Colored Stone Care
Most gemstone jewelry care is similar to diamond care. Create a mixture of warm water and a dash of dish soap, clean gently with a soft bristled toothbrush, then rinse in warm water, making sure the sink has a stopper in it. Then allow for your jewels to completely air dry before wearing again.
Exceptions to this include sensitive gemstones such as pearl, emerald, opal, coral, turquoise and lapis lazuli. These stones should only be cleaned by wiping them gently with a soft lint-free cloth.
Emeralds
Emeralds are typically included and should avoid rough handling to prevent fractures or chips. Emeralds are best cleaned by wiping with a soft cloth or by a jewelry professional.
Emeralds are typically included and should avoid rough handling to prevent fractures or chips. Emeralds are best cleaned by wiping with a soft cloth or by a jewelry professional.
Pearls
These byproducts of nature are particularly soft and vulnerable. They are comprised of organic nacreous layers that can break down when exposed to chemicals and acids. When getting dressed, your pearls should be the last item you put on and the first item you take off. Makeup, hair spray, perfume, nail polish remover and other chemicals are very harmful to pearls.
It's a good idea to wipe them clean regularly with a soft cloth to be sure you are removing any build-up of dirt and oil.
Just like your skin, pearls contain water and can become dehydrated and crack if exposed continuously to arid conditions. It is recommended that you keep pearls in a security box with hydration.
In addition, your pearls should never, ever be exposed to hot water, steam, extreme temperatures or ultrasonic cleaners.
Pearl strands can require periodic restringing by a jewelry professional.
Opals
Opals are sensitive and should be treated with care. This phenomenal gemstone is soft and is not for everyday wear since hard blows can break or chip the gem. They should be stored carefully to avoid being scratched by other jewelry.
Opals should not be subjected to heat or acids, and they are best cleaned with a soft cloth.
Opals are 20% water and can dehydrate and crack in dry conditions. It is recommended that you keep opals in a security box with hydration.
Turquoise and Lapis
Both turquoise and lapis are porous gemstones that can absorb many oils and chemicals that they come in contact with. Avoid exposure to cosmetics, perfumes, skin oil, acids, and other chemicals.
Turquoise and lapis are soft stones and should be wrapped when stored and only cleaned with a soft cloth.
Turquoise should never be left in direct sunlight, this can cause discoloration.
