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
Corundum
Hardness
9 on the Mohs hardness scale
Key characteristics
Excellent scratch resistance and outstanding durability, making sapphire one of the strongest coloured gemstones.
Meaning
A symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and protection.
Cleaning
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe.
Avoid
Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. Extreme heat sources.
Remove during intense physical activity or manual work.
Colour and variety considerations
Sapphire is best known for its deep blue hue, yet it occurs in nearly every colour except red. Pink, yellow, green, and padparadscha varieties are highly sought after for their distinctive tones. Most sapphires are heat treated to enhance colour and clarity, a stable and widely accepted practice in fine jewellery.
Wearing advice
Highly suitable for daily wear.
Periodic professional inspection of the setting is recommended.
