AboutSteven D.Covey Expertise I can answer questions related to colored stones.
I am a professional gemstone cutter/lapidary for bench jewelers since 1978. I repair/re-polish all colored stones. I also cut from rough. Create custom cuts, match stones, inlay lapis, onyx etc.
Experience I am a professional Gemstone cutter/lapidary
Education/Credentials I was professionaly trained In Beverly Hills California in 1977 I have been serving the area bench jewelers since 1978. I recut/re-polish all types of stones ruby, emerald, topaz etc. I do inlay onyx opal lapis etc
Past/Present clients Jareds, Shane company, Fred Meyers, OC Tanners, Park City Jewelers,
to name a few
Expert: Steven D.Covey Date: 7/17/2008 Subject: "Scratches" in sapphire
Question Hello,
My fiance has a platinum engagement ring with an 3 karat emerald cut sapphire in the center. The ring is about 1 and 1/2 years old.
About 4 months ago, we noticed severe discoloration on all 5 surfaces of the ring, especially noticeable on the top center. After trying to get it cleaned to no avail, we sent it back to the jeweler, who told us it was scratched. They re-polished it and it looked as good as new.
Now, the same defect is beginning to appear again. My fiance is EXTREMELY careful and delicate with the ring. She works a no-impact office job, and takes it off whenever there is a chance of damage. I feel like we might have a defective sapphire...not sure why this keeps happening. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
Answer Hi Nick,
I can tell you that sapphires are the hardest natural substance next to diamond. So they do not scratch that easy, however in time they do wear.
The platinum would take a beating first because it is soft. I do re-polish sapphire all the time. It sounds like maybe your stone could be something softer like Tanzanite. They are very soft and need re-polishing all the time and they can look very much like sapphire. Some of them are very blue.
Maybe you need to have the stone tested by a gemologist to certify what kind of stone it is.
