What factors influence the durability of a Colombian emerald?
Colombian emeralds are recognized worldwide for their beauty and depth of color, but they are also precious stones that require special care. Over time, even the most impressive emeralds can wear out and lose their splendor.
Understanding the factors that influence the durability of an emerald is essential to maintain its beauty and value in the long term. Then we explore the reasons why an emerald wears out, six factors that affect its durability and ten tips to care for them properly.
Why is an emerald wear out?
Emeralds, like other precious stones, are subject to wear due to exposure to different environmental conditions, as well as daily use. Wear can manifest in the form of scratches, loss of brightness or even fractures. By understanding the factors that affect their durability, owners can take proactive steps to preserve their beauty.
Factors that make an emerald wear
- Stone hardness: Although emeralds have a toughness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, they are more fragile than other precious stones, such as diamonds. This makes them more susceptible to scratches and fractures.
- Treatments and improvements: Many emeralds are treated with oils and resins to improve their appearance. These treatments can affect the durability of the stone, making it more vulnerable to abrasion and damage.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to sudden changes in temperature, humidity and chemicals (such as perfumes and detergents) can weaken the structure of the emerald and affect its brightness.
- Daily use: Emeralds used in rings or jewelry exposed to beatings and friction are more prone to wear. It is important to consider the use that will be given to the jewel.
- Inadequate cleaning: Using aggressive cleaning methods or unrecommended chemicals can damage the emerald surface and remove its natural shine.
- Incorrect storage: Save emeralds alongside other unprotected jewelry can cause scratches and damage. Proper storage is key to its conservation.
10 tips on how to take care of a Colombian emerald
- Avoid contact with chemicals: Keep the emerald away from perfumes, soaps and cleaning products.
- Gentle cleaning: Use warm water and a soft soap to clean your emerald. Avoid hard brushes.
- Proper storage: Store your emeralds in a cloth bag or in a padded box, separated from other jewelry.
- Avoid blows: When performing physical activities or manual work, remove jewelry with emeralds to prevent damage.
- Periodic reviews: Take your emeralds to a professional jeweler at least once a year for a review and cleaning.
- Watch out for manipulation: When you use the emerald, do it delicately to avoid falls or blows.
- Don't expose at high temperatures: Avoid leaving your emeralds in very warm places, like cars in the sun.
- Use in moderation : Consider booking emeralds for special occasions and not for daily use.
- Additional protection: If possible, opt for assemblies that offer more stone protection.
- Learn about treatments: If your emerald has been treated, learn about the specific care you require.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist at Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and high national jewellery.
Currently, he works for one of the most important jewelry stores in Bogotá, Esmeralda by Love. This jewelry has more than 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital of Colombia, located in the center of the city.
