stones

A variety of different stones are used to add sparkle and colour to our jewellery designs. Learn more about them in this chapter.

Pandora jewellery uses man-made, synthetic and natural stones. Each type of stone is high quality with superior sparkle to produce jewellery that looks and feels brilliant. Historically, stones have been used to decorate jewellery as talismanic symbols and ornamental embellishments since primitive man walked the Earth more than 100,000 years ago.

– are a human invention and created within a laboratory. A man-made stone has no natural counterpart.

– are made by technicians in a laboratory under controlled conditions. In order for a stone to be termed synthetic, it must have a genuine, natural counterpart. Essentially, synthetic stones have the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical and physical properties as their natural equivalent.

– are minerals, stones or organic matter found in nature and formed naturally over time, without the intervention of man.

A stone’s durability is an important factor in determining which type of jewellery it is best suited to, as well as an indication of the care with which a stone should be treated with. Gemstone durability is measured in three categories: hardness, toughness and stability.

Toughness is measured by how well a stone resists breaking, chipping or cracking on impact. Every stone, even a diamond, will fracture if it is hit hard enough. Toughness is rated as either poor, fair, good, excellent or exceptional.

Man-made and synthetic stones, natural gemstones, pearls and diamonds, are all used in Pandora jewellery.

A material's ability to be altered by exposure to light, heat or chemicals, stability is also a measure of a durability. Many stones should not be exposed to acids and some, such as amethysts, are light sensitive, fading if exposed to strong light for long periods. Stones that contain water, such as opals, can become dehydrated and crack, and sudden temperature changes can induce thermal shock in some others, resulting in cracks or fractures.

Pandora is a certified member of the RJC. Pandora complies with relevant rules and regulations regarding the correct marketing and declaration of stone treatments. The following types of treatments must always be disclosed to customers: 1) Non-permanent treatments. 2) Treatments which create special care requirements (applies to both man-made, synthetic and natural stones). 3)Treatments which significantly affect a (gem)stone’s value Pandora uses treatments such as heat or bleach to improve stone clarity, as well as surface waxing to promote shine. All treatments are specifically disclosed with the word “treated” unless the result is permanent under normal conditions and requires no special care, and provided that the treated stone cannot be visually confused with its untreated counterpart.

Listed under each stone are the corresponding care recommendations.

Normal Care - Avoid rough handling and when not in wear, store items of jewellery separately to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing. Ultrasonic cleaners should only be used with caution.                             

Special Care - In addition to normal care, some stones have special care requirements. These care requirements are noted under the relevant stone.