Blue Topaz and Peridot Precious Friendship Bracelet (SM142)

Topaz is yellow - to achieve the blue, the stone is irradiated which causes the electrons inside the stone to be knocked out of their orbits (or so I read - sounds painful!) but the result changes the way light is refracted and gives us this lovely blue. Because they are irradiated (and don't worry - there are no harmful radioactive residues!) the colour is permanent and won't fade over time. But like most gemstones, topaz is best cleaned using warm soapy water rather than cleaned ultrasonically. (You see some of the experts cleaning metal uttrasonically on The Repair Shop).

And peridot - what can I say? This superb fresh green is as natural as the day is long.