Many people are unaware of the damage that can be done to a gem due to neglect or abuse.
Relying on jewelry store sales people for instructions on how to take care of a gem is almost always limited at best. Colored gemstones are not as strong and durable as diamonds. Everyone has heard the phrase, diamond hard . Diamonds are used in drill bits to cut glass because of their strength. Diamonds can be acid boiled and then immediately cooled in ice water with no ill effects.