Care and Cleaning of Gemstones

Your jewelry can last for years and still look like new, and cleaning it properly is an important step toward this goal. Jewelry should be cleaned once a year by a trained professional, who will inspect your gemstones for signs of wear or damage. Between professional cleanings, there are some things you can do to keep your jewelry looking its best.

To care for jewelry containing gemstones, remove it when bathing or cleaning; soaps and detergents may leave a dulling film on the surface. Make-up, lotions, face/body powder, and skin oils may also leave a residue. Avoid exposing gemstones to household cleaners, solvents, hair coloring agents, hair sprays, and other chemicals which may cause some gems to lose their luster. Remove jewelry, especially rings, before doing any heavy lifting, yard work, engaging in sports, or other such physical activity, to avoid any scratches or other damage. When storing your jewelry, take care that the pieces do not rub against one another to avoid scratching.

There are two types of gemstones, transparent and opaque. Gemstones can be easily damaged, destroying their beauty and value when improper cleaning methods are used. The safest method of cleaning transparent gemstones is to wash them in warm water with a mild detergent. You may use a toothbrush or other soft brush to gently remove residue. Rinse well with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth. Opaque gemstones may be wiped with a damp, soapy, soft cloth, but should never be submerged. Liquid jewelry dips are not recommended for cleaning gemstones; most contain ammonia, which can damage the gem.

Some gemstones may lose color or crack when exposed to heat or sudden temperature changes, especially gems that have many inclusions. Those particularly susceptible to heat, temperature changes, or direct sunlight are emeralds, opals, moonstones, peridot, lapis lazuli, turquoise, tourmaline, and topaz. Steam cleaners available for home use are not recommended for most gems, but the method is considered excellent for diamonds.