Gemstones are a great way to add color and shine to your jewelry collection. They can also be difficult to take care of and clean. Given that the size of the jewelry industry globally was estimated to be about $249.03 billion in 2021, every person needs to be aware of some basic maintenance tips.
Since each gemstone is different in composition, you’ll need to do some research before you clean it for the first time.
This guide will tell you how to make that job easier!
It Needs to Be Taken Care of More Than You Probably Think
Gemstones are fragile and porous. They can absorb stains and chemicals, which is why you should never wear gemstone jewelry in the shower or when swimming. This means that it’s important to store your gemstone jewelry away from any kind of moisture—the bathroom isn’t necessarily the best place for them!
The most common way that gemstones are damaged is by exposure to heat, chemicals, and pressure. For example: if you use a steam cleaner on your shiny gold chain but forget about your pendant with garnet beads on it in its drawer, then let’s just say that things might not turn out so well for that pendant. The same goes for dropping a delicate necklace down into a sink full of soapy water (you know who you are). So be sure to be extra careful when cleaning all types of diamond jewelry!
Exposure to sunlight is another thing that will reduce the quality and appearance of many kinds of colored gems over time (which explains why tanzanite rings tend not to look as good as they once did after being worn every day).
Clean It Often
The best way to keep your jewelry looking its best is to clean it often. To clean your gemstone jewelry, first, use a soft cloth and then follow up with a soft brush if you have one. Brush off any dirt from the surface of the gemstones and from between them. To clean prongs, use a toothbrush instead of a regular brush so that you do not scratch or chip them unnecessarily.
Take It off When You Sleep
When you go to bed, take off your jewelry. You might think that it’s safe to wear your necklace or ring from Leibish’s catalog while you sleep, but that’s not the case. Jewelry can get caught in the sheets, in the hair (and subsequently pulled out), on pillows and blankets, and even under comforters—all of which can lead to irreparable damage. So be sure to remove all pieces before going to bed each night.
Let It Breathe
You’ve probably read that you should avoid wearing your jewelry when you are sweating, but why? Sweat is acidic and will cause the metal of your jewelry to tarnish. The same goes for showering or swimming in it. When water comes in contact with gold or silver, it causes a chemical reaction that results in corrosion. It’s best to remove any gemstones from your jewelry before showering or swimming because water can also damage them over time.
Wrap It in a Soft Cloth During Travel
When you’re traveling with your gemstone jewelry, it’s important to keep it safe. You shouldn’t use your regular clothing cloth as it may scratch or damage the surface of your gemstones. Instead, wrap each piece in a soft cloth that isn’t too thick and will not cause overheating when stored in luggage alongside other pieces of gemstone jewelry.
Don’t Expose It to Lotions, Cleaners, or Perfumes
It’s very important to keep your gemstone jewelry separate from other items. The best way to do this is in a small box or pouch that is reserved just for that purpose, so it won’t get lost among your other belongings.
Also, be sure to store your gemstone jewelry somewhere where it’s safe from damage by heat or moisture—but not so far away that you forget about it! A good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t leave an article of clothing out in the rain, don’t leave an article of gemstone jewelry out either!
Drop It off for Professional Cleaning Regularly
The better you take care of your jewelry, the longer it will last. The best way to ensure a long life for your gems is by taking them in for professional cleaning at least once per year. If you want to keep your gems looking their best, consider having them cleaned twice a year instead.
Wrapping Up
Gemstones are fragile, so they need to be treated with care. By following these guidelines, your gemstone jewelry will last longer and lose less of its luster:
- Don’t wear your jewelry in places where water may get on it (like the pool or spa).
- Don’t expose your gemstones to harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based household cleaners. If you must use one of these cleaning products on a gemstone piece, make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward with warm water and mild soap (or a gentle cleanser formulated for precious gems).
- Avoid exposing your gemstones to extreme temperatures as well; that means no leaving them out in the sun or putting them in an oven!
While it may take a little time and effort, cleaning your gemstones regularly will ensure they look their best. Remember to keep the stones away from moisture at all times and always consult the manufacturer’s care guide before attempting to clean them yourself.
