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
Silicate
Hardness
7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale
Key characteristics
Moderate durability with sensitivity to heat and impact. Celebrated for its extraordinary range of colours.
Meaning
Believed to promote balance, creativity, and emotional harmony.
Cleaning
Clean with warm water and a soft cloth only. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Avoid
Sudden temperature changes such as spa, sauna, or steam rooms.
Chemicals, perfume, and hairspray.
Apply jewellery last.
Colour and variety considerations
Pink, green, and bi colour varieties require similar care. Paraíba tourmaline should be handled with exceptional care. Highly saturated colours may be more sensitive to heat.
Wearing advice
Remove before gardening, sports, or manual activities to prevent impact or pressure.
