Caring For Gemstones

Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. 

Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure.

Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come:

If you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, the diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow.

Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.

Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, especially if worn often. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine.

To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dishwashing soap.

Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain.

If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won't catch on the prongs).

Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot ; When in doubt, leave it out!

Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous.

Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.

Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems.

These gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. They can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it.

Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution.