It is important to have your jewelry inspected and cleaned regularly by our G&H specialists. However, there are many things you can do on your own to care for and protect your jewelry. The information offered below will help you protect your valuable investments by avoiding some very real problems that arise from improper storage, heat, light, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Perhaps the easiest, and yet most often overlooked, way to care for your jewelry is ensuring it is properly stored at the end of each day. Precious metals and gemstones possess varying levels of hardness. In addition, some pieces possess sharper corners or design elements than others. For these reasons, one must avoid the temptation to simply toss one's jewelry together in a drawer or box. Piling one's jewelry together will most certainly result in scratches and even fractured gemstones.
We recommend the following rules of thumb:
When cleaning your own jewelry, it is important to remember that precious metals like gold and silver are susceptible to damage from exposure to chemicals found in many household cleaning agents. These and other common chemicals, such as chlorine found in most pools, can also damage or discolor gemstones. Clean your jewelry and colored gems with warm water, a soft brush, and use only a mild soap (no detergents) if at all. A water pick or toothpick may be used to clean the hard to reach places, while a soft, lint-free cloth works well for drying and polishing. And of course, be sure to close the sink’s drain before cleaning. A list of cleaning tips follows:
Listed below are commonly known gemstones and some rules of thumb for cleaning them.
AMETHYST
A durable stone that can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid direct heat.
AQUAMARINE
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner - use only soap and water. Avoid heat as it may cause discoloration.
BLUE TOPAZ
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat. Be careful to avoid sharp blows or sudden temperature changes.
CITRINE
A durable stone that can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid direct heat.
DIAMOND
A durable stone that can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.
EMERALD
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner, as it may dissolve the oils inside the stone. Emeralds should be cleaned gently with a small brush and lukewarm water. Avoid sudden temperature changes and sharp blows. Consider having your emeralds re-oiled periodically by your jeweler.
GARNET
A very durable stone that can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.
OPAL
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or any ammonia based cleaner on the stone. Clean with a small brush and lukewarm water.
PEARL
Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Clean regularly (after each wearing) with a soft cloth. Periodically clean with very mild non-detergent soap. Lay pearls on a clean towel and dry completely before wear. Avoid contact with perfumes, cosmetics and household cleaners, and return your strand to your jeweler for periodic professional cleaning and restringing.
PERIDOT
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner. Be careful to avoid sharp blows or sudden temperature changes.
RUBY
Rubies are generally very durable stones; however, avoid sharp blows or prolonged exposure to heat.
SAPPHIRE
A very durable stone that can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to heat.
TANZANITE
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner - use only soap and water. Be careful to avoid sharp blows or sudden temperature changes.
TOPAZ
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner - use only soap and water. Be careful to avoid sharp blows or sudden temperature changes.
TOURMALINE
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner - use only soap and water. Be careful to avoid sharp blows or sudden temperature changes.
TURQUOISE
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner - use only soap and water. Do not expose to ammonia or chlorine, and avoid prolonged exposure to heat (turquoise is susceptible to cracks when heated).
ZIRCON
A rather soft stone that may be damaged by heat or exposure to household chemicals. Clean with a small brush and lukewarm water.
