Gemstone Treatments That QVC Knowingly Accepts

Gemstone treatments that QVC knowingly accepts.

QVC makes every effort to ensure that all items we sell meet our strict quality standards. 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

Frequency Special Gemstone Enhancement method Purpose Stability used care Normal. Click here Treatment Free for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Certain Agate (also see Excellent Dyed To alter color Usually stones may onyx) to Good fade in heat or light. Normal. Click here Excellent Heated To alter color Usually for cleaning to Good and care instructions. Normal. Certain None stones may fade in heat Patterned Agate or light. (Crazy Agate) Normal. Click here Excellent Dyed To alter color Usually for cleaning to Good and care instructions. Normal. Certain Blue Lace Agate None stones may fade in heat or light. Normal. Alexandrite Click here (Also see None for cleaning Chrysoberyl) and care instructions. Avoid heat, chemicals None & ultrasonic cleaners Amazonite Avoid heat, chemicals, To improve overall Very Luster Enhanced Often & appearance Good ultrasonic cleaners Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To improve appearance, Very steaming, Heated add "sun spangles" & Commonly Good to chemicals, deepen color Good abrasives, ultrasonic Amber, Yellow cleaners & Golden Brown repolishing. to Reddish Brown and Avoid heat, Orange temperature changes, Very steaming, Heated w/ Oils and To alter color Commonly Good to chemicals, Pressure Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, Very steaming, Heated w/Pressure To alter color Commonly Good to chemicals, Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Special care Assembled Product: Very • Amber To create the green required. Golden amber on a black Always Good to Doublet, Green color Avoid base Good abrasives. Normal. Some un- heated material None may fade with long exposure to sunlight. Normal. Amethyst Click here To lighten and /or Heated Commonly Excellent for cleaning remove color and care instructions. Normal. Click here To deepen and /or Irradiated Commonly Excellent for cleaning remove color and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Ametrine Heated To alter color Unknown Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Unknown Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid ROUGH WEAR, heat, temperature None changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Ammolite Avoid ROUGH WEAR, heat, temperature Coated To increase durability Usually Good changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, • Doublet Good to steaming, (Assembled Coated To increase durability Always Fair chemicals, Product) ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, • Triplet Impregnated with Good to steaming, (Assembled colorless, hardened To increase durability Always Fair chemicals, Product) substances ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here Andalusite None for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Apatite None chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & Apatite - Beads repolishing. and Cabochons Avoid heat, temperature changes, To improve appearance steaming, Luster Enhanced Often Good & clarity chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care Aquamarine, instructions. Blue to Green Beryl Normal. Click here Heated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Aquamarine, Click here Beads and Heated To alter color Often Good for cleaning Cabochons and care instructions. Avoid heat chemicals To improve appearance Luster Enhanced Often Good & & clarity ultrasonic cleaning. Normal. Click here Aventurine, None for cleaning Green and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Beryl, Milky Heated for cleaning Aqua and care instructions. Normal. Click here Luster Enhanced for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Eliminate yellow Heated Commonly Excellent for cleaning overtones and care Pink instructions. (Morganite) Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Unknown Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. • Yellow-Green Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Unknown Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here • Blue or Blue- See Aquamarine for cleaning Green and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care • Colorless instructions. (Goshenite) Normal. Click here To eliminate tints of Heated Unknown Excellent for cleaning color and care instructions. Avoid sudden temperature None changes and harsh chemicals. Avoid sudden Very temperature Dyed To alter color Commonly Good to changes and Good harsh chemicals. Calcite Avoid sudden Very To improve overall temperature Impregnated Commonly Good to appearance and color changes and Good harsh chemicals. Avoid sudden To improve overall temperature Luster Enhancement Commonly Good appearance changes and harsh chemicals. Normal. Click here Carnelian for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. • Orange to Certain Excellent Orange-Brown Heated To alter color Usually stones may to Good Chalcedony fade in heat or light. Normal. Certain Excellent Dyed To alter color Commonly stones may to Good fade in heat or light. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Certain Chalcedony Excellent stones may (often called Dyed To alter color Usually to Good fade in heat agate or onyx) or light. Normal. Click here Excellent Heated To alter color Usually for cleaning to Good and care instructions. Avoid sudden Chrome temperature Diopside None changes & (Green) harsh chemicals. Chrysoberyl Normal for • Alexandrite all varieties • Cat's -Eye listed. Click Chrysoberyl None, for all varieties listed here for • Transparent cleaning green, yellow, and care brown instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Chrysoprase Normal. Click here Impregnated with for cleaning colorless resin and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None Chrysolla chemicals, • Chrysolla in ultrasonic Chalcedony cleaners & • Chrysocolla in repolishing. Quartz Avoid heat, • Chrysocolla temperature and Malachite: changes, See Rock Impregnated with steaming,

colorless plastic chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Citrine Heated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Unknown Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics Coral & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics • Black None & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics None & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid • White chemicals, cosmetics & Bleached To alter color Commonly Good ultrasonic cleaners. May discolor over time. Avoid chemicals None and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals Dyed To alter color Commonly Good and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid To improve quality of chemicals • Pink, Orange, Inpregnated with colorless Good to coral for shaping and Unknown and Red, Blue wax Fair polishing ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid To improve quality of chemicals Impregnated with plastic coral for shaping and Commonly Good and polishing ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals To improvre overall Luster Enhancement Unknown Good and appearance ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals Very • Gold Bleached from black coral To create a color Usually & Good ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals None and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals Coral, Sponge Dyed To alter color Commonly Good and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid To improve quality of chemicals Very Impregnated with plastic coral for shaping and Commonly and Good polishing ultrasonic cleaners. Cubic Zirconia Normal. Click here • Colorless, None for cleaning colored and care instructions. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners Danburite Avoid temperature changes, steaming, Heated To alter color Unknown Excellent chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners Diamond Normal. • (Natural), QVC does not knowingly Click here Natural Color – accept treatments of any for cleaning white, kind for natural color and care champagne diamonds. instructions. • (Natural), Irradiation, Heat and High Normal. Treated color - Temperature High Click here yellow, green, Pressure. These are the To create color Always Excellent for cleaning blue, pink, only color treatments that and care green, and fancy QVC knowingly accepts. instructions. hues Normal. Click here • Black Heated To alter color Always Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Good to steaming, Dolomite Dyed To create color Occasionally Very chemicals Good & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Good to To improve durability & steaming, Impregnated Occasionally Very appearance chemicals Good & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Very steaming, Dyed To create color Occasionally Good to chemicals Excellent & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Very Drusy (Drusy steaming, Plated To create color Occasionally Good to Quartz) chemicals Excellent & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Very steaming, Vapor Deposition To create color Occasionally Good to chemicals Excellent & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Very steaming, Vapor Deposition Coating To create color Occasionally Good to chemicals Excellent & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, Dumortierite steaming, (Dumortierite in None chemicals Quartz) & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals & ultrasonic cleaners. Emerald Avoid temperature changes, Oiling (QVC knowingly To improve clarity and Fair to steaming, accepts only colorless oil Usually appearance Good chemicals for emeralds.) & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Fair to Fluorite Heated To improve appearance Unknown chemicals, Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Fair to Irradiated To improve appearance Unknown chemicals, Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Fluorite Beads Fair to Heated To improve appearance Unknown chemicals, and Cabochons Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Fair to Irradiated To improve appearance Unknown chemicals, Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Garnet •Almandite Avoid •Demantoid sudden •Grossularite None for all varieties temperature

•Pyrope listed. change (for •Rhodolite all garnets •Spessartite listed). •Tsavorite Normal. Click here Hematite None for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid chemicals Howlite, White None and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid Very chemicals • Other Colors Dyed To alter color Always Good to and Good ultrasonic cleaners. Normal. Click here Iolite None for cleaning and care instructions. • Beads and Luster Enhancement Cabochons Avoid • Jade, Jadeite ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid • QVC’s None ultrasonic Chinese Jade cleaners. Avoid None ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid prolonged strong light, chemicals, Bleached with acid, dyed and and impregnated with To alter color Commonly Good ultrasonic resin/polymer cleaners. May discolor •Pink over time. •Blue •Yellow Avoid Impregnated with •Green To improve appearance Commonly Good ultrasonic colorless wax •Lavendar cleaners. •Orange •White Avoid prolonged strong light, chemicals, and Dyed and Impregnated To alter color Commonly Good ultrasonic cleaners. May discolor over time. Avoid Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Commonly Good ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid None ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid Very chemicals, Dyed To alter color Commonly Good to ultrasonic Good cleaners & Jade, Nephrite strong light. Avoid Very chemicals, To improve surface Impregnated Commonly Good to ultrasonic texture Good cleaners & strong light. Luster Enhancement Normal. Click here None for cleaning Jasper (All and care varieties instructions. regardless of color or Normal. Click here patterning) To alter or enhance Dyed Occasionally Excellent for cleaning color and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Jet None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals & ultrasonic cleaners. Kyanite Avoid temperature changes, steaming, Heated To alter color Unknown Good chemicals & ultrasonic cleaners. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. •Beads and Normal. Cabochons Click here Heated To alter color Often Good for cleaning and care instructions. Luster Enhancement Avoid Labradorite None ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat & • Sunstone None ultrasonic cleaners Avoid heat & None ultrasonic • Sunstone cleaners Beads and Caobochons Avoid heat & Luster Enhancement ultrasonic cleaners Avoid chemicals None and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid To provide color or chemicals Dyed uniformity of color or Commonly Variable and color durability ultrasonic cleaners. Lapis Lazuli Avoid To provide color or chemicals Impregnated with uniformity of color or Commonly Variable and colorless resin color durability ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals Luster Enhancement and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals None and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid To provide color or chemicals Dyed uniformity of color or Commonly Variable and color durability ultrasonic cleaners. • Denim Lapis Avoid chemicals Impregnated To provide durability Occasionally and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals Luster Enhancement and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals None and ultrasonic cleaners. Larimar Avoid Good to chemicals To increase durability & Impregnated Occasionally Very and improve appearance Good ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None Good chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To provide color or steaming, Dyed uniformity of color or Good chemicals, color durability ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Magnesite Avoid heat, temperature changes, To provide color or Very steaming, Impregnated uniformity of color or Good chemicals, color durability ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To increase durability & Very steaming, Dyed and Impregnated improve appearance Good chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Malachite Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Impregnated with plastic To improve durability & Rarely Good chemicals, or other hardened agents appearance abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Marcasite None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Moldavite None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Moonstone - Click here Blue, Grey, None for cleaning Orange, and care Rainbow, White instructions. Avoid chemicals Mother-of- None & pearl, White ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals None & ultrasonic cleaners. • Colors Avoid chemicals Dyed To stabilize color Usually Good & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid chemicals To improve durability or None Always Good and increase thickness Mother-of- ultrasonic pearl Doublet cleaners. (an assembled Avoid product) chemicals Dyed To stabilize color Usually Good and ultrasonic cleaners. Mother-of- Avoid heat, pearl Watch chemicals, Dial (an ultrasonic assembled cleaners & product) repolishing. Avoid heat, chemicals, • White None ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, chemicals, None ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. • Colors Avoid heat, chemicals, Dyed To alter color Commonly Good ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, chemicals, • Bright Fashion Coated with colored To improve durability Commonly Good ultrasonic Colors polymer cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, chemicals, Obsidian (All None ultrasonic varieties) cleaners & repolishing. Onyx (also see Normal. agate) Certain •Black Excellent Dyed To alter color Usually stones may •Blue to Good fade in heat •Green or light. •Red Opal •Black Avoid heat, •Semi-Black chemicals, •White None ultrasonic •Fire Opal cleaners & •Fire Opal with repolishing Matrix Avoid heat, chemicals, None ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing • Boulder Avoid heat, chemicals, Impregnated with To improve appearance Occasionally Fair ultrasonic colorless plastic cleaners & repolishing Avoid heat, • Translucent chemicals, Blue, Green, None ultrasonic Pink cleaners & repolishing Avoid heat, Opal Doublet chemicals, To improve durability (an assembled None Always Good ultrasonic and/or color product) cleaners & repolishing Avoid heat, Opal Triplet(an chemicals, To improve durability assembled None Always Good ultrasonic and/or color product) cleaners & repolishing Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, None household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, To improve color & cosmetics, Bleached Usually Excellent uniformity household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Very cosmetics, Dyed To add or improve color Sometimes Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Pearl, cosmetics, Irradiated To add or improve color Sometimes Excellent Cultured, All household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, Chemical treatment To add or improve color Sometimes Excellent household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, To improve surface cosmetics, Polished Unknown Excellent appearance household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, To improve OVERALL cosmetics, Luster Enhancement Sometimes Excellent appearance household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, To improve color & Fair to cosmetics, Bleached Frequently uniformity Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Color Coated under the Fair to cosmetics, To add or improve color Frequently Cap Good household cleaners & Pearl, Mabe ultrasonic (An asemlbed cleaners. product with a cultured pearl Avoid heat cap) and chemicals, Fair to cosmetics, Dyed To add or improve color Frequently Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, To improve appearance Fair to cosmetics, Filled Always & durability Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, None household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Pearl, South cosmetics, Polished To improve appearance Unknown Excellent Sea Cultured household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, Heavily Polished To improve appearance Unknown Excellent household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, None household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Pearl, Tahitian cosmetics, Polished To improve appearance Unknown Excellent Cultured household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, Heavily Polished To improve appearance Unknown Excellent household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid sudden temperature changes, Peridot None harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, cosmetics, None household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Very cosmetics, Phosphosiderite Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat and chemicals, Very cosmetics, Impregnated To improve appearance Unknown Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat, chemicals None & ultrasonic cleaners Avoid heat Prehnite and chemicals, Very cosmetics, Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown Good household cleaners & ultrasonic cleaners. Quartz Normal. Click here • Black & Irradiated To alter color Always Excellent for cleaning Ginger and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, • Colorless None chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, • Cat's Eye steaming, None Quartz chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Heated To alter color Usually Excellent chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. • Cinnamon Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Irradiated To alter color Usually Excellent chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here • Coated - All Coated- Often called To alter color Often Excellent for cleaning Colors Diffusion Treated and care instructions. Normal. Click here Heated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care •Green to instructions. yellow, Limon, Orange to brown Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here • Hawk's Eye None for cleaning Blue and care instructions. Normal. Click here • Lazulated None for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Heated To alter color Usually Excellent chemicals, ultrasonic • Mint cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Heated To alter color Usually Excellent chemicals, ultrasonic • Moss Green cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here Irradiated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Some • Pink, White material (colorless AKA may fade None Rock Crystal with long Quartz) exposure to sunlight. Avoid heat, temperature changes, • Pink with steaming, None Opalescence chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To introduce crackled Fair to steaming, Heated and Quenched Always structure Poor chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & •Quench repolishing. Crackled Avoid heat, temperature changes, Fair to steaming, Dyed To add or improve color Often Poor chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here • Rose None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. •Rutilated Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown for cleaning Good and care instructions. Some material may fade Heated to create color Commonly Excellent with long exposure to •Smoky sunlight. Normal. Click here Irradiated to create color Commonly Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here •Smoky Citrene Heated to create color Commonly Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Irradiated to create color Commonly Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care •Tiger's-Eye, instructions. Golden Brown Normal. Click here Bleached To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Heated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Dyed To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning •Tiger's-Eye, and care Red instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Bleached To alter color Usually Excellent chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. •Tourmalinated Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Dyed To alter color Commonly Good for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here To improve color and Very Quartzite Dyed and Impregnated Often for cleaning appearance Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here Impregnated with To increase durability & Commonly Good for cleaning colorless plastic improve appearance and care instructions. Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here Rhodochrosite None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Rhodolite None for cleaning Garnet and care instructions. Normal. Click here Rhodonite None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Very Dyed To alter color Commonly for cleaning Good and care instructions. Rock (Quartzite, Normal. Feldspar and Click here Very Quartzite, Other Dyed and Impregnated To alter color Often for cleaning Good 'Rock" and care materials) instructions. Normal. Click here To increase durability & Very Impregnated Commonly for cleaning improve appearance Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Heated To alter color Usually Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Ruby Filling of surface cavities Normal. and fractures as a by- Good to Click here product of heating and No visible effect Commonly Very for cleaning visible under 10 X Good and care magnification. instructions. Normal. Click here Latice Diffusion - See Red To alter color Occasionally Excellent for cleaning Sapphire and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care Sapphire instructions. •Colorless Normal. Click here Heated for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here To produce or alter •Red Heated Usually Excellent for cleaning color •Blue and care •Pink instructions. •Orange •Yellow Filling of surface cavities Normal. •Other Fancy and fractures as a by- Click here Colors product of heating and No visible effect Commonly Excellent for cleaning visible under 10 X and care magnification. instructions. Normal. Click here Lattice Diffusion To alter color Occasionally Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Excellent Sard Heated To alter color Occasionally for cleaning to Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here Excellent Dyed To alter color Occasionally for cleaning to Good and care instructions. Avoid sudden temperature changes, None chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Seraphinite Avoid sudden temperature To improve hardness & changes, Dyed Occasionally Good luster chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Luster Enhancement Avoid sudden temperature changes, None chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid sudden temperature Fair to changes, Dyed To alter color Commonly Good chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Serpentine Avoid sudden temperature To improve hardness & Very changes, Impregnated w/plastic Occasionally luster Good chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid sudden temperature Very changes, Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Often Good chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid sudden temperature changes, None chemicals and ultrasonic Shell - Abalone, cleaners. Spiny Oyster or Other Avoid sudden temperature changes, Dyed To create color Commonly Good chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Sodalite Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Dyed To affect color Rarely Fair chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Spinel Normal. Click here Heated To change color Occasionally Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Sugilite Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. To produce the violet- Click here Tanzanite Heated blue color for which the Usually Excellent for cleaning (Zoisite) stone is known and care instructions. Normal. Click here To produce the blue Heated Usually Excellent for cleaning color and care instructions. Topaz, Blue Normal. Click here To produce the blue Irradiated Usually Excellent for cleaning color and care instructions. Normal. Click here Coated, Often referred to a • Green to Blue To alter color Often Excellent for cleaning Diffusion Treated and care instructions. Normal. Click here Heated To intensify color Occasionally Variable for cleaning and care • instructions. Yellow/Orange, Pink/Red Normal. Click here Coated To alter color Often Excellent for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care • White instructions. (colorless) Normal. Click here Very Heated To alter color Occasionally for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here Tourmaline for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. •Green Click here Very •Yellow/Orange Heated To alter color Unknown for cleaning Good •Pink and care •Green/Blue instructions. (Teal) •Indicolite (deep Normal. Click here vivid Green- Very Irradiated To alter color Unknown for cleaning blue) Good •Cat's-Eye and care instructions. Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve Appearance Unknown for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here None for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here Heated To improve color Commonly Good for cleaning and care instructions. Normal. Click here • Rubellite Irradiated To improve color Commonly Good for cleaning (deep, vivid and care purple-red) instructions. Avoid steaming, Oiling (QVC knowingly To improve apparent Good to chemicals accepts only colorless oil Unknown clarity Fair and for rubellite.) ultrasonic cleaners Normal. Click here Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown for cleaning Good and care instructions. Normal. Click here • Beads and Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown for cleaning Cabochons Good and care instructions. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, Impregnated with To improve color & steaming, Commonly Good colorless resin or plastic durability chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Turquoise Avoid heat, temperature changes, Proprietary Zachery To improve color & steaming, Commonly Good Method durability chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To improve color & steaming, Luster Enhancement Commonly Good durability chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature The composite material changes, is a manufactured steaming, Turquoise - Dyed and impregnated product consists Always Fair chemicals, Composite with resin primarily of turquoise abrasives, and resin. Artificial ultrasonic veining cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Unakite None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, To improve durability steaming, Impregnated w/colorless Varisite for shaping and Commonly Good chemicals, plastic polishing abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, Very Luster Enhancement To improve appearance Unknown chemicals, Good abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, None chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & Zircon - all repolishing. colors Avoid heat, temperature changes, Very steaming, Heated To alter color Commonly Good chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners & repolishing. 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, and the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and 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 chemicals that may not harm us but could be harmful to our jewelry. Commonly found in hairspray, mousse, body lotion, moisturizer, perfume, makeup, shaving cream, and soap, they can leave behind a residue and create a dull film that's difficult to remove. To prevent buildup, remove all jewelry before bathing and grooming.

Household Chores

Take off all jewelry before performing any kind of household chore or project. Harsh, abrasive cleaners and chlorine can cause hard-to-remove buildup and dull scratches. Also remove jewelry when working with power tools. Chains, rings, and 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 and can weaken springs and clasps. Certain costume/fashion jewelry and gemstones should never be soaked in water or worn when bathing (see Special Cleaning).

Extreme Temperatures

It's best to keep jewelry away from extreme heat or cold. For example, extreme heat (comparable to the temperature 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 temperature can cause thermal shock and 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.

Storage 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 and 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 and 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 and can weaken springs and clasps. Certain gemstones are also prone to water damage.

• Back to Top

Cleaning

Follow these simple instructions for cleaning the following types of jewelry: carat gold, sterling silver, platinum, steel, gold-bonded, gold-plated, stainless steel, Diamonique® simulated gemstones, and 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, and dry cloth (dust or dirt on the cloth may cause scratches) Small and soft-bristle toothbrush or brush Toothpick

For older items with gemstones, check the settings to ensure stones are secure. Dirt and 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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and loosen any residue or dirt. For items with gemstones, place the strainer on a large towel and inspect jewelry to make sure that all gemstones are in place. Thoroughly, but gently, brush the top, sides, and 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 and drab to shiny and bright. This section provides you with simple methods on how to clean your jewelry effectively and safely. Take note that certain methods may be ideal for some jewelry but can cause damage to others.

Amber Cultured Pearl Mabé Pearl Oxidized & Antiqued Jewelry Closed-back Settings Emerald Marcasite Shell Coral Jade Mother-of-Pearl Turquoise Costume & Fashion Jewelry Lapis Lazuli Opal Variscite

Amber

Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and 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.

The Don'ts

Don't use hot water, a steamer, or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat.