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Gemstone jewelry goes beyond being just a fancy accessory to elevate the look. It also reflects your individuality, and sense of style and often carries sentimental value. Every gem has its special charm, from sparkling diamonds to lush emeralds and serene aquamarines. However, a lack of proper care can cause these gemstones to lose their shine over time. Do you want to preserve their beauty and sparkle? Proper care and maintenance are the solution. 

This comprehensive guide is for you. Let's discover some handy cleaning techniques, useful storage tips, and effective practices that will keep your gemstones shining for generations to come.

Understanding Gemstone Varieties

Before we learn the cleaning and maintenance process, it is important to realize that each gem calls for a specific level of care. While diamonds are tough, softer gems like pearls require delicate handling. Make sure you get to know the needs of each gemstone in your collection so that you can adjust your maintenance approach accordingly. Now, let's learn some basic cleaning techniques.

Basic Cleaning Tips

Gentle Soak 

To begin, get a bowl and fill it with warm water. Add some mild dish soap to create a mixture. Make sure you don't use any strong or harmful chemicals or cleaners because they can harm certain gems. Place your jewelry in the solution and let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. It will help loosen any dirt or grime that's stuck.

 Soft Brushing 

Once the soaking time is up, use a soft-bristled brush or a special jewelry brush (if you have any) and gently scrub the jewelry. However, take extra care near prongs or delicate settings to prevent any stones from getting loose.

Rinsing and Drying 

Next, give your jewelry a gentle rinse under lukewarm water to get rid of any soap residue. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your gemstone jewelry. Make sure there is no moisture left behind to avoid tarnishing or corrosion.

 Specialized Cleaning 

You can also visit a jewelry professional for deep cleaning of your gemstone jewelry. They offer various mechanical cleaning services, such as ultrasonic cleaning.

Ultrasonic cleaning employs high-frequency sound waves to make small bubbles that efficiently disturb the cleaning solution, eliminating dirt and other impurities. This gentle and highly effective technique ensures a thorough cleaning of even the most intricate crevices of the stone. However, you should know that ultrasonic cleaning is not suitable for all types of gemstone jewelry.

If you want to learn the best way to clean gems according to their nature and hardness, here are a few gemstone examples for you.

Diamond

Diamonds are well known for their incredible durability, as they are the hardest substance on Earth. However, taking care of your diamond jewelry, such as a diamond engagement ring, requires using the right cleaning techniques. 

You can clean it in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub its surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth. 

Ultrasonic cleaning: Possible (unless fractured)

 Sapphire

 Sapphires, like many other gemstones, often undergo heat treatment. If you want to keep your sapphire gemstone jewelry shining, you can gently clean it in warm water and mild detergent. You can use a soft cloth or brush to polish the gem's surface.

Ultrasonic cleaning: Possible (unless filled or dyed)

 Ruby

When it comes to rubies, treating them with care is essential. Begin by cleaning them in a mixture of warm water and non-abrasive cleaner/detergent. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to clean the gem and then dry it with a soft and clean cloth.

Ultrasonic cleaning: Possible (unless filled or dyed)

 Emerald

To keep your emerald jewelry looking its best, soak it in a solution of lukewarm water and a mild detergent. You can also use an emerald-safe jewelry cleaner, but make sure to check the bottle for instructions. Use a soft cloth to buff the surface of the gemstone. It is crucial to keep your precious jewelry piece away from heat, steam or sudden temperature shifts.

 Ultrasonic cleaning: Avoid

 Peridot

Handle and store your peridot jewelry, whether ring, earrings, or a peridot pendant, with care to prevent scratches or chips. Use lukewarm water and mix some mild detergent or a peridot-safe jewelry cleaner (don't forget to read the usage instructions).

 Ultrasonic cleaning: Avoid

 Maintenance Tips You Can Follow!

Regular Inspections

Make it a habit to check your gemstone jewelry regularly to spot any loose stones, damaged settings, etc. The sooner you deal with such matters, the better you can prevent your jewelry piece from further damage.

 Professional Cleaning 

Cleaning your jewelry at home regularly is undoubtedly crucial. But taking your jewelry pieces, whether a women's diamond ring or sapphire rings for men, to a jewelry professional now and then for cleaning is even better. 

These jewelers have the expertise to give a thorough cleanse to the piece and spot any hidden issues that you may not be able to notice. It is a good idea to schedule professional cleaning at least once a year.

 Store Properly

To keep your gemstone jewelry in pristine condition, make sure to store it in a clean and dry space. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is a great idea to use separate pouches or get a jewelry box with different compartments to store your jewelry pieces. That way, you can avoid scratching and tangling.

 Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals 

Did you know that the chemicals in your everyday household cleaners, perfumes, and even cosmetics can slowly corrode and harm your beautiful gemstones? Well, if you didn't know this before, now you do.

 So, if you want to keep your gemstone jewelry safe and shining, make sure to take it off before doing anything that involves exposure to chemicals, such as swimming, cleaning, etc.

 Final Thoughts

Gemstone jewelry has an everlasting charm that never fails to mesmerize us. However, inadequate care and maintenance can make your once-radiant jewelry piece lose its luster. And nobody wants that to happen! So, make sure to give your jewelry the love and care it deserves to preserve its exquisite beauty. The tips you read above can help you with that.

 Moreover, if you are looking to introduce a shiny and beautiful gemstone jewelry piece to your collection, check out the collection at GemsNY. From stunning ruby rings to aquamarine earrings and emerald pendants, you can find it all!