[Jewelry making - Article 00501] - Re: [Orchid] Special care stones

[Nancy Howland]

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    Many stone beads on the market, especially blue topaz, are color
    enhanced.  The blue topaz stones often are a very pale blue (an
    icy-white) without the addition of dyes.  The first clue to
    enhancement is the color of the temporary strand thread.  The thread
    color not only enhances the color of the stones but also hides the
    fact that dye is used.  Second, use a jeweler's loupe to closely
    view the stones.  You usually can see where the die enters in
    fissures, cracks, and chips and along the bead hole.  The stone
    tends to magnify even a small amount of dye.  Third, dip one of the
    beads in full strength household bleach, if you are still not sure. 

    If you bought the beads from a bead store (not a lapidary store),
    the identification of the stones usually is lost in the retail mix. 
    Stone beads are in one section of the store and glass beads in
    another.  The clerks, and sometimes the buyer, identify the stone
    beads by color only and these folks often do not know the codes for
    natural, heat treated, or color enhanced (dyed).  That is, all sky
    blue transparent stones are called topaz.  If you bought the beads
    directly from a supplier, carefully read the descriptions and codes.
     If enough information is not provided, go elsewhere.  I have always
    liked Fire Mountain Gems, www.firemountaingems.com, because the
    stone descriptions are very clear.  And, they will refund your money
    if you are unhappy with your order for any reason. Nancy 
    www.psi-design.com

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