Gemstone Fact & Guide

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Many gemstone owners enjoy wearing their treasures. Few things can ruin that enjoyment faster than the discovery of damage such as scratches, chips, or discoloration. Unfortunately, some damage is permanent. The good news is that proper cleaning and care prevents most gemstone damage.

The biggest favor you can do for your gemstone jewelry is to keep it clean. Dust, body oils, and chemicals are villains waiting for an opportunity to destroy the beauty of your gems. You can eliminate most problems by simply wiping all your jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing it. Be careful with dust, however, as it contains little particles that can scratch most jewelry. Dust must be gently whisked off using a soft-bristled brush. Small camel’s-hair brushes, like those used by artists are good dust removers.

There is no one safe way in which to clean all gems. You must consider both what the jewelry is made from and how it is made. While a gentle soap and water solution is safe for many pieces, it can harm other jewelry.

Soft, porous gems, such as pearls, turquoise, and opals will absorb water–and anything that is in it. The water will evaporate, but the chemicals and minerals it contained will remain in the gem, often ruining it. Opals need moisture, and an occasional overnight soak in pure water will revive them. If the opals are rarely worn, periodically dip them in water to which a few drops of glycerine or mineral oil have been added. Wiping with a soft cloth after each

wearing is usually all that the other soft stones need.

Most of the hard and nonporous gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, may be dipped in alcohol to dissolve fingerprints and body oils. They can also be washed in a weak solution of ammonia.

Strung gems should never be immersed in water. Moisture often will not evaporate from the stringing material, which causes it to swell or deteriorate. That often leads to breakage and potential loss of the beads. If the stringing material doesn’t break, the trapped moisture can damage the inside of the bead. Ivory beads, especially, are quickly ruined by dampness on their inside surfaces.