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Learn About Jewelry With ShaynaB

What makes lapis high quality?

So what do you look at to find out if your jewelry is high quality lapis? There are a few variables that go into this classification:

Is the lapis died? If it is died it will seem to be too uniform in color. Natural lapis should have small color variations. In summary, the larger the variations, then the lower the quality.

Is it waxed? Waxing the stone is part of the polishing process. Waxing doesn't change the quality, but it creates a shiny stone. You can find a good example of waxed, high quality lapis viewing the centerpiece of Butterfly with Lapis Necklace at our store.

Is the Color Uniform? Above I mentioned the more uniform the color, the higher quality, as long as it is natural. Some lapis will have streaks of gold or patches of white. These indicate a lower quality, although they can add texture and dimension to the stone.

What is the real truth about pearls?

When trying to value pearls, there are two main characteristics to consider: size which is measured in millimeters and the quality of finish. The quality of the finish or nacre coating gives a pearl its luster.

Pearls require no polishing or faceting to shine. There are several types of pearls. Natural pearls are made by mollusks without human intervention, whereas cultured pearls, also grown by mollusks, require the addition of an irritant to the shell in order to make the pearl grow.

Natural pearls are very rare and since the 1920's, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation. That is why it is important to understand the difference and trust the source of your jewelry.

By: ShaynaB

ShaynaB Jewelry offers unique, handmade, fashion jewelry made of high quality lapis, cultured pearls, semi-precious stones and sterling silver. Be sure to visit our blog to read the stories behind the inspirational and handcrafted jewelry.

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