QuestionI have a silver ring with a large irregular shaped sapphire slice set in a bezel. The stone wasn't the greatest quality to begin with, but after resizing it, the stone has changed. It seems to have faded to a greyish tone and there seems to be tiny silver inclusions that I don't recall were there before.
As the stone has an unusual cut, it's not possible to replace it. Is there anything that can be done to restore the stones color (back to it's original pink) or at least make it look a little more pink than grey-pink? Someone suggested that maybe I can oil it, but I'm not sure what kind of oil to use?
I appreciate any advice! Thanks!
AnswerDear Shirley,
Generally when a color change comes from heating a gemstone and does not go away after all cools back to room temperature, the color is going to stay that way. The inclusions could be small fractures caused from the heat of sizing, assuming the ring was not stretched but was soldered in the sizing process.
You can try oil but do not expect much. Emeralds are commonly soaked and even cut with a greenish oil to help fill flaws and make the stones appear more clear and of better color. Sapphires are generally not so fracture filled for any oil to make a difference. To start, you can try cleaning the stone totally with a detergent then with an evaporating solvent like lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. Mineral oil can be applied and allowed to soak a while, perhaps setting the ring under a warm light bulb to warm it and possibly improve absorption. This "might" make the stone look better but do not expect the color to be restored.
Best wishes with your sapphire. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
