Gemstone Enhancement
Ben Bridge Gemstone Enhancement and Gemstone Care
What you should know.
Information provided in cooperation with AGTA (American
Gem Trade Association), Jewelers of America and the
American Gem Society.
For thousands of years man has fashioned uncut gem
specimens into faceted and cabochon shapes, experimenting
with cutting techniques, learning to enhance the play
of light across their surfaces, to coax brilliance
or fire from deep within. This art of cutting is the
lapidary's craft.
Man has had a timeless desire to capture, enhance
and possess these crystal fragments that formed deep
within the earth, these raw natural creations which
have drawn us to free their beauty from impurities
that may dull the luster we believe lies within.
Majesty, mystery, allure, luxurious color and brilliance...these
are among the qualities that draw us to natural gemstones.
Over the centuries, we have learned countless methods
to improve upon the natural properties of gemstones.
These techniques are known as "enhancements".
They represent our desire to draw from nature's bounty
the truest and purest color and brilliance, to fashion
Mother Nature's bounty into our own fine jewelry,
a gift of a lifetime and for generations to come.
Although cutting a gemstone is the most basic form
of enhancement method used to fully display the beauty
of a gemstone, there are many fascinating methods
by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw
maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from
nature's earthbound treasures.
The most popular, universally practiced and acceptable
process used in virtually every gemstone marketed
is heat treatment.
A basic understanding of these enhancement techniques
will add to your appreciation of the beauty, durability
and value of gemstones.
Ben Bridge enhancement disclosure policy:
Ben Bridge will only provide gemstones in which any
treatments or enhancements have been disclosed. We
have strict guidelines our vendors and suppliers are
aware of concerning our desire to only provide consumers
with gemstones that have enhancements and treatments
that are widely accepted as standard practice in the
jewelry industry.
We do not stock lab created gemstones or sell diamonds
that have been laser drilled or clarity enhanced/fracture
filled. We have a Quality Control Department that
inspects gemstones we sell to assure you the
consumer that our exacting standards have been met
and that you are provided with the best gemstone that
is available in each price range. With that in mind,
you can be confident that your gemstone purchase from
Ben Bridge, an American Gem Society jeweler and member
of Jewelers of America, is providing you the best
value in the industry.
Standard enhancement on the most popular gemstones
Amethyst / Citrine
Amethyst and citrine are gemstone varieties of quartz.
Artifacts from ancient cultures the world over attest
to amethyst's and citrine's place in our collective
cultural heritage. The royal purples of amethyst and
the occasional bright, golden hues of citrine were
treasured possessions of emperors, kings and queens
throughout recorded history. No jewelry collection
will be complete without these fine treasures of nature.
Darker hues of amethyst are rarely enhanced, but sometimes
if they are too dark, they are heated to lighten the
color. Brownish varieties are commonly heated and
magically turn into the bright yellow or orange colors
known as citrine. This enhancement method is permanent
and will last for the life of the gemstones.
Aquamarine
The very name, aquamarine, brings to mind the limpid,
clear blue tint of the sea. Many aquamarines are greenish
when mined and cut. For those who prefer the purer
blue, these gemstones are heated to enhance their
blue color permanently. Some aquamarine fanciers prefer
the greenish hues, saying the greener tones remind
them more of the sea. The color tones of aquamarine
are subtle and varied. Its soft luster is a wonderful
addition to any natural colored gemstone jewelry collection.
Blue Topaz
Nature rarely produces topaz in the blue variety,
although some examples have been found. Challenged
by this rare occurrence of Nature, man has discovered
an enhancement method to "excite" blue color
from a clear to brownish topaz variety. After the
raw topaz is mined, it is irradiated to brown and
then heated to a rich sky blue. This enhancement process
is permanent.
Pearls
Pearls have been treasured for their lustrous, creamy
textures and their subtle iridescent reflections since
the dawn of humankind. Because natural pearls are
so very rare and so very difficult to recover from
the ocean's depths, man invented the technique of
"culturing" salt and freshwater pearls from
mollusk carefully seeded with irritants similar to
those, produced by Nature. This painstaking effort
of "culturing" is one of the most dramatic
examples of man's quest to coax beauty from Nature.
Today, cultured, freshwater and saltwater pearls are
often bleached to achieve a uniform color. They may
also be polished in tumblers to clean and improve
their luster.
Diamond
Unique in the world of gemstones, a diamond is the
hardest of all materials. Perhaps it is because of
this durability that diamonds are treasured as symbols
of devotion and purity. Yet, within the structure
of diamonds there are often impurities or "inclusions".
Sometimes they can be removed by cutting them away;
other times enhancement methods are utilized. One
method involves focusing beams of laser light at imperfections
and vaporizes them. These diamonds are referred to
as "lasered diamonds". Another method involves
filling those passageways created by the laser beam
with a clear resin or glass like substance making
the inclusion less visible. These diamonds are referred
to as "clarity enhanced" or "fracture-filled".
Ben Bridge does not sell any of these types of diamonds.
Diamonds may also be colored in a variety of hues.
Extreme heat and/or irradiation permanently enhance
certain innate color properties, allowing them to
display their hues in more brilliant array. As with
all enhancements, Ben Bridge will disclose any color
treatment your diamond has received.
Emerald
Emeralds to many symbolize rebirth and life abundant.
The rich green hues bring to mind regeneration of
life in spring, and hope of new possibilities. Yet,
perfection in emeralds, as in all things, is among
the rarest of nature's treasures. When they are mined
from the earth, almost all emeralds have unique birthmarks
that distinguish them as truly natural gemstones.
Early gem merchants in India sought to purify the
color of their emeralds by immersing them in clear
oils or paraffin. They found that clear oils and waxes
rendered surface fissures nearly invisible to the
naked eye.
Today we have more sophisticated technologies with
which to clarity enhance emeralds. In addition to
the oils and waxes of ancient methods, we now use
clear resins to penetrate the open fissures surfacing
in the stones. "Hardeners" are often added
to solidify these liquids. This step prevents the
resin from evaporating from the stones, thus making
the clarity enhancement more permanent that oiling
or waxing the gem. Special care in ultrasonic cleaning
and steaming are needed for emeralds in addition to
limited heat exposure and discretion in wearing emeralds
due to the durability factor.
Ruby
Passion, excitement, luxurious opulence...these are
just a few words that describe our fascination with
this most precious of gems. For thousands of years,
men have sought to own precious rubies as symbols
of devotion and objects of desire. Imperfections and
impurities may be removed by controlled heating of
the gemstone.
Sapphire
Soothing, sensuous blue; liquid blue; evening sky
blue; cornflower blue...these are among the many shades
of this lovely gemstone. And yet there are many colors
and hues of sapphire from which to choose; hot and
soft pinks; oranges, greens, purples, gold, yellow
and white...all available in a variety of tones and
saturation.
Since ancient times, man has treasured sapphire. Some
thought the heavens crystallized to form a huge sapphire
upon which the earth rested. All sought the pure colors
of this gem variety as an expression of beauty and
wealth. Yet, the perfect sapphire is as rare as the
finest work of art. And thus, we have evolved methods
over the centuries to enhance the purest hues of sapphire.
This is often achieved by controlled heating of the
gemstone to improve clarity and color. Heating sapphires
is a permanent enhancement, as lasting as the gems
themselves.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is renowned for the exquisite combination
of purple and blue hues of this loveliest of gems
discovered in modern times. Mined in tanzania at the
feet of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, virtually
every tanzanite is heated to permanently change its
color from orange-brown to the spectacular violet-blue
color for which this precious gemstone variety is
known.
Tourmaline
Tourmalines are found in an abundant array of colors.
They offer a wide variety of choice for the discerning
gemstone jewelry enthusiast. A complete collection
of all the colors represents a fascinating quest for
the knowledgeable seeker of Nature's bounty. Dark
blue, blue-green and green tourmalines are occasionally
heated to lighten their color. Red tourmalines (also
known as Rubellites) and pink varieties are often
heated and/or irradiated to improve their colors.
Heat and irradiation color enhancement of tourmalines
are permanent.
Enhancements
Treated gemstones are globally accepted. It is estimated
that more than 95% of the popular gemstones have some
form of treatment. Many treatments are common and
are accepted in the gem and jewelry industry. These
processes can range from simple heating such as with
tanzanite to irradiation techniques such as with blue
topaz.
Below are the recognized forms of enhancements in
the jewelry and gem industry. Ben Bridge does not
carry gems that have been enhanced by some of these
methods. We are able to provide information to you
on treatments that have been done on gems that we
sell and disclosure /enhancement information is provided
on your purchase receipt whenever a gem has been treated
or enhanced or is a gem that is usually treated or
enhanced.
Enhancement Codes
| (ASBL) |
Assembled
Products made of multiple layers or combinations
of manufactured and/or natural materials joined
together. Example: opal triplets. |
| (B) |
Bleaching
The use of chemical agents to lighten or remove
a gemstone’s color. |
| (C) |
Coating
Surface enhancements to improve appearance, provide
color or other special effects. |
| (D) |
Dyeing
The introduction of coloring matter into a gemstone
to give it new color, intensify present color
or improve to color uniformity. |
| (E) |
Enhanced
This indicates that this type of gemstone is routinely
enhanced. Since many enhancements are difficult
or impractical to prove definitively, the approach
taken in our printed materials and invoices is
to assume, unless otherwise indicated, that such
enhancement has been done to the particular gemstone
material being described. If the particular type
of enhancement is known, that enhancement symbol
will be stated, rather than the “E” symbol. |
| (F) |
Filling
As a by-product of heat enhancement, the presence
of solidified borax or similar colorless substances
which are visible under properly illuminated 10x
magnification. |
| (G) |
Gamma/Electron
Irradiation The use of gamma and/or electron bombardment
to alter a gemstone’s color, which may be followed
by a heating process. |
| (H) |
Heating
The use of heat to effect desired alteration of
color, clarity and/or phenomena. |
| (I) |
Infilling
The intentional filling of surface-breaking cavities
or fractures usually with glass, plastic, opticon
with hardeners and/or hardened foreign substances
to improve durability, appearance and/or add weight. |
| (IMIT) |
Imitation
Man-made products, fabricated in such materials
as glass, ceramic or plastic designed to imitate
or resemble the appearance, but not duplicate
the characteristic properties, of a natural gemstone. |
| (L) |
Laser.
The use of lasers and chemicals to reach and alter
inclusions in diamonds. |
| (N) |
Natural
Stones which are not currently known to be enhanced. |
| (O) |
Oiling/Resin
Infusion The intentional filling of surface-breaking
cavities of a colorless oil, wax, natural resin
or unhardened man-made material into fissured
transparent/translucent gemstones to improve appearance. |
| (R) |
Irradiation
The use of neutrons, requiring an environmental
safety release from the NRC, with the combination
of any other bombardment and/or heat treatment
to alter a gem’s color. |
| (S) |
Bonding
(Stabilization) The use of a colorless bonding
agent (commonly plastic) with a porous gemstone
to give it durability and improve appearance. |
| (Syn) |
Synthetic
These are man-made materials which have essentially
the same optical, physical and chemical properties
as a naturally occurring counterpart. |
| (U) |
Diffusion
The use of chemicals in conjunction with high
temperatures to produce color and/or asterism
(star-like) inclusions. |
| (W) |
Waxing
/ Oiling The impregnation of a colorless wax,
paraffin and/or oil in porous opaque gemstones
to improve their appearance. |
Ben Bridge Gemstones
Most colored gemstones are subjected to stable and
possibly undetectable enhancement processes. Most
gemstones need enhancement through cutting, polishing,
and sometimes treatment to look as they do in the
piece of fine jewelry.
Below are some examples of common treatments that
may be present in your Ben Bridge gemstone purchase-
if they are, a treatment message will print on your
sales receipt. Other gems not listed may also have
treatments, and if so, will be disclosed. Some gemstones
will have no treatments and this may also be noted.
Examples of treatment messages you may see:
-
The Iolite and Peridot are
natural in color, and required no enhancement
except cutting and polishing
-
This Onyx is dyed to produce
its consistent color
-
The Tourmaline and Sapphire
are heated to improve their color
-
This Emerald has been treated
with colorless oil or resin which penetrates its
surface
-
The Tanzanite has been heated
to permanently improve its color
Care & Cleaning
Regular care and cleaning of your fine jewelry will
enhance your satisfaction. Fine jewelry is a precious
possession that is designed to be worn and enjoyed
and Ben Bridge Jeweler is pleased to offer simple
guidelines for the care and cleaning of your fine
jewelry.
General Tips
-
Store your jewelry in a clean,
dry place.
-
Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined
jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and
dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes,
wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
-
Don't jumble your jewelry
pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. Pieces can
scratch each other.
-
Be careful when removing
your jewelry to wash your hands. Do not leave
your jewelry on the rim of a sink where it can
easily slip down the drain.
-
Visit Ben Bridge or your
local American Gem Society affiliated jeweler
once every 6 months to have your jewelry checked
for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general
wear and tear. At Ben Bridge, one of our Associates
will be happy to clean and inspect your jewelry
for you- in most cases while you wait. This is
a free service.
-
There are many types of small
machines on the market that will clean jewelry
using high-frequency sound. These machines are
called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in
many different models and prices. They can be
a convenient way to quickly clean your jewelry
at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage
some jewelry and prolonged use may loosen gemstones
from their mountings. Your local Ben Bridge Associate
can tell you if an ultrasonic cleaning machine
is right for your jewelry and if it is, can recommend
an appropriate model.
Diamond Jewelry
Diamond jewelry is very popular. Some pieces, such
as diamond engagement and wedding rings, are often
worn 24 hours a day. Even though you may wear your
diamond jewelry around the clock, you should give
thought to its care. Diamonds are durable, but they
still require proper maintenance. Diamonds can get
smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps
and natural skin oils put a film on diamonds and cut
down their brilliance. Clean diamonds glow, because
the maximum amount of light can enter the stone and
return in a fiery brilliance. It takes just a little
care to keep them that way:
-
Do not wear diamond jewelry,
especially rings, when doing rough work. Even
though diamond is one of the hardest materials
in nature, it can still be chipped by a sharp,
sudden blow.
-
Chlorine can damage and discolor
the mounting on your diamond jewelry. Keep your
diamond away from chlorine bleach or other household
chemicals. You should also remove your diamond
jewelry before entering a chlorinated pool or
hot tub.
-
Clean your diamonds regularly
using a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia
and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry
into the solution and use a soft brush to dislodge
dust or dirt from under the setting.
-
Always thoroughly rinse and
dry your jewelry after cleaning and before storage.
-
Avoid touching your clean
diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry
by its edges.
Colored Gemstones
There are many different types of colored gemstones,
some of which require specific care and cleaning.
It would be impossible to detail all the specifics
in this forum. However, there are some general care
and cleaning rules that apply to all colored gemstone
jewelry:
-
Many natural gemstones are
treated or enhanced from the time they are extracted
from the earth by one or more traditionally accepted
jewelry industry practices. These treatments and
enhancements can affect how you should clean and
care for your colored gemstone jewelry. Consult
your jeweler for more information on caring for
treated or enhanced gemstones.
-
After wearing, wipe your
precious gemstone jewelry thoroughly with a clean,
soft, slightly damp cloth. This will enhance the
luster of the gemstones and ensure that your jewelry
is clean before storage.
-
Store gemstone pieces individually
in soft pouches.
-
Do not expose your precious
gemstone pieces to saltwater or harsh chemicals,
such as chlorine or detergents. These chemicals
may slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
-
Hair spray, perfume and perspiration
may cause jewelry to become dull. Apply all cosmetics,
perfumes and colognes before putting on colored
gemstone jewelry. Make sure to wipe your gemstones
after wear to remove any chemicals, oils or perspiration.
-
Do not subject gemstone jewelry
to sudden temperature changes.
-
If you have an active lifestyle,
take extra precautions with some types of gemstone
jewelry. Emeralds, for example, are brittle and
should not be worn when doing household chores
or any other activity where the stone could be
hit or damaged.
-
Be extra careful with ultrasonic
cleaners. Some gemstones are fragile and can be
damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Consult your Ben
Bridge Personal Jeweler for the best cleaning
procedure for your particular gemstone jewelry.
They are also a good source for any information
on colored gemstones.
-
Almost all colored stone
jewelry can be safely cleaned using a mild soap
and water solution and a soft brush.
-
Always thoroughly rinse and
dry your jewelry after cleaning and before storage.
Karat Gold Jewelry
Karat gold jewelry pieces make up the majority of
many fine jewelry collections. Gold comes in many
different styles and colors, but the care and cleaning
procedure remains the same:
-
Remove all gold jewelry before
showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to
form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull
and dingy. By preventing the formation of this
film, you immediately reduce the frequency with
which your pieces will need to be cleaned.
-
To clean your jewelry at
home, you'll find many commercial cleaners available.
In addition, you will find a soft chamois cloth
an effective and inexpensive way to keep your
pieces lustrous and shining.
-
For certain gold jewelry,
especially pieces that do not contain colored
gemstones, an ultrasonic cleaning machine may
be appropriate. Once again, ask your Ben Bridge
Personal Jeweler to advise you.
-
Be careful of chlorine. Chlorine,
especially at high temperatures, can permanently
damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear
gold jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while
in a pool or hot tub.
-
You can remove tarnish with
jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed
with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with
a soft bristle brush. An old toothbrush can also
be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with
lukewarm water and allow to dry. If there is a
heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your jeweler
for the best cleaning procedure. You should also
talk to a Ben Bridge Associate in the store before
attempting to clean any karat gold jewelry set
with colored gemstones, because some stones require
special cleaning procedures.
-
Grease can be removed from
karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into
plain rubbing alcohol. Again, check with one of
the Ben Bridge store Associates about colored
gemstone pieces.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most durable precious
metals. It is resistant to tarnishing and discoloration
from chlorine and other chemicals. These factors,
along with its strength and white luster, have made
platinum an increasingly popular choice for jewelry,
either on its own or as the setting for diamonds and
other precious gemstones. However, despite its durability,
platinum jewelry needs to be properly cared for.
-
Platinum jewelry can be cleaned
in the same manner as other fine jewelry. A professional
cleaning every six months will keep your platinum
jewelry in great shape.
-
Store your platinum jewelry
separately and with care, not allowing pieces
to touch each other, because even platinum can
be scratched.
-
Signs of wear, such as scratches,
can eventually appear on platinum. However, due
to the metal's durability there is usually little
metal loss from the scratch. If visible scratches
do appear, you can have your piece re-polished.
In some cases we can help with this at the store
level- other times you will need to leave your
item with us so we can have your piece of jewelry
re-polished at our repair facility.
-
If your platinum is set with
diamonds or other precious stones, be especially
careful, as these materials can be more susceptible
to damage.
-
Some fine jewelry pieces
combine platinum with karat gold jewelry. Care
for these pieces as you would your gold jewelry.
Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are precious jewels and should be
treated as such. They're also the products of living
creatures. Cultured pearls are formed when an irritant
is introduced into a mollusk. The mollusk secretes
a substance called nacre, which covers the irritant
and produces the pearl. Nacre gives pearls the rainbow
of colors and luster that makes these gemstones so
treasured, but its delicate nature also makes pearls
particularly susceptible to damage. For this reason
you should be extra careful with your cultured pearl
jewelry:
-
Apply cosmetics, hair sprays
and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry.
When you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully
with a soft cloth to remove any traces of these
substances.
-
You can also wash your pearl
jewelry with mild soap and water. Do not clean
cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives
or solvents. These substances can damage your
pearls.
-
Always lay cultured pearl
strands flat to dry. Hanging a strand may stretch
the threads.
-
Do not toss your cultured
pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag or
jewel box. A pearl's surface is soft and can be
scratched by hard metal edges or by the harder
gemstones of other jewelry pieces.
-
Place cultured pearls in
a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting
them away.
-
Cosmetics, perspiration,
oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the
threads on which the pearls are strung. Bring
your pearls back to your jeweler for restringing
once a year if you wear them often. Make certain
the pearls are strung with a knot between each
pearl. This will prevent loss of pearls if the
string should break.
Watches
Watches need the same amount of attention as fine
jewelry. Fine watches are sophisticated and precise
pieces of equipment; the price often reflects the
skilled workmanship that goes into a fine timepiece.
In order to get the most satisfaction out of your
watch, you should follow some simple care and cleaning
guidelines:
-
No matter how handy you are,
do not attempt to perform watch repairs yourself.
Only an expert jeweler/watchmaker should be trusted
to put your watch back into working condition.
Bring your watch to Ben Bridge for assistance.
Some of our locations have a watchmaker on staff
in the store, otherwise the Ben Bridge Associate
will take your watch in for repair and it will
then go to our repair facility.
-
Give your watch a quick check
on a regular basis, making sure that the strap
or bracelet is securely attached to the watch
face.
-
A mechanical watch should
be checked regularly by your jeweler/watchmaker
or an authorized dealer and serviced according
to the manufacturer's guidelines.
-
If you have a mechanical
movement, wind your watch in a clockwise direction,
preferably about the same time each day. Remove
the watch from your wrist when winding so as not
to place undue pressure on the stem.
-
Replace broken or scratched
crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can
let dust and moisture into the timekeeping mechanism,
threatening its accuracy.
-
Unless the degree of water-resistance
is clearly specified when you purchase your watch,
do not wear it into the shower or pool, or on
a moist wrist. Do not have your watch around steam.
-
Have your Ben Bridge jeweler/watchmaker
replace the battery in a quartz watch preferably
before it runs out. Dead batteries left in the
watch can leak or corrode, ruining the timepiece.
Do not attempt to change the battery in a watch
yourself. If your watch is water-resistant, a
water- resistance test should be performed after
the battery has been replaced to ensure that water
will not leak into and damage the watch.
-
Battery life varies considerably
according to the type of watch and its functions.
-
Oils from your skin can build
up on a watch. If your watch is water-resistant,
you can give it a quick cleaning with a mixture
of warm water and either a mild soap or a dish
detergent. Dry the watch with a soft cloth after
cleaning. If your watch has a strap made out of
leather or another material, you should clean
only the watch face and not the strap.
-
If your watch is not water-resistant,
or you're not sure, do not immerse it in water.
Clean the piece with a slightly damp cloth and
then dry.
Cleaning with soap and water
A mild soap and water solution used with a soft brush
is effective for many home jewelry care needs. Even
the mild chemicals of commercial jewelry cleaning
products may damage certain gems. Although soap and
water is the best choice for most gems and jewelry,
do not use soap and water with amber, coral, emerald,
jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, or turquoise.
Never use anything abrasive such as toothpaste to
clean your jewelry.
Home jewelry care
Check with your Ben Bridge Personal Jeweler prior
to using a commercial cleaning product for the first
time. Dispose of any such cleaner after 3 months.
A home solution of one part mild detergent, one part
household ammonia, and three parts water is also effective
for many jewelry cleaning needs. Dry the jewelry with
a lint-free towel.
This method of cleaning is especially desirable for
alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, diamond,
garnet, iolite, moonstone, ruby, sapphire, spinel,
tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, and zircon.
Home ultrasonic cleaner
Home ultrasonic cleaners are best used for karat gold
jewelry without gemstones. The ultrasonic may also
be suitable for some diamond-set jewelry. Intense
vibrations may loosen stones, so a professional annual
cleaning and security check is important. DO NOT use
the home ultrasonic for amber, coral, emerald, kunzite,
lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, ruby, or turquoise
Where to Go for Care and Cleaning
Your local Ben Bridge store can help with any questions
on the care and cleaning of your jewelry. If you are
no longer in the area of a Ben Bridge store- check
with your local American Gem Society member jeweler
for assistance.
Protection
We recommend that your fine jewelry be examined and
cleaned once every 6 months. We will check all the
prongs for gemstone security. We also check clasps.
If needed, we will recommend restringing pearls to
protect against string failure. When we clean your
jewelry, we will also check the stone itself for any
damage that may warrant re-cutting or re-polishing.
Be sure you understand how your fine jewelry should
be worn, how to store it, how to clean it, and what
to look for to protect it from harm. We would also
be glad to discuss with you the questions you might
want to ask your insurance agent concerning coverage
against loss, theft or damage. The care you provide
your fine jewelry will reward you with years of pleasurable
wear.
Since 1934, members of the American Gem Society have
been protecting the jewelry consuming public. Membership
is awarded only to selected jewelers who possess proven
gemological knowledge and the highest ethical standards.
American Gem Society members know what methods will
most effectively clean and secure your fine jewelry.
Membership in the AGS is your assurance of the reliability
and capability of the American Gem Society firm.
Ben Bridge is proud to be a member of the American
Gem Society and of Jewelers of America. As a fourth
generation family operated jeweler we strive to provide
quality jewelry at a fair value. We believe in customer
service and know that by helping you to understand
more about gemstones and your jewelry we create a
personal relationship that is based on trust and knowledge.
We take pride in letting consumers know we have more
Certified Gemologists and Registered Jewelers in our
company than any other jeweler in the country.
If you are located by one of our Ben Bridge
stores, we invite you to stop by and let us clean
and inspect your jewelry. We provide this service
at no charge, and always will have a cup of coffee
waiting for you.
Information
provided in cooperation with AGTA (American Gem Trade
Association), Jewelers of America and the American
Gem Society.
