How to Care for Your Precious Gemstone Jewelry Properly
Caring for gemstone jewelry requires following specific procedures depending on the gem variety to retain their sparkle and value over years. Diamonds and transparent gems require occasional ultrasonic cleaning while opaque soft gems need gentle scrubbing with a soft brush.
Pearls and other organic gems should be simply wiped with a damp cloth. All gemstone jewelry should be stored wrapped in soft pouches inside cool and dry places. Daily wear and tear precautions are also vital.
When gemstones are set into precious metal jewelry, retaining their brilliance and protecting the piece from damage becomes vital yet challenging. Unlike metals, the intricate crystallized structure of each gemstone variety has distinct properties that dictate optimal maintenance practices.
As the hardest minerals on earth, diamonds and transparent gems like rubies and sapphires are well suited for commercial ultrasonic cleaning. This deep cleaning method uses high frequency sound waves and gentle detergents to remove accumulated grime from crevices. Ultrasonic cleaning should be undertaken once every few months.
For routine dusting and polishing, use a soft lint-free cloth to gently rub the ornaments under tap water or soapy solution. Avoid pressure washing methods and scrubbing with brushes as the metal prongs holding stones may get bent or loosened over time.
Soft Opaque Gemstone Jewelry Gem varieties like opals, turquoise, onyx and lapis lazuli contain relatively softer minerals, requiring more delicate care.
Use only a soft brush with mild liquid soap to gently scrub such gem jewelry every few weeks. Rinse thoroughly and ensure complete moisture removal before storage to prevent builds up. Avoid ultrasonic or pressure washing. Also abstain from using any chemical solutions.
Sensitive organic gems like pearls, corals, amber and ivory are extremely vulnerable to chemical damage and erosion.
The safest cleaning method relies on just using a soft, damp lint-free cloth to occasionally wipe down such jewelry. Do not submerge them nor use any sort of cleaning solutions. Simply dust with a dry cloth followed by wiping down with plain water.
Regardless of gem hardness, all jewelry requires specialized storage between wears for optimizing longevity.
The cardinal rule is avoiding contact between gemstones or else the minerals risk getting scratched or chipped. Wrap each piece securely in non-dyed soft muslin or flannel cloths. Place the fabric pouches containing jewelry in zip lock bags to prevent dust build up before organizing inside boxes or stackable trays.
Ideal storage conditions are cool and dark places with controlled humidity levels to prevent tarnishing of metal alloys.
You can get a professional gemstone report or diamond report from ODGL(On Diamond and Gems Laboratory, Sector 23, Chandigarh) to have full details about your gemstone jewelry.
Daily wearing and handling habits also contribute tremendously to preservation. Make it a habit to take off pieces before cleaning agents like bleach or other harsh chemical or oil based products come in contact. Even perspiration can erode many soft gems over time. Avoid vigorous motions that can loosen prongs and cause stone loss while doing manual chores too.
So take the time to understand correct maintenance practices specific to your gemstone jewelry varieties and take appropriate precautions. Well cared for gemstones last several generations and pay rich dividends!
Yes, ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended for soft porous gems like opal, pearl, turquoise etc as the high frequency vibrations and detergents can erode their delicate surfaces over time.
Ideally once every 4-6 months, have your precious gemstone jewelry professionally inspected and ultrasonically cleaned to retain its sparkling brilliance. The period may vary for soft opaque gems which require less frequent ultrasonic cleaning.
Ideally, yes! Storing loose certified gems in secured containers maximizes surface protection compared to leaving them in exposed prong settings for years.
Absolutely. Delicate pearl and coral jewelry should never be exposed to any detergents, liquids or even steam as they can erode the minerals.
Unfortunately, scratches cannot be removed from the crystalline structure of gems. But skilled jewelry polishing can mask minor surface scratches through rounding off rough edges over time.
No, an occasional rinse under tap water will not damage diamond or transparent gems. But refrain from prolonged exposure to chlorinated water sources over months for optimal results.
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