Cleaning Fine Jewelry

Care and Maintenance of Gemstones...

The proper care of gemstones is very important. Because of the composition of gemstones each one is very different in hardness, toughness, reaction to heat, light, acids, cleaners, etc. Gemstones can absorb chemicals which can change their color, a hard brush used for cleaning can scratch the surface, and some gemstones are even prone to lose their brilliant color when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time (Kunzite - lavendar color). Taking care of your gemstone is a very important task and home maintanence is fairly easy once you know your stone. Purchasing a commercial jewelry cleaner is for the most part safe. A few stones to be careful with are: Pearl, Emerald, and Amber. The ammonia and or chemicals in the commercial cleaners can damage sensitive gems.

Basics for Care and Maintenance of Fine Jewelry...

• warm water mixed with a mild detergent: (Palmolive or Mr. Clean) a sudsy solution

• clean with a soft brush

• rinse throughly

• air dry

• polish with a soft, one color cloth: (lint free or chamois)

• any difficult cleaning jobs leave to your Jeweler:
Ultra Sonic or Steam Cleaning not recommended for Emerald Jewelry

Cleaning jewelry after it is dirty is only part of keeping your gemstones at their finest brilliance. The residue of perfumes, hairstyling products, skin lotions, body oils, and perspiration take away the brilliance of a gemstone. Apply perfumes, lotions, and sprays, before putting on your jewelry so the gems will not come in direct contact with them. Also try not to apply these products in the area that the jewelry will be worn if possible. When wearing pearls keeping them from direct contact with the skin, this is most beneficial to their beauty and luster. Immediately after pearls are worn a clean damp cloth can be used to wipe them down.