Our Products:  Hi-Ho Silver Gemstones

Amber

• Amber is one of the few gemstones not of mineral origin (others are ivory, pearls, etc).
• This highly-prized fossil resin is exuded by pine trees 40-60 million years ago in the area of the Baltic Sea, and sometimes the dripping resin trapped insects, leaves, bark and other things we now call inclusions. Sometimes there are prized inclusions of tiny prehistoric insects, flora, or fauna from the forest.
• Baltic Amber is the hardest of all ambers and the most beautiful.
• Baltic amber naturally occurs in over 280 colors from ivory to jet. What is most recognized in the U.S. is the honey color of amber, which is partially achieved through the heat-enhancement process. Other common colors are cherry, green, cognac and butterscotch.
• All the amber in our Vessel collection is genuine, gem-quality Baltic amber. The designs and sterling settings are created in Poland or Russia.

Amethyst

• Amethyst is a semi-precious stone.
• Crystalline quartz in shades of purple, lilac or mauve is called Amethyst.
• Amethyst is the most highly valued and recognized gemstone in the Quartz family.
• Once ranked along with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds as the most precious gemstones today, Amethyst is valued much lower than the others because of its abundance.
• February birthstone.
• Darker colored Amethyst is more valuable.
• Amethyst is mined in Africa, Australia and some parts of South America.
• Amethyst jewelry needs to be cleaned periodically. Okay to use in ultrasonic machines or Worley's spray.
• Lost luster can be restored by cleaning your Amethyst jewelry in a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft brush. Rinse in warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Cubic Zirconia

• A synthetic gemstone.
• It’s low cost, durability and close visual likeness to diamond; synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most gemologically and economically important competitor for diamonds since 1976.
• To keep the stones looking their best, cubic zirconia jewelry must be cared for as carefully as any precious gem. The jewelry should not be worn while handling harsh chemicals or participating in vigorous activities, and it should always be stored in a soft container to prevent accidental scratches, nicks, or other damage.
• Mild cleaners are appropriate for cubic zirconia.

Dichroic Glass

• Developed by the aerospace industry.
• Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass Dichroic optical properties.
• A plate of Dichroic glass can be fused with other glass in multiple firings. Due to variations in the firing process, individual results can never be exactly reproduced, so each piece of fused Dichroic glass is unique.

Peridot

• Peridot has an olive or bottle green color that is due to the presence of iron, a distinctively oily or greasy luster.
• August birthstone.
• Sources of peridot include St. John’s Island (Egypt), China, Myanmar, Brazil, Norway, Arizona, Hawaii, Australia and South Africa.
• Clean periodically with mild soap and water or Worley's spray.
• Ultrasonic 2-3 times a year.