Tanzanite & Gold Ring Discoloration from Chlorine: Can It Be Restored?

Question
I was stupidly wearing my yellow gold tanzanite & diamond ring and dipped my hand into "super chlorinated" pool water.  Now the tanzanite is a dull purple color and the gold is tarnished a strange dark brassy/rose gold color.  Am I out of luck or is there any way to salvage this ring?  I read your response about yellow gold and that it can most likely be repolished.  But what about the tanzanite?  If it is only surface damage, can it be removed and repolished?  Or is the damage too deep and the stone is 100% ruined?  Thank you

Answer
Linda, my best research tells me that pool water will not harm or etch the tanzanite gemstone. Yes, discoloration of the gold is likely from the water and you are fortunate the ring is yellow gold considering the tarnish came from this one exposure. White gold could be more severly damaged.  I believe the ring will polish up just fine.

As for the stone, have a jeweler clean the gem gently and perhaps soak it in their ultrasonic cleaning solution without turning on the machine.  I suspect a surface film of some sort which should come off with little difficulty.  If for some reason the film does not come off the stone, a look through a microscope will reveal if this is etching as from chemicals or abrasion from everyday wear. Abrasion? Yes, tanzanite in a ring can be easily scratched even at a minute level enough to dull a stone. Any body oils, etc., on the stone can disguise fine abrasion.  If that is the case, the pool water simply removed the oils on the surface of the stone, revealing previous wear. Tanzanite is not a hard stone, beautiful as it is.

I suspect a simple film on the stone from some unknown in the pool.  The pool solutions should not affect the actual surface of the stone at all.

Please go to a jeweler who can do as I suggest and also examine the stone surface at higher magnification with a jewelers microscope.  I am interested in what a jeweler will say.

Repolishing the top of the stone is possible and the jeweler will have to give you a price on that.  Different cutters charge various prices for different gemstones and any quote I give will not be accurate. I don't believe polishing is needed because of the pool water.

Linda, wishing you the best for this valued ring. God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.