Gemstone treatments that QVC knowingly accepts. QVC makes every effort to ensure that all items we sell meet our strict quality stards. The chart below represents those gemstone treatments that QVC knowingly accepts. Although there are a number of temporary treatments Commonly allowed by the jewelry industry, QVC, with the exception of emeralds which are treated with a colorless oil, accepts only those treatments that are either permanent or stable. To quickly find information on a specific gemstone, click the appropriate link below. Your page will "jump" to the top of that section. A - B C - E G - J L - O P - R S T - Z Gemstone Enhancement method Purpose Agate (also see onyx) Patterned Agate (Crazy Agate) Blue Lace Agate Treatment Free Frequency used Dyed To alter color Usually Heated To alter color Usually Dyed To alter color Usually Stability to to to Special care Certain stones may fade in heat or light. Certain stones may fade in heat or light. Certain stones may fade in heat or light.
Alexrite (Also see Chrysoberyl) Amazonite Luster Enhanced To improve overall appearance Often heat, cleaners heat, cleaners heat, Amber, Yellow Golden Brown to Reddish Brown Orange Heated Heated w/ Oils Pressure To improve appearance, add "sun spangles" deepen color To alter color Commonly Commonly to to heat, heat, Heated w/pressure To alter color Commonly to heat,
Amber Doublet, Green Amethyst Ametrine Assembled Product: Golden amber on a black base Heated Irradiated To create the green color To lighten /or remove color To deepen /or remove color Always Commonly Commonly to Heated To alter color Unknown Irradiated To alter color Unknown Special care required. abrasives. Some unheated material may fade with long exposure to sunlight. ROUGH WEAR, heat,
Ammolite Doublet (Assembled Product) Triplet (Assembled Product) Andalusite Apatite Apatite - Beads Cabochons Coated To increase durability Usually Coated To increase durability Always Impregnated with colorless, hardened substances To increase durability Always to Fair to Fair ROUGH WEAR, heat, heat, heat, heat, heat, heat,
Aquamarine, Blue to Green Beryl Aquamarine, Beads Cabochons Aventurine, Green Beryl, Milky Aqua Luster Enhanced To improve appearance clarity Often Heated To alter color Usually Heated To alter color Often Luster Enhanced Heated To improve appearance clarity Often heat cleaning.
Pink (Morganite) Yellow-Green Blue or Blue- Green Colorless (Goshenite) Luster Enhanced Heated Eliminate yellow overtones Commonly Irradiated To alter color Unknown Irradiated To alter color Unknown See Aquamarine Heated To eliminate tints of color Unknown Dyed To alter color Commonly to sudden changes harsh. sudden
Calcite Impregnated To improve overall appearance color Commonly to changes harsh. sudden changes harsh. Luster Enhancement To improve overall appearance Commonly sudden changes harsh. Carnelian Orange to Orange-Brown Chalcedony Heated To alter color Usually to Certain stones may fade in heat or light. Dyed To alter color Commonly to Certain stones may fade in heat or light. Chalcedony (often called agate or onyx) Dyed To alter color Usually to Certain stones may fade in heat or light. Heated To alter color Usually to
Chrome Diopside (Green) Chrysoberyl Alexrite Cat's -Eye Chrysoberyl Transparent green, yellow, brown Chrysoprase Chrysolla Chrysolla in Chalcedony Chrysocolla in Quartz Chrysocolla Malachite: See Rock Citrine, for all varieties listed Impregnated with colorless resin Impregnated with colorless plastic Heated To alter color Usually sudden changes harsh. Normal for all varieties listed. Click here for cleaning heat, heat,
Coral Black White Pink, Orange, Red, Blue Irradiated To alter color Unknown Bleached To alter color Commonly Dyed To alter color Commonly Inpregnated with colorless wax To improve quality of coral for shaping polishing Unknown to Fair cosmetics cosmetics cosmetics cosmetics May discolor over time.
Impregnated with plastic Luster Enhancement To improve quality of coral for shaping polishing To improvre overall appearance Commonly Unknown Gold Bleached from black coral To create a color Usually Coral, Sponge Cubic Zirconia Colorless, colored Danburite Dyed To alter color Commonly Impregnated with plastic To improve quality of coral for shaping polishing Commonly Heated To alter color Unknown cleaners
Diamond (Natural), Natural Color white, champagne (Natural), Treated color - yellow, green, blue, pink, green, fancy hues QVC does not knowingly accept treatments of any kind for natural color diamonds. Irradiation, Heat High Temperature High Pressure. These are the only color treatments that QVC knowingly accepts. To create color Always Black Heated To alter color Always Dolomite Dyed To create color Occasionally Impregnated To improve durability appearance Occasionally to to cleaners
Dyed To create color Occasionally to Drusy (Drusy Quartz) Plated To create color Occasionally to Vapor Deposition To create color Occasionally to Vapor Deposition Coating To create color Occasionally to Dumortierite (Dumortierite in Quartz)
Emerald Oiling (QVC knowingly accepts only colorless oil for emeralds.) To improve clarity appearance Usually Fair to heat, Fluorite Heated To improve appearance Unknown Fair to heat, Irradiated To improve appearance Unknown Fair to heat, heat, heat,
Fluorite Beads Cabochons Garnet Almite Demantoid Grossularite Pyrope Rhodolite Spessartite Tsavorite Hematite Howlite, White Heated To improve appearance Unknown Irradiated To improve appearance Unknown for all varieties listed. Other Colors Dyed To alter color Always Iolite Beads Cabochons Jade, Jadeite Luster Enhancement Fair to Fair to to heat, sudden change (for all garnets listed).
QVC s Chinese Jade Pink Blue Yellow Green Lavendar Orange White Jade, Nephrite Bleached with acid, dyed impregnated with resin/polymer Impregnated with colorless wax To alter color Commonly To improve appearance Commonly Dyed Impregnated To alter color Commonly Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Commonly Dyed To alter color Commonly Impregnated Luster Enhancement To improve surface texture Commonly to to prolonged strong light, May discolor over time. prolonged strong light, May discolor over time. strong light. strong light.
Jasper (All varieties regardless of color or patterning) Jet Kyanite Beads Cabochons Labradorite Dyed To alter or enhance color Occasionally Heated To alter color Unknown Heated To alter color Often Luster Enhancement heat, heat
Sunstone cleaners Sunstone Beads Caobochons Luster Enhancement heat cleaners heat cleaners Lapis Lazuli Dyed Impregnated with colorless resin To provide color or uniformity of color or color durability To provide color or uniformity of color or color durability Commonly Commonly Variable Variable Luster Enhancement Denim Lapis Dyed To provide color or uniformity of color or color durability Commonly Impregnated To provide durability Occasionally Variable
Larimar Magnesite Luster Enhancement Impregnated Dyed Impregnated Dyed Impregnated To increase durability improve appearance To provide color or uniformity of color or color durability To provide color or uniformity of color or color durability To increase durability improve appearance Occasionally to heat, heat, heat, heat, heat,
Malachite Impregnated with plastic or other hardened agents To improve durability appearance Rarely heat, Marcasite heat, Moldavite heat, Moonstone - Blue, Grey, Orange, Rainbow, White Mother-ofpearl, White Colors
Mother-ofpearl Doublet (an assembled product) Mother-ofpearl Watch Dial (an assembled product) White Colors Bright Fashion Colors Obsidian (All varieties) Onyx (also see agate) Black Blue Green Dyed To stabilize color Usually To improve durability or increase thickness Always Dyed To stabilize color Usually Dyed To alter color Commonly Coated with colored polymer To improve durability Commonly Dyed To alter color Usually to heat, heat, heat, heat, heat, heat, Certain stones may fade in heat or light.
Red Opal Black Semi-Black White Fire Opal Fire Opal with Matrix heat, repolishing Boulder Impregnated with colorless plastic To improve appearance Occasionally Fair heat, repolishing heat, repolishing Translucent Blue, Green, Pink heat, repolishing Opal Doublet (an assembled product) To improve durability /or color Always heat, repolishing Opal Triplet(an assembled product) To improve durability /or color Always heat, repolishing heat cosmetics, household Bleached To improve color uniformity Usually heat cosmetics, household
Pearl, Cultured, All Dyed To add or improve color Sometimes Irradiated To add or improve color Sometimes Chemical treatment To add or improve color Sometimes Polished Luster Enhancement Bleached To improve surface appearance To improve OVERALL appearance To improve color uniformity Unknown Sometimes Frequently Fair to heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat
Pearl, Mabe (An asemlbed product with a cultured pearl cap) Pearl, South Sea Cultured Color Coated under the Cap To add or improve color Frequently Dyed To add or improve color Frequently Filled To improve appearance durability Always Fair to Fair to Fair to Polished To improve appearance Unknown Heavily Polished To improve appearance Unknown cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics,
Pearl, Tahitian Cultured Peridot Phosphosiderite Polished To improve appearance Unknown Heavily Polished To improve appearance Unknown Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Impregnated To improve appearance Unknown household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household sudden harsh heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics, household heat cosmetics,
Prehnite Quartz Black Ginger Colorless Cat's Eye Quartz Cinnamon Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Irradiated To alter color Always Heated To alter color Usually household heat, cleaners heat cosmetics, household heat, heat, heat, heat,
Coated - All Colors Green to yellow, Limon, Orange to brown Hawk's Eye Blue Irradiated To alter color Usually Coated- Often called Diffusion Treated To alter color Often Heated To alter color Usually Irradiated To alter color Usually Lazulated Mint Heated To alter color Usually Irradiated To alter color Usually Heated To alter color Usually heat, heat,
Moss Green Pink, White (colorless AKA Rock Crystal Quartz) Pink with Opalescence Quench Crackled Rose Rutilated Irradiated To alter color Usually Heated Quenched To introduce crackled structure Always Dyed To add or improve color Often Fair to Poor Fair to Poor Some material may fade with long exposure to sunlight. heat, heat, heat,
Smoky Smoky Citrene Tiger's-Eye, Golden Brown Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Heated to create color Commonly Irradiated to create color Commonly Heated to create color Commonly Irradiated to create color Commonly Bleached To alter color Usually Heated To alter color Usually Dyed To alter color Usually Some material may fade with long exposure to sunlight.
Tiger's-Eye, Red Tourmalinated Quartzite Rhodochrosite Bleached To alter color Usually Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Dyed To alter color Commonly Dyed Impregnated Impregnated with colorless plastic To improve color appearance To increase durability improve appearance Often Commonly Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often heat,
Rhodolite Garnet Rhodonite Rock (Quartzite, Feldspar Quartzite, Other 'Rock" materials) Ruby Dyed To alter color Commonly Dyed Impregnated To alter color Often Impregnated To increase durability improve appearance Commonly Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often Heated To alter color Usually Filling of surface cavities
Sapphire Colorless Red Blue Pink Orange Yellow Other Fancy Colors Sard fractures as a byproduct of heating visible under 10 X magnification. Latice Diffusion - See Red Sapphire Heated Heated Filling of surface cavities fractures as a byproduct of heating visible under 10 X magnification. No visible effect To alter color To produce or alter color Commonly to Occasionally Usually No visible effect Commonly Lattice Diffusion To alter color Occasionally Heated To alter color Occasionally to
Seraphinite Serpentine Dyed To alter color Occasionally to Dyed Luster Enhancement To improve hardness luster Occasionally Dyed To alter color Commonly Impregnated w/plastic To improve hardness luster Fair to Occasionally sudden sudden sudden sudden sudden sudden
Shell - Abalone, Spiny Oyster or Other Sodalite Spinel Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often Dyed To create color Commonly Dyed To affect color Rarely Fair Heated To change color Occasionally sudden sudden heat, heat,
Sugilite Tanzanite (Zoisite) Topaz, Blue Green to Blue Yellow/Orange, Pink/Red White (colorless) Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Heated Heated Irradiated Coated, Often referred to a Diffusion Treated To produce the violetblue color for which the stone is known To produce the blue color To produce the blue color Usually Usually Usually To alter color Often Heated To intensify color Occasionally Variable Coated To alter color Often Heated To alter color Occasionally
Tourmaline Green Yellow/Orange Pink Green/Blue (Teal) Indicolite (deep vivid Greenblue) Cat's-Eye Rubellite (deep, vivid purple-red) Heated To alter color Unknown Irradiated To alter color Unknown Luster Enhancement To improve Appearance Unknown Heated To improve color Commonly Irradiated To improve color Commonly Oiling (QVC knowingly accepts only colorless oil for rubellite.) To improve apparent clarity Unknown to Fair cleaners
Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Beads Cabochons Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown heat, Turquoise Impregnated with colorless resin or plastic Proprietary Zachery Method To improve color durability To improve color durability Commonly Commonly heat, heat, Luster Enhancement To improve color durability Commonly heat, Turquoise - Composite Dyed impregnated with resin The composite material is a manufactured product consists primarily of turquoise resin. Artificial veining Always Fair heat,
Unakite heat, heat, Varisite Impregnated w/colorless plastic To improve durability for shaping polishing Commonly heat, Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown heat, Zircon - all colors heat, heat,
Heated To alter color Commonly This chart reflects only those treatments that QVC knowingly accepts. The Basics Special Cleaning The Basics There are so many types of jewelry available today, the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, finishes seems endless. One might think that they all require specialized care. However, there are simple measures you can take to preserve your pieces. Limit exposure to the following factors. Lotions Potions Through our daily grooming rituals, we're exposed to various that may not harm us but could be harmful to our jewelry. Commonly found in hairspray, mousse, body lotion, moisturizer, perfume, makeup, shaving cream, soap, they can leave behind a residue create a dull film that's difficult to remove. To prevent buildup, remove all jewelry before bathing grooming. Household Chores Take off all jewelry before performing any kind of household chore or project. Harsh, abrasive cleaners chlorine can cause hard-to-remove buildup dull scratches. Also remove jewelry when working with power tools. Chains, rings, earrings can easily get caught, resulting in serious injury. Follow all instructions when using such tools. Water Although we use water to clean much of our jewelry, you should thoroughly dry your pieces after exposure to water, especially before storing in an enclosed space. Moisture fosters tarnish on silver can weaken springs clasps. Certain costume/fashion jewelry gemstones should never be soaked in water or worn when bathing (see Special Cleaning). Extreme Temperatures Storage It's best to keep jewelry away from extreme heat or cold. For example, extreme heat (comparable to the of boiling water or very hot tap water) can alter the cement commonly used with cultured pearls, marcasite, or in costume jewelry. A rapid increase in can cause thermal shock lead to fractures in some gemstones or discoloration of metal. In the case of gold-bonded or gold-plated jewelry, it's best to avoid abrasive polishing materials as well as a jeweler's polishing wheel or torch.
Give It Some Space When storing your jewelry, place each piece in its own container or compartment. Metal can scratch or scuff other metals. Diamonds other hard gemstones that come in contact with metal (or even each other) can destroy luster or cause serious damage. Or, if you prefer using a jewelry box, place each individual piece in a pouch or self-sealing plastic bag. If you do use a plastic bag, ensure jewelry is completely dry before storing. Fasten Clasps For bracelets necklaces, always fasten the clasp when storing to help prevent tangling. Dry It Out It's important especially for silver items to thoroughly dry jewelry before placing in an enclosed space. Moisture fosters tarnish can weaken springs clasps. Certain gemstones are also prone to water damage. Back to Top Cleaning Follow these simple instructions the following types of jewelry: carat gold, sterling silver, platinum, steel, gold-bonded, gold-plated, stainless steel, Diamonique simulated gemstones, most gemstones. You'll need: A clean bowl Lukewarm water Mild dishwashing liquid or a mild jewelry-cleaning solution Fine mesh plastic or stainless steel strainer (for items with gemstones) Soft, clean, dry cloth (dust or dirt on the cloth may cause scratches) Small soft-bristle toothbrush or brush Toothpick For older items with gemstones, check the settings to ensure stones are secure. Dirt residue can act much like cement, keeping the stone in place even if the setting has become weak from wear. If this is the case, the residue is removed during cleaning, the loose stone may fall out. If working over or near a sink, plug the drain. If using a mild jewelry-cleaning solution, pour it into a clean bowl. You can also make your own solution by combining lukewarm water mild dishwashing liquid (2 Tbsp. dishwashing liquid to 1 quart water). Place jewelry with gemstones in a strainer. Position strainer on top of the bowl pour in enough solution so that it completely surrounds the jewelry. For items without gemstones, place them in a bowl with cleaning solution. Soak jewelry for 10 20 minutes to soften loosen any residue or dirt. For items with gemstones, place the strainer on a large towel inspect jewelry to make sure that all gemstones are in place. Thoroughly, but gently, brush the top, sides, bottom of the piece with a soft brush to remove the softened residue. Make sure to brush the underside of gemstones. Use a toothpick to reach tiny crevices. Rinse with clean water. Thoroughly dry with a cloth. Leave jewelry on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure that it's completely dry. If any residue remains, repeat the steps. A Note About Commercial Jewelry Cleaners Always follow the instructions when using a commercial jewelry cleaner. You can maintain its freshness by storing in a tightly sealed container. A stale or contaminated cleaner may be ineffective or even damage your jewelry. Also, check
for an expiration date. Special Cleaning When cleaning your jewelry, it's satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull drab to shiny bright. This section provides you with simple methods on how to clean your jewelry effectively safely. Take note that certain methods may be ideal for some jewelry but can cause damage to others. Amber Closed-back Settings Coral Costume Fashion Jewelry Cultured Pearl Emerald Jade Lapis Lazuli Mabé Pearl Marcasite Mother-of-Pearl Opal Oxidized Antiqued Jewelry Shell Turquoise Variscite Amber The Don'ts Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap cool water (1 tsp. soap to 1 cup water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. If rinsing in a sink, plug the drain. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Closed-Back Settings The Don'ts Any item with a closed-back setting requires special care because water can get trapped under the setting, making it difficult to thoroughly dry. Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Coral The Don'ts Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top
Costume Fashion Jewelry The Don'ts Since costume fashion jewelry often contain cement, it's important to take special precautions when cleaning. Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat, cleaning agents, or other. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Cultured Pearl, Cultured Mabé Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl Shell The Don'ts After wearing, wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean in order to remove any perspiration or oil that may have come from the skin. If using a cleaning agent, make sure it's mild caters to pearl products. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to hairspray or any other (other than cleaning agents for pearls). Don't expose to extreme heat. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Emerald The Don'ts Despite their durable nature, emeralds possess unique internal characteristics require special care. Follow the basic cleaning instructions, but note two exceptions: use cool water instead of lukewarm soak for no more than two minutes. Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't expose to heavy pressure, extreme heat, or concentrated cleaning solutions. If using a mild cleaning solution, always dilute in water. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Jade
The Don'ts Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Lapis Lazuli The Don'ts Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap cool water (1 tsp. soap to 1 cup water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. If rinsing in a sink, plug the drain. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Marcasite The Don'ts Marcasite requires special cleaning because it's often secured in a setting with jeweler's cement. Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat, cleaning agents, or other. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Opal The Don'ts Follow the basic cleaning instructions, but note two exceptions: use cool water instead of lukewarm soak for no more than five minutes. Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't expose to extreme heat. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top
Oxidized Antiqued Jewelry The Don'ts Unless the jewelry is in a closed-back setting, follow the basic cleaning However, do not brush. If the entire surface of the piece is intentionally accented with oxidization or an applied antiqued finish, do not use any tarnish remover product on the piece (silver polish, paste, dip, etc.) as it could remove the accented finish. If the piece is only partially accented, you can use tarnish remover on the unaccented areas. For more control when applying tarnish remover, use a cotton swab. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Turquoise The Don'ts Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top Variscite The Don'ts Wipe gently with a damp cloth that's soft clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave out on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it's completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other. Back to Special Cleaning Back to Top