Caring for your gem stones

In order to keep gems looking as vibrant and valuable as on the first day of purchase, it is important to keep in mind a few basic rules and follow some specific cleaning techniques:

Since gems vary in durability, storing them next to each other may cause scratching and dullness to the stone. Keeping jewelry in separate spaces or in separate bags of paper, silk, or velvet is an easy task that will ensure preserving lustrous and damage-free gems.

The temperature where gems are kept should be constant. Gemstones can crack from dramatic shifts in temperature. Also many colored gemstones may fade or discolor while in the sunlight, so make sure to keep certain jewelry away from the sun.

Check for loose gemstones before wearing your jewelry and always remove it when engaging in strenuous activities. Restring pearl or bead necklaces at least every two years (or every year if you wear them frequently).

Do not wear your jewelry if there is a risk of exposure to chemicals. For example, do not wear your jewelry during housecleaning or during activities such as swimming or showering. Chlorine will damage the gemstones and soap will leave the jewelry looking dull. In addition, the chemicals in cosmetics, hairspray, and/or perfume can damage gems, so make sure to wear necklaces or pendants only after such tasks.

Gemstones are durable substances; still, they do need some care. Follow a few general rules and they'll last for generations still looking brand new.

Keep your jewelry clean! Rings in particular tend to collect dirt behind the stone, especially if you wear them on a regular basis. You can clean transparent gemstones by simply soaking them in water with a touch of soap. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the stone.

Even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous activity.

Even the hardest gemstones like Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires can shatter with a single well-placed blow especially if they have inclusions, which weaken the crystal structure.

Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems may not be: when in doubt, leave it out. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra sparkle.

Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia for cleaning such opaque gemstones like lapis, turquoise, malachite or onyx. They should be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, which may build up inside the stone and discolor it.

The reason why these materials need more care than transparent gemstones is that these materials are essentially rocks, not crystals of a single mineral. Think about it: when you put a rock in water, it absorbs the water and is moist all the way through. A single crystal gem like sapphire will not absorb water: all the molecules are lined up so tightly in the crystal that there is no room for water to enter.

Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light which can dry out the water in opals.

Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with a 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.

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.