Here is all you need to become a gemologist. If you do their long distance learning, New Yorkers, you could go to their lab at 580 5th Ave, 2nd floor to take your test and get your diploma:
GIA

The origin and history of AMBER

Gems and precious metals are gifts of nature, which need special care. Even though a gem may be millions of years old, once mined and worn, it is exposed to conditions and
chemicals that can damage it.


The harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is to potential damage. A diamond, for example, is the hardest gem known to man, and that's one reason why "it is forever."

Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs Scale, developed in the early 19th century. The scale is structured so that material rated at each higher number can
scratch substances with lower numbers. Diamonds are rated the highest, at 10; rubies and sapphires are Mohs 9; emeralds and topaz, 8; and garnets, tourmalines and quartz, 7.
Anything softer than a 7 can be scratched, including opal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, pearl.

Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4, which means that they require special care when wearing, storing, or cleaning. Here are some Do's and Don'ts:

Remember a diamond ring can scratch that pearl necklace. Keep them separate and ideally wrapped in velvet, paper, or silk.
DO check for loose stones frequently by gently tapping the piece with your finger near your ear or have a trusted jeweler and have it inspected every few years (based upon usage, for tear and wear).
DO get pearls restrung every two years or annually with frequent use.
DO clean fine jewelry often to maintain its sparkle and beauty (If you have a trusted jeweler, they would steam it). Do not use toothpaste as its abrasives can damage softer gems and metals.
All fine jewelry can be safely cleaned by soaking for 10 minutes in warm soapy water (using a non-detergent soap). Use a soft brush on harder gems to loosen any dirt around the prongs.

TIPS FOR CARE AND CLEANING OF FASHION JEWELRY

Most Fashion jewelry is made from base matal which is plated with gold. The Gold coating is usealy few microns thick, so special care has to be taken avoid scraping.

Here are some Do's and Don'ts:
DON'T spray perfumes body deoderents directly to fashion jewelry .
DO wipe them afer use before replacing it in the Drawer.
DO get a re-plating done every two years or annually with frequent use.