How to Care for Gemstone Jewelry

How to Care for Gemstone Jewelry When you buy new jewelry, or are gifted cherished pieces from family, friends, or loved ones, you are also making an investment in your wardrobe. Caring for your pieces, especially gemstones, will help keep them beautiful so that you can show them off whenever you’d like.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), chemicals that are found in everyday products such as lotion and hairspray can permanently damage your jewelry. Take these tips into consideration on a daily basis so that you can keep your jewelry looking flawless.

Research Your Gemstones Proper care of your gemstone jewelry starts by understanding the various needs of your pieces.

Pearls and colored stone jewelry will need specific maintenance. In addition, the type of jewelry that you have will dictate what steps need to be taken. When you buy new jewelry, such as mother of pearl rings from Alaska Jewelry, talk to your jeweler about the details of each piece so you know what to look for before getting something inspected. For example, your jeweler can show you what damaged prongs look like on a ring as well as gemstone scratches.

Be Mindful of Light Understanding your jewelry, and how your gemstones react to the elements, can make the difference between beautiful pieces and faded stones. Light and heat from the sun and in your home can greatly affect your jewelry’s durability and the color of your gemstones. It can fade the colors in stones such as amethyst, darken others such as amber, and discolor delicate gemstones such as pearls. This is why it is recommended that you store your gemstones and other jewelry in their original boxes from the store or in a jewelry box away from direct sunlight.

Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals In addition to light and heat, exposure to chemicals can wreak havoc on your jewelry. Certain chemicals can damage gold, silver, and platinum bands. Before cleaning your home, be sure to remove jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces, and store them safely out of the way. The same caution should be taken before going for a swim because chlorine in pools can have negative effects on gold jewelry as well.

Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry Using warm water with a mild soap can clean most gemstones. With a soft brush, securely hold your jewelry in one hand and clean it with the other. If you have a dental cleaning machine that shoots water, use it with a lint-free cloth to remove dirt and dust from jewelry. Be sure to use the stopper on the sink’s drain just in case the stone comes free from the setting. If you have softer gemstones, like those in mother of pearl rings, use a new makeup brush instead to avoid scratches. It is important to note, due to their nature to attract dirt after cleaning, pearls should be restrung once a year to remain in top condition.

To learn more about caring for your gemstone jewelry, visit www.alaskajewelry.com.