Across time and cultures, people have adorned themselves with rare gem materials. From pearls and corals plucked from the seas, to bright colored pebbles found in the soils settling at the mouths of rivers, these gemstones are precious because they are rare.

Most colored gemstones derive their beauty from their color. Gem cutters work to achieve a pleasing and affordable mix of color, weight and safe shape for mounting.

As is true of all precious items, care extends the life of the jewelry and your pleasure in wearing it.

Put on jewelry after you apply makeup, perfume or deodorant.

Remove jewelry before heavy yard work, home cleaning chores, working on heavy equipment or relaxing in a chlorinated pool or spa.

After removing jewelry, wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove residues of the day.

Store items in a jewelry case or soft cloth so that they so not touch each other. This avoids the potential of harder gemstones scratching softer ones.