In order to maintain the quality and beauty of your jewelry, it is essential to properly care for each piece according to its specific needs. Also, having your jewelry appraised and insured is beneficial to the welfare of your pieces. At Baokha Fine Jewelry, we believe in providing excellent service to our customers, but more important than that is our belief of giving the most accurate, useful, and detailed information so that you may independently and actively take part in caring for your jewelry. On this web page, we have also provided some brief information about important jewelry associations such as the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society. We hope that this web page will be a resourceful tool for you to use at your convenience.

[Caring for Your Jewelry] [Insurance] [Gemological Institute of America] [American Gem Society]

Caring for Your Jewelry by S. Thai Vo

Gems and precious metals are gifts of nature, which need special care. Even though a gem may be millions of years old, once mined and worn, it is exposed to conditions and chemicals that can easily damage it. Of course, the harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is to potential damage. For example, the diamond is the hardest gem and is a 10 on the Mohs Scale. This scale is structured so that material rated at a higher number can scratch the surface of substances rated at a lower number. Rubies and sapphires are a 9, emeralds and topaz are an 8, and garnets, tourmalines and quartz are a 7. Anything softer than this (opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli, corals, and pearls) can be scratched easily if mishandled. Of the precious metals, platinum is the hardest, then gold and silver; however, these metals can still be damaged as they rate only a 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs Scale.

Here is a list of more detailed jewelry care information about specific gemstones:

• Aquamarine is more frequently transparent than emerald, less brittle, more durable, but still sensitive to pressure. To maintain its brilliancy and luster, do NOT clean aquamarine jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner because this will weaken the surface of the stone. Instead, use lukewarm water and a small bristle brush.
  
  
• Emeralds will chip easily, even though it is a relatively hard stone (8 on the Mohs Scale of hardness). Therefore, special care should be given when wearing and handling an emerald. Only the finest qualities are transparent. Often the emerald is clouded by inclusions such as liquid or gas bubbles, healing cracks and foreign crystals. These are not necessarily faults, but rather they are evidence that the stone is genuine. Techniques to enhance color and reduce the visibility of flaws are also frequently used. A common practice is to boil the emerald in oil (sometimes tinted green), a practice that goes back to early Greek times. This is widely accepted today in trade practice. Oiling hides some of the whitish flaws, which are actually cracks, by filling the cracks so that they become less visible. The oil thus becomes an integral part of the emerald unless it is subjected to some type of degreasing procedure. So, please, NEVER clean emeralds in an ultrasonic cleaner. As with all highly desired gems, the greater the value and demand, the greater the occurrence of fraudulent practices. Ultimately, you will depend upon the reputation and knowledge of the establishment or person from whom you are buying your emerald.
  
  
• Opals always contain water; the content varies, but it can be as much as 30%. It can happen that in the course of time, the stone will lose water and then eventually crack. Avoid exposure to anything that is potentially drying such as intense sunlight, strong heat,and chemicals. Bathing (but not soaking) the opal occasionally in olive oil, when not in use, will help to preserve this beautiful gem.
  
  
• Pearls are only a 3 or 4 on the Mohs Scale; however, they are extraordinarily compact. Conchiolin, the organic substance surrounding pearls, tends to change especially when dehydrated. In the "aging" process of the pearl, it first becomes dull, then cracks, and finally peels. There is no guarantee of a definite length of life for a pearl. The average estimate is about 100 years. Dryness, as well as humidity, are detrimental to pearls. Like all valuable gems, pearls should be handled with care; it is best to keep them in a separate pouch. Pearls are very sensitive to acids, perspiration, cosmetics, and hair spray.
  
  
• Turquoise is only a 5 to 6 on the Mohs Scale. Special care must be taken when wearing turquoise. Avoid contact with soap, grease, or other materials that might discolor the stone. Also, protect it from abuse because turquoise scratches easily. A negative change in color of a turquoise can also be brought about by exposure to light, perspiration, or oils.

Insurance by S. Thai Vo

At Baokha, we use GIA's diamond and colored stone grading system. Our graduate gemologist (G.G.) and professional gemologist (P.G.) rely on the Appraisal Foundation's Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which outlines standards for all kinds of appraisals.

Baokha's appraisal services include:

• Insurance (Replacement Value)
• Estate (Fair Market Value)
• Probate/Inheritance Tax

Because there are many different insurance policies and insurance companies that can protect your precious possessions, we recommend that you consult with your insurance agent first. Baokha will soon provide recommended readings about insurance appraisals on our web site.

In addition to caring for your fine jewelry: precious metals and gemstones, it is important to protect your valuables from theft or fraud. The best way to do so is to have your jewelry appraised and insured by a certified and professional gemologist. At Baokha Fine Jewelry, we offer this in-store service to all of our customers. To read more about this, please go to our In-Store Services web page to read about our appraisal and gem laboratory services.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The GIA was established in 1931 as a nonprofit educational resource organization for the gem and jewelry industry. With a staff of more than 500 dedicated professionals, GIA is committed to helping both the industry and consuming public understand the dynamic world of gemology through its vast network of educational programs and services. By providing jewelers with the knowledge, tools and training to better serve the consumer, GIA strives to promote the integrity of the industry and secure the public's trust.

At Baokha Fine Jewelry, we also strive to maintain these GIA standards. With our knowledgeable staff and GIA graduate gemologist, we are confident that we can provide the same kind of dependability and quality service to our customers.

American Gem Society (AGS)

The American Gem Society's stand on business and professional excellence has been a force in the jewelry industry since 1934. Its emphasis on the study and profitable merchandising of gemstones has spread acceptance of gemological knowledge. AGS is best known to jewelers and the public for protecting and educating the consumer by those member jewelers who have earned AGS titles. For the consuming public, AGS provides professional and trustworthy retail jewelers. When jewelers advertise their membership as "Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser," they are separated from their competition as the true and trusted gemologically trained experts.

For further questions or comments please call us at 703-893-0313, or come in and visit us at our store location in McLean, Virginia. Please click here to retrieve our address & driving directions.

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