I have a few questions regarding some stories about radioactive
jewelry. The first is has anyone ever heard about cloisonne
bracelets that contained some radioactive materials? The second,
during the 80’s there were supposed to be some blue topaz that
was they were irradiated, the retained their radioactivity.
Last, just last week there was a story about the gem cat’s eye
that supposedly was extremely radioactive. (I believe it
occurred in Bangkok). I’m curious as to whether or not these
stones came to the United States, and if so, when? I happen to
own a cloisonne bracelet as well as some blue topaz from the 80’s
and I was wondering if they are safe to wear. ( I haven’t been
since hearing these stories). Would other surrounding jewelry be
affected by these bracelets and gems? Sorry this is so long. I
was just hoping you could supply these answers. Thanks for your
time. Sincerely, Rene Klein,bcirsk@aol.com.
I happen to own a cloisonne bracelet as well as some blue
topaz from the 80's and I was wondering if they are safe to
wear.
The only way to be absolutely sure is to have them checked for
radioactivity. The physicts dept at a local college may be able
to help you. There are other folks that have radiation detection
equipment also. You might try your Yellow pages.
G’day; If you are worried as to whether your jewellery might be
radioactive, you should take it to your nearest University
Physics department, or Physical Chemistry department, or Geology
department. They will not only have the necessary detection and
measuring equipment but will be qualified to use it and advise
you on whether your jewellery is safe to have in contact with
your body. However, do telephone first, otherwise you may get
the runaround (“no you don’t want me, you want Dr X at the
opposite end of the campus.” Etc…)
I spent 27 years in a university and we had many folk there who
were only too happy to help members of the public; but we also
had the egotistical other kind too! –
Your question regarding gems and jewelry containing radioactive
material is a very good one. I can only respond to my
experience regading London Blue Topaz. Yes, After treatment
London Blue Topaz can does retain some level of radioactivity.
Particularly topaz that is treated abroad.
Our topaz is treated at the UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI as is the
majority of the topaz that is treated in the U.S. Some of our
parcels remain at the UNIVERISTY OF MISSOURI for up to 5 years.
Why so long? Before a parcel is released it must be CLEAN, that
is to say it must meet the lowest level of radioactivity.
(unfortunately, I don’t know what that level of requirement is.)
Perhaps a scientist,chemist or an expert in this field can share
the answer with us.
We have been distributing London Blue Topaz to the industry for
over 10 years. So far we have not had any complaints relating
to treatment.
Hope this helps!
Ann
Ann Sandler-Bragg V.P.
World Wide Imports
Divn. of Imex International
9974 Scripps Ranch Blvd. Suite 295
San Diego, Ca 92131
Phone & Fax: 619-271-7667
I happen to own a cloisonne bracelet as well as some blue
topaz from the 80's and I was wondering if they are safe to
wear.
The only way to be absolutely sure is to have them checked for
radioactivity. The physicts dept at a local college may be able
to help you. There are other folks that have radiation detection
equipment also. You might try your Yellow pages.
You can place a piece of photographic paper or film in an
envelope, leave the jewelry sitting on it overnight. A dentist
might give you a dental x-ray film to do this and develop it
quickly out of interest in the problem. When developed you will
see the effects of the radiation, it will have partially exposed
the film or paper. Charles