Gem Care---Looking After Your Gemstone And Jewellery

Are you paying enough attention to the care of your precious gemstones and jewelry? Unfortunately, most people overlook proper care of their jewelry, resulting in unnecessary devaluation. While specific cleaning techniques exist for different gemstone varieties, some basic tips include:

For its protection, always remove your jewelry when engaging in activities where there is a risk of impact or exposure to chemicals (e.g. sports or housework). If you cannot remove your rings when using strong cleaning products (i.e. Ammonia based), protect your jewelry (and your skin) by wearing rubber gloves. While rings and bracelets are most affected by daily wear, earrings, necklaces and even pendants are subject to chemical damage, especially if worn while make-up, fragrances and hair products are applied.


* If you own pearl or bead necklaces, you should have a jeweler restring them at least every two years (or annually if you wear them frequently).


* Try not to remove your jewelry by pulling on their gemstones. Apart from exposing the stones to sweat, oil and dirt, you also risk loosening the gemstones in their settings.


* Always check for loose gemstones and clasps before wearing your jewelry.

* To avoid your gemstones and metal jewelry scratching each other, never store your jewelry in piles. Alternatively, store them in separate sections of a jewelry box or wrap them separately in velvet, paper or silk.


While some specific cleaning tips for the more common gem varieties are listed below, the safest method of cleaning most jewelry is to use a mild warm soapy water solution and a soft brush, patting dry with a soft cloth.
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Alexandrite: Clean with soapy water, alcohol or commercially available products. Mechanical cleaners are also acceptable.
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Aquamarine: Never use chemical cleaners. Avoid heat and overtly frequent cleaning at all costs. Simply use soapy water.
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Diamond: While mechanical and chemical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is fracture filled or has fractures. Always rinse and dry well when using soapy water.
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Emerald: Never use chemical or mechanical cleaners as these methods dissolve the oils used during processing to fill inclusions. Clean with soapy water and have your jeweler re-oil your emeralds annually.
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Garnet: The safest method is to simply use a soapy water solution.
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Jade: While a soapy water solution is the easiest and safest cleaning solution, mechanical cleaners are also safe. Avoid chemical cleaners at all costs.
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Opal: Wipe after use with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Never wash or scrub your opals.
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Pearl: Wipe after use with a soft dry or damp cloth. Using a soapy water solution is also acceptable.
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Peridot: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.
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Ruby: Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily
included.
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Sapphire: Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily included.
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Spinel: Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily included.
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Tanzanite: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.
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Topaz: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.
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Tourmaline: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.
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