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.