Caring for and Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry
By Derek Parnell
Most gemstones become dull after wearing as residue from your hands; cosmetics and soap build up on them and take away the fire, brilliance and color. If you wear your gemstone jewelry daily you will need to clean it more often, most gemstones can be cleaned at home with every day cleaning solutions, however some will require an ultra sonic cleaner. If you do not have a small home ultrasonic cleaner you can take your gemstones jewelry to a jeweller who will be able to clean the items for you.
One other important point to remember is if you wear your gemstone jewelry daily you should have your gemstone mountings checked and re-tighten if necessary every six to twelve months, as gemstones can come loose and fallout.
The following is a list of gemstones, their wear characteristics and how to clean them
Amethyst
Amethyst is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Ametrine
Ametrine is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Citrine
Citrine is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Cameo
Cameos are quite fragile and are not for everyday wear and special care should be taken wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.
Emerald
Emerald is rated fair to good for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Garnet
Garnet is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Iolite
Iolite is rated fair for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Jade - Nephrite
Jade is rated fair for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Onyx
Onyx is rated fair for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Opal
Take care when wearing Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Peridot
Peridot is rated fair for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Pearl
Pearls are not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Avoid contact with chemicals, especially perfumes, perspiration and hair sprays. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.
Quartz, Smoky
Smoky Quartz is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Ruby
Rubies are rated excellent for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Sapphire
Sapphires are rated excellent for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Tiger's Eye
Tiger’s Eye is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Topaz, Precious
Precious Topaz is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Topaz, Blue and White
Blue and White Topaz is rated fair to good for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Topaz, Diffused (coated)
Diffused Topaz is rated good for everyday wear. Avoid contact with chemicals. Re-cutting is not recommended. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is rated fair to good for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Turquoise
Turquoise is rated fair for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist and can be contacted at http://truros.ca/ Article Source:
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