Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between natural and synthetic gemstones?
2. How are the gemstones cut?
3. What is cubic zirconia?
4. What is the "safety back"?
5. What is the "Mohs' hardness scale"?
6. How big is 7mm in everyday terms?
7. Is my credit card secure?
8. What is the policy for exchanges and returns?

What is the difference between natural and synthetic gemstones?

Gemstones are formed by the crystallization of minerals, caused primarily by heat and pressure. Natural gemstones are formed when the heat and pressure are applied over time by the natural forces of the earth. Synthetic (man-made) gemstones are formed when heat and pressure is applied to minerals over time in a laboratory. Synthetic gemstones are by no means "fake" gemstones; rather, they are man-made gemstones with the same chemical and crystal structure as natural gemstones. In addition, natural gemstones often have inclusions, or imperfections in the stone, while synthetic gemstones are typically free from inclusions.
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How are the gemstones cut?

All of my stones are faceted, except the pearls, which are round; the opals and turquoise are cabochon (smoothly polished).
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What is cubic zirconia?

Gemologists over the years have sought to create a diamond look-alike that people can more easily afford. Since many mistake the colorless white zircon, a costly natural gemstone, with the diamond, the cubic zirconia was created to have the highlight qualities of a diamond, the brilliance of a diamond, but the price significantly less than even a white zircon. The derivative of the name zircon is unknown, but natural zircon has been known since antiquity for its brilliance; thus the name cubic zirconia refers to a superb zircon-like, man-made gemstone with a cubic crystal system.
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What is the "safety back"?

The safety back is the ridge at the end of the post that helps prevent the backing clip from accidently sliding off.
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What is the "Mohs' hardness scale"?

A Viennese minerologist named Fredrich Mohs (1773-1839) created the scratch hardness test. His aim was to measure the resistance, or hardness, of a mineral when scratched with varying objects, as well as other minerals. Mohs then categorized the minerals on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest (diamond) and 1 being the softest (talc).
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How large is a 7mm stone, in everyday terms?

Seven millimeters is a metric system measurement that is equivalent to approximately 1/4th of an inch. Each of my gems varies somewhat in weight, because of their different chemical compositions. As an example, my 7mm birthstones are visually about the same size as a 1.25 carat diamond.
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Is my credit card secure?

Your credit card number, as well as your name, address, and any other personal information required to fill your order are encrypted before being transmitted from your browser to my server, so that it cannot be read.

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What is the policy for exchanges or returns?

JEC will make every reasonable effort to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase. However, in the event that you need to return or exchange your purchase, please read my policy.

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