About colored gemstones
Every gemstone is a natural creation, formed over time by unique geological forces. No two stones are alike. Their colour, structure, and character give your jewel its individuality and determine how it should be worn and cared for. In gemmology, hardness refers to a gemstone’s resistance to scratching and is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (very soft) to 10 (diamond).
This hardness influences how well a gemstone retains its surface polish over time, but it does not indicate resistance to impact. Even the hardest gemstones can chip or cleave if struck at the wrong angle. Alongside hardness, properties such as toughness, cleavage, and stability define how a gemstone reacts to pressure, heat, light, and chemicals. Because each stone combines these characteristics differently, care is guided by the gemstone itself rather than by appearance alone.
With thoughtful handling, your Orphée jewel will preserve its beauty, integrity, and refinement for years to come.
Jewellery care
To ensure your jewellery continues to shine beautifully, Orphée offers a yearly professional cleaning, along with a careful check of the prongs to ensure each setting remains secure and perfectly aligned. To preserve the beauty and longevity of your jewellery, we recommend removing it during the following activities.
Spa, sauna, and steam rooms
Heat, steam, and sudden cooling may affect both gemstones and settings.
Showering & bathing
Soap residue and temperature changes can dull gemstones over time.
Gardening or manual work
Soil, dust, and repeated contact with hard materials may cause abrasion or chipping. Gemstones and gold are solid materials, yet they should always be worn with care.
Swimming in pools or the sea
Chlorine and salt water can damage both gemstones and precious metals.
As a general rule, jewellery should be the last item you put on and the first you remove. This helps limit exposure to perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, and creams. When not worn, store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratching or impact.
Family
Diamond belongs to the carbon family, formed deep within the earth under immense pressure and time
Hardness
10 on the Mohs scale. The hardest natural mineral.
Key characteristics
Exceptional scratch resistance and brilliant light reflection. Despite its hardness, it has natural cleavage planes and may split if struck sharply.
Meaning
A symbol of strength, devotion, and eternity. It represents enduring commitment
Cleaning
Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are safe for untreated stones.
Avoid
Avoid contact with oils, lotions, and cosmetics. Apply jewellery last.
Colour and variety considerations
Colourless diamonds are prized for their purity and brilliance. Fancy coloured diamonds, such as yellow, pink, or blue, owe their hue to trace elements or structural nuances and vary in rarity. Each diamond is unique in clarity, though expert cutting preserves its brilliance.
Wearing advice
Suitable for everyday wear, including rings. Although extremely durable, it may chip if struck sharply. Remove the jewel before gym workouts or activities involving impact or hard surfaces. Regular inspection of the setting is recommended to ensure lasting security.
