Learn About Handmade Jewelry With ShaynaB
Posted on May 18, 2008
Filed Under Crafts |
What makes lapis high quality?
Do you know what makes lapis qualify as “high quality”? There are a few factors that go into it’s classification:
Died or not? If it is died the color will look very consistent. Natural lapis should have some variations in color. So in conclusion the more the color varies 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 Consistent? I mentioned above that the more uniform the color, the higher quality… as long as the stone is natural. Some lapis will have streaks of gold or patches of white. This indicates a lower quality, although this can add texture and dimension to the stone.
So what is the deal with pearls?
When looking at the value of pearls, there are two main characteristics to consider: size, measured in millimeters, and the quality of the finish, or nacre coating, which gives a pearl its luster.
There’s no need for polishing or faceting for pearls to shine. There are different types of pearls. Natural pearls are made by mollusks without intervention by humans, whereas cultured pearls, which are 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.
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