Gemstone Care Can Make your Investment Last a Life Time

The proper gemstone care can make your jewelry last a life-time.

Many gemstones are literally hard as rock , yet they can be damaged when they are not cleaned correctly.

Here is a table to help you decide the form of cleaning to use for each gemstone.

While ultrasonic cleaners may be the fastest method for cleaning jewelry, they can also be the quickest way to damage your gemstone.

Never put a heat sensitive gem in a hot solution. An opal might fracture.

Don't clean pearls or other porous gems with a chemical solution.

organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber can be cleaned with a moist cloth.

These organic gems are both soft and porous. Never use chemicals that can damage them; including hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume.

Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately. This way you will prevent the harder stones from scratching the softer ones.

Gemstones can be much harder than the metal used in the setting.

Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry carelessly in a drawer or jewelry box.

To clean transparent gemstones, soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. When needed, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Ammonia can add sparkle to diamonds, rubies or sapphires set in platinum and gold.

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

They need to just be gently cleaned with a moist cloth. These gemstones 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.

While we have made every effort to convey accurate and safe information, we assume no responsibility for any damage to your possessions. When in doubt have your piece cleaned by a professional jeweler.

Proper gemstone care can make your treasures last for many years to come.

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