEMSTONES? 

The most effective way to clean your gemstones is with a simple, non-abrasive jewelry cleaning product, or with simple soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth, and rub gently in a circular motion to remove the buildup of dirt and grime.