Investing in quality gemstones is just the first step to enjoying your jewelery for a lifetime. Like any other valuable item, gemstones will look their best and last longer if they are well cared for. Of course, care instructions are not printed on the gem, so educate yourself by asking your jeweler questions and consulting books for information on caring for your gemstones.
Environment: It is important to remember that gemstones are not as hard or as durable as diamonds. Sudden changes in temperature can cause some stones such as emerald, garnet, opal, peridot, tanzanite, and topaz to crack or even break.
Amethyst, Kunzite, and Red Tourmaline can fade when exposed to sunlight, so don’t wear them to the beach. Malachite and turquoise, which are often found in
Native American jewelry is very sensitive to chemicals like ammonia and perfumes.
Rubbing alcohol and acetone (nail polish remover) will dissolve fillers in emeralds and other filled or oiled stones. Dyed stones, such as lapis lazuli, jade, and others, are affected by solvents, and chlorine from the pool or hot tub can sting and dissolve gold inlays.
Cleaning: The safest way to clean gemstones is with warm water and a mild soap that does not contain ammonia. Brush the piece with a soft toothbrush and dry it well with a soft, lint-free cloth. Let it air dry for an hour or so. You can also use a toothpick or dental water pick to dislodge stubborn dirt.
Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used on most set gemstones. They remove accumulated dirt, but the sound waves can loosen stones from their settings and can even damage some types of gems.
Diamonds and jade can be safely cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. NEVER use an ultrasonic cleaner on emeralds, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, opal, tanzanite, topaz, or turquoise.
You should also avoid using ultrasonic cleaners with seriously flawed gemstones, which can be further damaged by sound waves, and don’t use one with oiled or stained stones or glass-filled stones. Some stones have inclusions that weaken the stone, so when in doubt, use the mild soap and water method.
Storage: Jewelry pieces should be stored in a soft material, either wrapped or in bags or pockets of padded jewelry bags. Never place a piece of jewelry on top of other jewelry, as the stones and settings can scratch each other.
Find a safe place to store your jewelry. The first place a thief will look is in your jewelry box, so keep your fine jewelry in a safer place and use your jewelry box for your costume jewelry. If you have very expensive jewelry and don’t wear it often, consider renting a safe deposit box.
More Tips: Don’t wear your jewelry while gardening, doing chores, or participating in sports. Wear protective gloves if you can’t bear to take your rings off.
Take pictures of all your jewelry. If it is ever lost or stolen, you will have documentation for insurance purposes.
Clean your jewelry regularly and check for loose stones. You can have the setting examined by a jeweler for you.
If you remove the rings while washing them, make sure the sink drain has a strainer or the drain is clogged before removing the rings. Purchase a beautiful ring spindle to keep near the sink. Otherwise, don’t take off your rings!
Taking good care of your gemstone jewelry takes almost no time, but it will ensure years of pleasure and maintain the value of the piece.