Due to tanzanite fragile nature, the stone is very easy to abrade, scratch, or chip during the setting process. When hammering or tightening a tanzanite, use great care and develop a habit of regularly checking for proper fit and metal contact with the stone as you go. Abrasions and scratches often occur during the final prong shaping. Therefore, shape the prongs as much as possible before setting the stone. Once the stone is set, finish any shaping with a safety-edge file.... (2004) Complete Story
Both natural and cultured pearls are formed when an irritant lodges in a mollusk. The mollusk then deposits layers of nacre, covering the irritant and producing a pearl. In a natural pearl, the irritant may be organic or inorganic matter. In cultured pearls, the irritant is a mother of pearl bead or a piece of tissue placed in the mollusk by a technician. The mollusk covers the nucleus with alternating layers of conchiolin (a protein-like substance similar to human nails) and nacre. The latter consists of very fine crystals of calcium and aragonite, which are very soft minerals. It is delicate and can be scratched or chipped easily.... (2004) Complete Story
The primary issue with topaz that must be remembered at the bench is its one perfect cleavage direction. Hammering or putting pressure on a topaz runs the risk of cleaving the stone into pieces. Routine stone tightening on a prong set topaz can result in cleaving the stone. Setting a topaz in prongs presents a greater risk than tightening. To minimize the risk, avoid alloys that are very hard, as well as overly thick prongs. Cut stone seats with care and smooth away any burrs left by tools.... (2004) Complete Story
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