What was your first piece of valuable jewelry? Some people consider their high school or college graduation rings as their most treasured jewelry. For many, engagement and wedding rings are the first precious jewelry they’ve ever owned. Perhaps your favorite piece of jewelry became your “family ring” that has every child’s birthstone interwoven into the design? If your gemstone jewelry has meaning to you, consider it part of your legacy. Every time you look at it, loving memories and feelings may return. Someday, someone may hold that jewelry and think fond thoughts of you.
Frequent and Daily Wear Jewelry Tips
If you wear a ring every day, you know how naked your hand feels without it. Here are some tips to care for frequently worn gemstone jewelry:
- Ask your local jeweler to recommend a home cleaning/washing solution for in-between annual, professional check-up and cleaning.
- An annual inspection and cleaning should be scheduled for daily-wear jewelry.
- Avoid applying lotion and limit hand-washing while wearing your gemstone jewelry.
- Invisible settings are gemstones that don’t appear to be held in place by bezels or prongs. These jewelry pieces should only be professionally cleaned.
- Pay attention to warranties because some require regular professional service.
- Some gemstones cannot be cleaned at home (emeralds, opals, and pearls, for example).
Your Gemstone Jewelry Deserves Proper Care
Don’t use commercial jewelry cleaners at home because not all gemstone jewelry is created equal. What works for jade – a tough, durable gemstone – might be a disaster for antique ivory (a delicate, organic material that can be badly damaged by chemical cleaners). Here are some gemstone jewelry cleaning tips:
Some jewelry can be cleaned using warm, soapy water, such as:
- Amber
- Carnelian
Invest in a professional brush made specifically for jewelry. This gemstone jewelry can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse and dry using a soft cloth.
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Citrine
- Diamond (consider an ammonia-based cleaner and grease-cutting liquid detergent)
- Emerald
- Garnet
- Heliodor
- Jade
- Kunzite
- Lapis lazuli
- Opal
- Peridot
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Tanzanite
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
- Zircon
Spinel
Again, your professional jewelry-cleaning brush should be used for this gemstone jewelry but use cool, soapy water. Rinse and dry using a soft cloth:
- Malachite – Use a damp cloth
- Coral
- Ivory
- Pearl – (Never immerse pearl necklaces or bracelets into any sort of liquid if possible, even water)
- Turquoise – (Always dry immediately)
Contact Les Olson Jewelers For More Information About Gemstone Jewelry Care
Les Olson Jewelers has been a jewelry store in Palm Harbor for over 25 years. We’re happy to help you learn about more ways to store and protect your valuable gemstone jewelry. See our gemstone guide and call Les Olson Jewelers (727) 785-9624 today if you have any questions about gemstone jewelry, wearable art, and jewelry repair.
